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When you think of a beautiful and elegant outfit, something like a long gown, cocktail dress, or other formal wear usually comes to mind. But how does elegance translate into everyday style? Despite the preconceived notions of the word, this chic and timeless style is not something that’s just reserved for weddings and black tie events. You can apply a look of classic elegance to any occasion – even a casual look! Here are 9 outfit formulas that are perfect for adding a little bit of casual elegance to your day-to-day life. Whether you’re working, staying home, running to the post office, or stocking up on groceries, these looks will allow you to evoke sophistication and elegance even while dressing casually.
How to Create Casual Elegant Outfits
Casual elegant style is all about upgrading those casual basics with more sophisticated shapes, styles, and fabrics. And one of the best ways to create casual elegant outfits suitable for an everyday wardrobe is by finding the perfect balance.
While you may associate a satin skirt with more formal events, pairing it with a loose sweater, white t-shirt, or graphic tee shirt will instantly give it that casual wearability.
On the flip side, a casual pair of denim jeans can easily be elevated with a tailored blazer for more of a smart casual look. This give-and-take of elegant and casual pieces is what will result in the ideal casual chic style.
It also can also get you more mileage out of your wardrobe, by allowing you to wear items that are dressier more often. By adopting this style, casual clothing gets an upgrade and your formal clothes get fresh, different looks!
Casual Elegant Outfit Formulas
1. sweater dress + knee-high boots + sunglasses + jewelry
dress | boots | earrings | sunglasses | bag
Sweater dresses are one of my top secrets for bringing elegance to casual attire! These dresses are such a great way to be both stylish and comfortable throughout the day. They’re truly the epitome of comfy-chic; they keep you cozy while effortlessly looking stylish. And with the right accessories, your look can be taken to the next level.
Sunglasses add that touch of mystery and sophistication, perfect for any time of year. And the jewelry? It’s the cherry on top, adding just the right amount of sparkle. Throw on some knee-high boots and you’ve got yourself an outfit that screams elegance without trying too hard.
This combo is a no-brainer for nailing that casual elegant style. You’ll look put-together yet totally relaxed, making it perfect for brunch with friends, a casual date, or even upscale restaurants.
2. blazer + basic top + jeans + knee-high boots
blazer | top | jeans | boots | belt
This look nails the casual elegant vibe without even trying too hard. The blazer instantly elevates your look, giving it that polished, “I’ve got my life” together feel. Pairing it with a simple top keeps things effortless and grounded. Jeans add in the casual factor.
As far as footwear, giving yourself a height boost is always a go-to for classing up an outfit! While wearing high heels to the grocery store may not be your first choice, a sleek pair of boots with a heel will give you that same elegance and dress up an otherwise simple pair of jeans.
Take this outfit a step further and dress it up with some timeless accessories – earrings, a belt, a handbag, you can’t go wrong!
As a bonus, this outfit formula is versatile and easy to alter too. Though this look is perfect for a business casual dress code, you could easily swap the top for a button-down shirt and the jeans for dress pants for something more dressed up for a formal dress code.
Related: 7 Foolproof Ways on How to Be Elegant
3. sweater + slip skirt + mules
skirt | sweater | shoes | necklace | bag
If you’re aiming for that effortless yet chic vibe, you can’t go wrong with a sweater, slip skirt, and mules combo. Let’s break it down: A cozy sweater adds a laid-back feel while keeping you comfy. Choose a slightly oversized one for a relaxed, cool look, and do a casual front tuck!
A slip skirt brings in that touch of elegance. It’s flowy, a bit flirty, and totally versatile. Whether it’s satin or silk, it elevates the whole outfit effortlessly. And while fabrics like satin and silk instantly give a luxe feel to any outfit, pairing this chic item with a basic sweater instantly brings the look into casual style territory.
Mules are the perfect footwear choice as they’re easy to slip on, stylish, and super comfortable. Plus, they add just the right amount of sophistication without going overboard.
Together, this trio strikes the perfect balance between casual and elegant, making you look polished without trying too hard. Perfect for brunch, a casual date, or even a day out shopping.
4. blouse + jeans + slingback heels
jeans | top | shoes | watch
Jeans are the ultimate base item for casual outfits, but they can easily be made elegant when paired with a dressy blouse. Pairing a blouse with jeans and slingback heels is the ultimate combo for that casual yet elegant vibe!
A chic blouse instantly elevates the laid-back feel of jeans, giving you a polished look without going overboard. Jeans, on the other hand, keep things comfy and relaxed, making sure you’re stylish but still down-to-earth.
The slingback heels? They add a touch of sophistication and elongate your legs without the discomfort of full-on pumps and making you feel out of place for everyday wear.
Whether you’re heading to a brunch date or a casual office setting, this outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfort and class. It’s versatile, timeless, and effortlessly chic.
5. belted coat + t-shirt + jeans + loafers
coat | tee | jeans | shoes | bag
A luxurious, elegant coat may just be the thing you need to add sophistication to an outfit! The belted coat adds a touch of sophistication, making you look effortlessly put together.
Underneath, a simple white t-shirt keeps things relaxed and comfy – perfect for any laid-back occasion. Pair it with jeans, and you’ve got that timeless, versatile base that works with everything.
Finally, slip into some loafers for the complete look – classic, comfy, and a bit polished! This outfit strikes the perfect balance between dressed-up and down-to-earth, making it ideal for brunch with friends, a casual date, or just running errands in style.
Live in a warm climate and can’t go coats? A sleeveless belted vest can have the same effect!
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6. pleated skirt + t-shirt + slingback flats + blazer
skirt | shoes | tee | earrings
The pleated skirt adds this lovely, flowy vibe that screams chic without trying too hard. Pairing it with a simple t-shirt keeps things grounded and comfy – because who says you can’t be stylish and comfortable at the same time?
If slingback heels are not walkable for you, then consider the chic slingback flat. Comfortable enough to walk in all day, but with a dash of sophistication that takes your outfit up a notch.
The blazer is the icing on the cake. It instantly elevates the look, giving you that polished finish while still feeling relaxed and approachable. Even better, it’s crafted from relaxed and comfortable stretch materials, making it something you’d truly want to wear all day. Relaxed blazers in a high quality material perfectly combine sophistication and comfort, making it a must-have for your wardrobe.
This outfit is perfect for anything from brunch to a casual day at the office!
7. satin pull-on pants + cashmere sweater + flats
pants | flats | sweater | bag | earrings
Don’t forget to carefully consider your fabrics when creating an elegant casual outfit! Velvet, chiffon, cashmere, and silk are a few examples of fabrics that will elevate your look, even on a casual day.
Satin pull-on pants are like the fancy cousin of your favorite sweatpants – super comfy but with a sleek, polished vibe. They drape beautifully and add just the right amount of shine to keep things interesting.
Now, cashmere sweaters? They’re the epitome of luxury without being over the top. Soft, warm, and oh-so-touchable, they elevate your outfit effortlessly!
And let’s not forget about the flats! Whether you go for ballet flats, loafers, or even some stylish mules, they keep the look grounded and practical while adding a dash of sophistication.
Put it all together, and you’ve got an outfit that’s perfect for brunch dates, casual Fridays, or just about any day you want to feel fabulous without trying too hard.
8. trench coat + tank + shorts + flats
coat | shorts | flats | tank | earrings | bag
This effortlessly cool outfit combo perfectly combines an elegant look with a casual style. Experiencing the shift of seasons? This one is perfect for those in-between weather days when you need a bit of layering but still want to keep things light and breezy.
Start with a classic trench coat; it adds a touch of sophistication (read elegance) to any outfit. Next, throw on a comfy tank top. It’s versatile and keeps you cool as the day warms up. Pair it with your favorite shorts for that laid-back vibe. Chic tailored shorts add to the elegance style and offer a nice contrast to the casual tank top.
Finally, slip into some cute flats. They’re comfy and stylish, perfect for strolling around town or meeting friends for coffee. This combo is all about mixing classic pieces with casual staples to create a look that’s effortlessly stylish.
9. white button-down shirt + dress pants + sneakers
shirt | pants | sneakers | watch
If you’re looking to nail that perfect blend of elegance and casual, pair a classic white button-down shirt with some dress pants and a fresh pair of sneakers. This combo is super versatile – it can take you from a morning meeting straight to a casual dinner without missing a beat.
The white button-down is a must-have of your wardrobe; it’s timeless, crisp, and always in style. Dress pants elevate the whole look, making you appear put-together, but not stuffy. Throwing on some cool sneakers adds a touch of modern flair and comfort.
Whether you’re at the office, a date, or just hanging out with friends, this outfit strikes the perfect balance between smart and relaxed. Plus, you’ll look effortlessly stylish without even trying too hard.
What is a Casual Elegant Dress Code?
Have a formal event and need to know exactly what to wear? Let’s dissect this dress code!
Casual elegance is a lovely blend of style and comfort. It’s all about looking polished and put together without going overboard. Think of it as the sweet spot between smart casual and cocktail attire.
You’ve got a lot of fun options! A chic dress is always a win, but not one that screams prom night. Something knee-length or midi works wonders. Alternatively, a stylish blouse paired with tailored pants or a sleek skirt can be just as elegant. Footwear? Think classy but comfortable – stylish flats, kitten heels, or even a low-block heel.
Accessories are your secret weapon. A tasteful watch, some subtle jewelry, and a smart-looking belt can elevate your look without too much effort. Just remember, less is often more.
Colors and fabrics matter too. Lean towards solid colors or subtle patterns, and choose quality fabrics that feel good and look sharp. Think cotton, linen, or silk blends rather than anything too flashy or overly casual.
You know you have the perfect balance when you feel at ease in what you’re wearing while looking like you put in that extra bit of effort. It’s about effortless sophistication. And it’s totally okay to add a bit of your personal flair – just keep it tasteful!
Key Casual and Elegant Pieces to Have in Your Wardrobe
Perfecting the casual elegant look is all about balance and the perfect way to achieve this is to mix and match different pieces. It can be helpful to sort your items in your closet as “casual” or “elegant”, and then by mixing and matching from each category, you can effortlessly nail this style, and wear your items in different ways! Here are some key pieces to have that encapsulate both styles.
Casual:
- Denim Jacket (or another good jacket for the different seasons)
- Pair of White Sneakers
- Pull-on Wide-leg Pants
- Tank Top
- Jeans (Black Jeans, Blue Jeans, & White Jeans)
- Tote Bag
- T-Shirts
Elegant:
- White Button-down Shirt
- Pair of Heels
- Crisp White Shirts
- Nice Pair of Pants
- Flowy Dress
- Black Blazer
- Dress Shirts
- Low Heel Pump
- Sophisticated Flats (Loafers, Ballet Flats, etc)
- Camel Coat
- Midi and Maxi Skirts
There are more ideas in this graphic you can print off or pin for later!
Styling Your Perfect Casual Elegant Outfits
Try out any of these casual elegant outfits to expertly nail this style! When in doubt, stick to neutral colors in classic fabrics like cotton, wool, silk, and leather for a look that’s classically chic.
Make sure to stock up on well-made basic pieces too, such as perfect-fitting jeans and a few high-quality sweaters. High-quality basics will make any of your outfits look more expensive!
Of course, depending on your own personal style and climate, you can always make some adjustments here and there, but by combining casual pieces with elegant clothes, you are sure to create outfits you love.
Want an even more versatile wardrobe? These are the The 10 Clothing Items That Go with Everything in Your Closet (Yes, Everything!)
