Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (2024)

The older I've gotten, the more casual my style has become. This. however, isn't something I view as a bad thing. Instead, I find it empowering. Gone are the days of feeling the need to hide myself behind more statement outfits. Now, at the ripe age of 34 and feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have, I've found there's beauty to be had in casual outfits that I never fully appreciated before.

Of course, I still want to look classic and chic, but these attributes aren't tethered to high heels and fanciful dresses. On the contrary, I'd argue the most classic looks are those that rely on more refined, uncontrived items which, depending on the styling, can work casually or formally. It's something you understand more acutely with trial and error—styling ensembles without worrying about whether they "work" or not and getting a feel for what you like in the process. However, if time is short, I've got you.

I went on the hunt for some classic casual outfits to inspire my own looks this season—below are 10 I immediately wanted to copy, and I have a feeling you'll want to, too. Utilising what many of us would call wardrobe "staples" such as blazers, jeans, Oxford shirts, T-shorts and simple skirts, scroll on to see them.

10 CLASSIC CASUAL OUTFITS TO TRY

1. TWEED JACKET + JEANS + MARY JANES

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(Image credit: @tia_dewett)

Style Notes: Jeans are at the heart of many a great casual outfit. Lately my favourite way to style them has been with classy pieces—namely a tweed jacket and mary jane shoes, much like Dewett's ensemble above.

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ZARA

Short Jacket with Golden Button

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AGOLDE

Dame High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans

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Anthropologie

Ainsley Leather Mary Jane Block Heels by Maeve

2. TRENCH COAT + TEE + WHITE SKIRT

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(Image credit: @iamnkirote)

Style Notes: Skirts are enjoying a peak in popularity right now, featuring regularly in the casual outfits of my favourite social media dressers. This outfit is hooked on my current go-to skirt, the white midi, which is made all the more low-key with the addition of a jersey tee and trench coat.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (6)

H&M

Double-Breasted Trench Coat

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (7)

COS

Clean Cut T-Shirt

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Free People

Lowen Midi Skirt

3. KNITTED VEST + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + CHUNKY BOOTS

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(Image credit: @marksandspencer_zarah)

Style Notes: The beauty of wide-leg trousers is that they can be dressed up or down on a whim, the latter of which is perfectly demonstrated here with the addition of a knitted vest and Ugg boots. Comfortable and cool? Sign me up.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (11)

H&M

High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (12)

UGG

Classic Ultra Mini Sheepskin and Suede Ankle Boots in Sand

4. DENIM SHIRT + JEANS + BASKET BAG

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(Image credit: @camillabirkebaek)

Style Notes: Double denim isn't a new trend but, after appearing on the runways of the likes of Celine, Saint Laurent and Chloé, this is a look we're going to see a whole lot more of this season. Handily, it just so happens to be classic and casual, meaning the combination works for a variety of occasions.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (14)

Hush

Deanna Denim Shirt

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (15)

Hush

Katie Baggy Straight Jeans

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SAINT LAURENT

Oversized Raffia Tote

5. LEATHER JACKET + TEE + MAXI SKIRT

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(Image credit: @helendriscoll_)

Style Notes: When it comes to casual outfits, no jacket style is quite as iconic nor can loan itself to as broad a variety of looks as the leather biker. Personally I think black styles look their best paired with more of just that—black. Try a fluid maxi skirt for a pairing that's so current-looking.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (18)

Mango

Leather Biker Jacket

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (19)

& Other Stories

Relaxed T-Shirt

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (20)

& Other Stories

A-Line Midi Skirt

6. BLAZER + JEANS + TRAINERS

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (21)

(Image credit: @divrav)

Style Notes: When I want to elevate an outfit, a blazer is the first thing I reach for. Green is a core colour trend this season—try wearing it by way of tailoring, then offset with jeans and chunky trainers for the ultimate high/low balance.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (22)

JOSEPH

Jaden Double-Breasted Cady Blazer

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Mango

Mid-Rise Straight Jeans

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New Balance

530 Sneakers

7. CARDIGAN + WHITE JEANS + BASKET BAG

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(Image credit: @cheyannesorelle)

Style Notes: Denim goes beyond blue jeans—ecru pairs can work just as well in casual outfits and, dare I say, might even look more elegant. I love this relaxed combination featuring a roomy beige cardigan and basket bag.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (26)

Reiss

Mink Harper Chunky Knitted Cardigan

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Hush

Relaxed Boyfriend Jeans

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LOEWE

Medium Sand Raffia Basket Bag

8. JUMPER + MATCHING SKIRT + KNEE BOOTS

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(Image credit: @_santinaharrison)

Style Notes: I feel like I become more time-poor by the day, so I'm always on the lookout for easy yet elegant outfits I can assemble in a couple of minutes. This look definitely falls into that category. Let a knitted skirt set do the hard work for you; all you need to consider is what shoe to wear it with.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (30)

Sézane

Sami Jumper

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Sézane

Naelle Skirt

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Sézane

Adele Boots

9. BLACK DRESS + BLACK BAG + SANDALS

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(Image credit: @aniyahmorinia)

Style Notes: We're coming into cotton dress season and I'm ready to embrace them in a big way. For ease I tend to opt for classic colours and stick to the same shade throughout the rest of my outfit—shoes and bags and all. Keep your shoes flat and your dress unembellished and it'll strike the perfect casual/classy balance.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (34)

Reformation

Sai Dress

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THE ROW

N/S Park Medium Nubuck Tote

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M&S Collection

Leather Ankle Strap Flatform Sandals

10. OXFORD SHIRT + DENIM SKIRT + BELT

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

Style Notes: I recently ordered a denim maxi skirt and was immediately struck by how much I loved wearing it. My go-to involves a blue-stripe shirt and statement buckle belt, much like Sasha Mei's.

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Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (38)

H&M

Oversized Cotton Shirt

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (39)

Khaite

Benny Leather Belt

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (40)

AGOLDE

+ Net Sustain Hilla Frayed Organic Denim Maxi Skirt

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying (2024)

FAQs

Casual Elegance Is What I’m Going for—10 Low-Key Yet Classy Outfits I'm Copying? ›

Opt for comfortable fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim. Choose clothing pieces that are easy to wear and allow for movement, such as flowy tops, midi dresses, or relaxed-fit trousers. Keep the accessories simple, but add some statement pieces to elevate the outfit, such as a bold necklace or a stylish handbag.

How do you dress casually but classy? ›

Opt for comfortable fabrics like cotton, linen, or denim. Choose clothing pieces that are easy to wear and allow for movement, such as flowy tops, midi dresses, or relaxed-fit trousers. Keep the accessories simple, but add some statement pieces to elevate the outfit, such as a bold necklace or a stylish handbag.

How do you dress simple but elegant? ›

Building a wardrobe of timeless and high-quality basics is essential for simple but stylish dressing. Invest in well-made pieces like a classic white button-down shirt, a pair of well-fitting jeans, a tailored blazer, and a little black dress. These versatile staples serve as the foundation for numerous chic outfits.

What is casual chic dress code? ›

You've heard the term before, for sure. But what does it mean? Simply put, outfits that are casual chic combine some elements of casual wear and others of more elegant, formal wear. This eclectic mix-and-match approach to style combines the best of both worlds: comfort and style.

How to dress classy and not cheap? ›

A proper fit is by far the most important factor in making your clothes look more expensive. If a sleeve is too wide, a shoulder too narrow, a pant leg too long or a dress too loose, it's going to look cheap. In fact, even if a piece is expensive, it will look cheap in the wrong size or shape.

What is classy dress code? ›

Dressing classy means dressing stylishly and sophisticated. It's also timeless and elegant. If you feel like you're jumping from style to style and don't have the wardrobe that represents where you are in your life then start integrating the style tips I mention in this post!

What does casual elegant look like? ›

Casual Elegance typically means a little dressier than business casual... not a suit, but not a co*cktail dress either. Bottom line... (at most resorts)... if you are dressed nice and don't look like you are headed to the beach or pool, you are probably okay.

What is the most elegant dress code? ›

Also known as “full evening dress”, white tie attire is considered the most formal of all dress codes. The white tie dress code indicates that guests are high-caliber, royal, or have high social standing.

What makes a woman look elegant? ›

If you're trying to be elegant, start by wearing classic styles of clothing, like knee-length skirts and tailored button-down shirts, and choosing clothes made from high-quality fabrics, like silk and satin. Never too baggy, never too tight; the clothing of an elegant woman looks like it was made to fit just her.

What makes a girl look elegant? ›

One of the greatest outfit ideas for women who want to indulge in elegance is clothing with neutral colors. Neutral colors are often the epitome of elegance in fashion. Black, white, creme, grey, beige, as well as muted tones of green and brown, are some of the best shade choices to complement an elegant outfit.

How should I dress stylish after 50? ›

By fifty, you qualify as a connoisseur so dress to reflect your wealth of wisdom. Think in terms of quality not quantity: look for luxurious fabrics, well-crafted tailoring and designer details that will elevate your look. Invest in one or two keys pieces you can pair back with all of your capsule wardrobe basics.

Can I wear jeans for casual dress code? ›

Jeans are acceptable under a casual dress code. However, jeans that are ripped or disheveled in appearance are not appropriate. Sweatpants, mini-skirts, shorts or exercise pants are not appropriate.

Are jeans OK for casual dress? ›

Principles. T-shirts, jeans and sneakers: The "casual" dress code does not impose a ban on these elements.

How can I look pretty but casual? ›

Always consider adding accessories such as simple or bold jewellry, belts or scarves. By adding a necklace and/or earrings, you can instantly elevate a simple blouse and jeans into a casual, yet put together look. Accessories can also help to lift the formality of an outfit so it doesn't appear too casual.

What does elegantly casual look like? ›

It does not necessitate the black-tie, or co*cktail dress or sari dressing. However, a blazer, a sheath dress or shift, a slightly flared skirt or pants with a dressy shirt will all count as casually elegant. Jackets can be made of softer material. Good shrugs can be thrown over tops or dress...

What is an example of casual elegant? ›

Casual Elegance: Sneakers/tennis shoes or sandals, dress shirts with sleeves. No sleeveless shirts or flip-flops and long pants required for men.

How can I look classy but not old? ›

- wear clothes that are generally made of fine materials - silks, wools, great cottons. The elegant ones aren't usually big on synthetics. "Focus on Fit. Tailored clothing is synonymous with looking classy. ...

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