Dos and Don’ts of dressing casually elegant: A Guide

A casually elegant dress code is both a blessing and a curse due to its flexibility and lack of clear guidelines. We’ve all been there, where we stand in front of our closet, staring at our options, and feeling completely lost, but don’t worry we’ll be sharing the dos and don’ts of casual and elegant dressing, so you can feel confident and stylish no matter what the occasion.

Typically this dress code is also used for events that want people to dress well, and yet feel comfortable enough to relax and actually enjoy the event. It’s also a nice way of saying, “Don’t come in a t-shirt and sweatpants”. Instead, it’s a mixture of casual clothes and formal clothing and if you’re ever confused, it’s best to err on the side of formal.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the difference between casual and elegant dressing. Casual dressing is typically more relaxed and comfortable, while elegant dressing is more formal and polished. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t mix the two! It’s all about finding the right balance and knowing what pieces work well together.

So whether you’re headed to a dinner party, a wedding, or just a night out with friends, we’ve got you covered. From the perfect dress to the right accessories, we’ll be sharing our top tips and tricks for nailing the casual and elegant look. Let’s upgrade your wardrobe to suit any occasion. Let’s first understand the key elements that make an outfit casual.

What Makes An Outfit Casual?

When it comes to casual dressing, think about clothing that you would be comfortable wearing around your house. It’s easy, comfy, could be considered streetwear, and most of all could be worn to the beach, so here’s what makes an outfit usual: 

• Comfortable materials, such as cotton, linen, and denim.
• Experimenting with different colors and patterns that add interest to your outfit. 
• Baggy and trendy clothes. 
• Footwear like flip flops and other casual footwear you can think of.

What Makes an Outfit Elegant?

On the other hand, elegance is the complete opposite. It’s stiffer, would not be appropriate as beach-wear and you would think about wearing it to a country club or a formal occasion like a wedding. Here’s what we often do when we choose an elegant outfit:

• Choosing high-quality fabrics like silk, cashmere, and wool. These materials drape well and look luxurious.
• Classic structured pieces like blazers, pencil skirts, long gowns. Think stiff and sophisticated.
• Accessorizing with simple timeless pieces like pearl earrings or a delicate gold necklace. 
• Tailored outfits.
• A neutral color palette, for example: back, white, navy and beige are all classic and sophisticated.

The Dos and Don’ts of A Casually Elegant Outfit

Now that we know what makes an outfit casual or elegant, let’s figure out how to choose items that will pair well together. Keep in mind that being undressed for an occasion is always worse than being overdressed for an occasion because when you dress well, you’re respecting the host. So you’ll find that a casually elegant outfit has more elegant specific things to do that will elevate the outfit. So what specific things do we want to pull from each category to make an outfit that gives us the best of both worlds? 

Dos

• Do choose clothes that fit well and flatter your body shape.
• Do opt for comfortable materials, such as cotton, linen, and denim 
• Do experiment with different colors and patterns to add interest to your outfit.
• Do accessorize with simple jewelry and scarves to elevate your look.
• Do wear shoes that match the occasion. Usually for a casual elegant dress code, opting for more formal shoes would be safe. 
• Do choose versatile, stylish footwear like ballet flats, loafers, ankle boots, or block-heeled sandals that complement the casually elegant look.
• Do mix dressier pieces, like a pencil skirt or tailored trousers, with more casual tops, such as a fine-knit sweater or a high-quality T-shirt.
• Do choose bottoms that are knee-length or longer.

Don’ts

• Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too baggy.
• Don’t wear clothes with holes, stains, or wrinkles.
• Don’t wear athletic gear, such as sweatpants or yoga pants, unless you’re exercising.
• Don’t over-accessorize with too many statement pieces.
• Don’t wear flip-flops or other overly casual footwear to formal events.
• Don’t wear ripped clothes or jeans.

Remember, a comfortable outfit doesn’t have to mean we have to sacrifice style. By following these dos and don’ts, we can create comfortable yet put-together outfits that are appropriate for a variety of occasions.

Accessories

Accessories can make or break an outfit, so it’s important to choose them wisely. Here are some dos and don’ts when it comes to casual and elegant accessories: 

Dos

• Do choose versatile accessories as timeless, understated pieces will complement various outfits.
• Do match the colors of your accessories to the color scheme of your outfit for a cohesive look.
• Do layer delicate necklaces of various lengths for an interesting look
• Do opt for a statement piece, such as a bold watch, statement ring, or unique earrings to make your outfit pop.

• Do choose stylish yet comfortable footwear that complements the rest of your outfit.
• Do use functional accessorized, such as scarves, belts, or hats to add an extra layer of sophistication and practicality.

Don’ts

1. Don’t over-accessorize as wearing too many accessories, can make your outfit look cluttered and detract from its elegance.
2. Don’t mix too many patterns which can create visual chaos.
3. Oversize everything: Balance your look by avoiding oversized accessories, unless you’re intentionally making a statement.
4. Ignore the occasion: Ensure your accessories are suitable for the event, and avoid overly casual or formal pieces.
5. Neglect personal style: Stay true to your personal style and avoid wearing accessories that don’t feel like “you.”
6. Match everything: Avoid overly matching accessories, which can make your outfit appear too coordinated and lack depth. Most elegant outfits do lack a little depth, if you’ve seen monochromatic outfits lately, its a trend, however casual elegance doesn’t need to feel so stiff.
7. Wear uncomfortable accessories: Ensure your accessories are comfortable and functional, as discomfort can detract from your overall look.

When choosing elegant accessories, think about the occasion and the outfit you’ll be wearing. You want to make a statement, but you also want to make sure your accessories complement your outfit and don’t overpower it.

Conclusion

When it comes to dressing casually or elegantly, there are certain dos and don’ts that we should keep in mind. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that we look our best and feel confident in any situation.

For casual dressing, we should aim for comfortable yet put-together outfits. We can achieve this by choosing well-fitted clothes in neutral colors, avoiding distracting patterns or bright colors, and accessorizing appropriately. It’s important to keep in mind the context of the event or setting we will be in, and to avoid wearing anything too revealing or provocative.

When it comes to elegant dressing, we should aim for sophistication and refinement. This means choosing high-quality fabrics, opting for classic styles that flatter our body type, and accessorizing with tasteful jewelry and shoes. We should also pay attention to the dress code of the event and choose an outfit that is appropriate for the occasion.

For a casually elegant look, do mix high-quality basics with sophisticated pieces, and don’t over-accessorize or wear overly casual, distressed items. Overall, dressing well is not just about looking good, it’s also about feeling good. By following these dos and don’ts, we can ensure that we feel confident, comfortable, and stylish in any situation. So let’s embrace our personal style and dress to impress!