No matter what type of life a woman leads, she always has the need for varying degrees of casual clothing in her wardrobe. From the super lazy, I may get off the couch, to I am meeting a friend for lunch and want to look a little more pulled together, in today’s post I thought it would be fun to show how you can take a look from super casual to polished casual without an outfit change. Through the addition or subtraction of certain pieces and accessories, in each side by side look, check out how easy it can be to get more from less when you just change things up slightly.
Super Casual to Polished Casual Without an Outfit Change
Outfit #1
Who doesn’t have basic sweaters and jeans in their wardrobe, like this v-neck from J. Crew and skinny jeans from Lucky Brand? For super casual, a pair of Uggs makes the outfit look homey and cozy. Yet, this outfit can look quite pulled together with some small tweaks. Instead of the Uggs, I used these classic cognac boots from Sam Edelman and made the outfit look more polished and interesting with this colorful scarf from Echo Designs, a teal handbag from The Sak and added a few bracelets from Bauble Bar and tortoise watch from MICHAEL Michael Kors. Nobody will ever know that you were lounging around on your couch in this outfit seconds before you jazzed it up and left the house with these changes.
Outfit #2
A relaxed plaid shirt and grey skinny jeans paired with a basic pair of grey metallic flats from Vince Camuto is a super casual look that is far from frumpy. To change it up and give the outfit a little structure and polish, I simply added a basic navy blazer, switched out the flats with booties from Ivanka Trump, added a burgundy crossbody bag Rebecca Minkoff and simply included some silver hoops from Max & Chloe. You can keep the shirt untucked and let it peek out of the hem of the jacket a bit. If you are feeling a little schlubby and that you need to upgrade your outfit a bit, try pairing a more structured piece with your relaxed look.
Outfit #3
You throw on your leggings, cozy sweater and, ahhh, you’re set. If you actually leave the house, a pair of flat boots, like this chelsea style from Lucky Brand, is perfect. Dressing this look up is about as easy as the outfit itself. Try grabbing a pendant necklace, like this one from Kendra Scott, a dressier pair of booties, like the same grey pair I used previously, and a handbag, like this grey style.
Outfit #4
Lace up booties, like this pair from Treasure&Bond, are so hot right now. I posted a street style video on this trend last week if you want to check it out. These boots look great with boyfriend jeans for super casual when paired with a long sleeve white t-shirt and drapey cardigan. For polished casual, you could keep the cardigan or you can swap it out for a blazer, like this style from Theory. Metallic is not only versatile but it can elevate a look quickly which you can see in the outfit on the right with the gold flats from J. Crew. For a finish, I added this pendant from Bauble Bar to dress up the tee and used this burgundy bag from Vince Camuto for some color.
Outfit #5
I’m still not sold on the drapey sweatpants look for anything beyond the front door. Yet, I know many people disagree. In this super casual look on the left, these sweats from Madwell looks ready for a day at home, or bed, with a tunic t-shirt from Modcloth and slippers. Despite it’s easy nature, this look can leave the house when styled a bit more. In the look on the right, I changed out the slippers for leopard flats from Macy’s, a scarf from Modena, and jewelry like these Julie Vos feather drop earrings, a few bangles from Nordstrom and wrap strap watch from Marc Jacobs. For structure and shape, I added a denim jacket and casual nylon tote from Nine West.
If you feel like you are lacking a variety of casual looks, you don’t necessarily need need more clothes, you just need the right accessories to go from super casual to polished casual.
I love these outfits, Bridgette! Can a solid colored sweatshirt (I have them in many colors) become a polished outfit too, or is that pushing things too far?
It’s so funny that you say that because I have been feeling like dressing up sweatshirts lately. Yes, I would say that you can absolutely use sweatshirts for polished casual looks. I am glad this post helped.
Thanks, Bridgette. 🙂
Great tips, Bridgette! Casual can be chic and polished with just a little effort before dashing out the door. I don ‘t often think about a purse swap but I will from now on. It doesn’t take long to change a bag utilizing a Pursekitt and they certainly make it easier to find something in larger bucket bags.
Thank you soo much for remembering your fans that are no longer in the work force.
Your the best!
A faithful fan,
Pat
Thanks, Pat! For me, keeping my purse contents in small pouches, similar to when I travel, helps me switch bags up.
Every time I think I can’t love your blog anymore than I already do, you prove me wrong. I always get something out of your posts, but as a stay at home mom this one is exactly the advice I need. Thank you!
Oh, that is beyond kind of you to say. I am glad you liked this post. I use this strategy with SAHMs all the time. My life is pretty casual too and I definitely find that a few tweaks can make all the difference.
Great post Bridgette, and one of my favs – when I was still in business, come the off hours I would dress like the column on the left so this advice isn’t just suitable for SAHMs and retirees; it benefits anyone in their off duty hours 🙂