I was really pleased to see that my post about mid-casual fashion was so popular and really struck a chord with so many women. While pleased, I wasn’t surprised considering how casually and comfortably we all live. Mid-casual is that sweet spot that is neither too casual nor too dressy.
Wanting to take this post further, I thought about how few of us manage our wardrobes in compartments. We prefer the idea of being able to dress things up or down and like the versatility found in clothing that can be styled different ways. By doing this, we can get more from our clothing with less.
Casual Fashion Versatility: How to Style Your Casual Clothes from One Part of Your Casual Life to the Next
It’s amazing how small tweaks made to clothing can change them completely. In this post, I am giving you tips on casual fashion versatility by showing how you can take one casual wardrobe piece and style it from one part of your casual life to another. You will see one piece in each look. On the left, I used pieces to style it casually and on the right, I elevated with different elements.
Outfit #1
Using this jumpsuit from Eileen Fisher, I styled it casually on the left for things like weekend errands or hanging out with the kids. On the right, I elevated the look so it could be worn for casual get-togethers, dinners, or an evening out.
In the look on the left, I used this denim jacket from KUT from the Kloth, coral Birkenstocks, and a graphic tote from FEED. On the right, I added this soft pink cardigan from Halogen, blush handbag from Sole Society, metallic sandals from Steve Madden and pendant from Cos.
Outfit #2
In these outfits, I am using these wide-leg cropped chinos from Everlane. I live in a pair of wide-leg cropped pants for casual work days at home but also find they can be easily dressed up for casual fun just by switching out the pieces I style with them.
On the right, I styled these pants for a casual weekend using this striped t-shirt from Madewell, a pair of Cole Haan sneakers and navy nylon bag from Baggallini. On the right, an outfit like this not only works for slightly elevated casual but can even go to work if the workplace is casual enough. I added an Everlane dressed up tee in black and I finished the look with block heel sandals from Madewell, caramel bag from Sole Society and tortoise Lauren Ralph Lauren necklace.
Outfit #3
A summer dress is a favorite by many for its ease and fashion versatility. Put it on and go. It’s even better when a summer dress can be styled a variety of different way in order to maximize its use. The trick is finding a dress that isn’t so dressy that it doesn’t make sense to wear it to do things like go to the park and not being so casual that it doesn’t work with a nicer pair of shoes or would look inappropriate being worn to something slightly dressier.
Using this green dress from Cos, I styled it for weekend ease using these colorful sandals from Bp., and a versatile metallic crossbody from Neiman Marcus Last Call. On the right, I elevated the look of this dress by adding a pair of beige heeled sandals from Marc Fisher and handbag from Sole Society, printed scarf from Ted Baker and silver earrings from Something Navy.
Outfit #4
Skirts can easily be dressed up or down like dresses. The same parameters apply as dresses so that you can maximize their wear.
For an easy casual day, I styled this chambray midi-skirt from J. Crew with a pair of Frye metallic slip-on sneakers, a peach roll-cuff linen t-shirt, and striped canvas tote. On the right, I styled skirt with a knot front top, colorful triple drop earrings, navy Coach bag and yellow slingback flats from Everlane.
Outfit #5
A simple t-shirt can be incredibly versatile, like a blank canvas. In these looks, I am working at opposite ends of the spectrum by showing how a t-shirt can be worn super-casually and how it can also be styled for work.
On the left, I styled this navy and white stripe style from Everlane with a pair of navy casual cropped pants from Rag & Bone, a pair of casual sandals from Botkier and a yellow Notabag convertible tote. Next, I styled the basic t-shirt for work by layering a Veronica Beard blazer over it and adding these wide-wed cropped pants from Rachel Roy. I finished the look with a pair of Stuart Weitzman sandals in desert rose, navy work tote from Coach and rose gold stud earrings.
Instead of compartmentalizing your wardrobe, try different ways of styling your casual pieces so you can cover more parts of your casual life.