Women’s casual style – what is it and what are its characteristic features? Trendy stylings for every day.

What is the casual style?

Women’s casual style is distinguished by freedom and informal look, that’s why it will serve you well in everyday situations. This style is also described as code casual – a dress code for everyday occasions, which allows freedom and comfort in everyday attire. Comfort is the most important, but not in a very sporty style, however it draws inspirations from the sport fashion.

Casual style is supposed to be maximally comfortable and shouldn’t restrict our mobility. Casual clothes are designed to ensure comfort and adjustment to different body types. It’s name casual, also means usual and nonchalant. The casual style is less formal and gives much more freedom than smart casual or business casual.

Features, which distinguish the casual style

Comfort and freedom

• creating casual stylings we opt for full freedom. Clothes shouldn’t restrict mobility, and the choice of particular wardrobe pieces allows for gaining comfort and aesthetics in everyday outfits.

Universality

• casual style is for everyone and the clothes, which dominate this style can be easily paired in many ways. It’s a great basis for everyday stylings, which allows for creating a harmonious and coherent look.

Natural materials and classic colour palette

• casual style is dominated by subdued colours such as white, black, beige, khaki and natural fabrics - cotton, linen, wool.

Sports elegance

• casual style doesn’t impose any strict rules so you can easily combine sport wardrobe pieces e.g. leggings with formal ones such as a blazer. Simple jeans with flared legs should be present in your wardrobe and serve as an universal element of the casual style. Accessories in the casual style can complement your styling and are both stylish and practical.

How to dress in the casual style?

In fact, in casual style each of us can dress as we choose to feel comfortable. Casual styles work well for everyday outings such as meeting friends or shopping. If you want to look stylish and fashionable, it is worth experimenting with different elements in casual styles. On colder days, the casual style allows you to choose warm and comfortable clothes such as jumpers or boots.

For some, it will be leggings paired with an oversize jacket, while for others it will be classic jeans and a timeless white or blue shirt. This is what makes casual style special - the absence of rigid norms and playing with your style is something every fashion lover will fall in love with.

Elements, which distinguish the casual style

So that you can create casual looks without any trouble, we have put together a small summary of the elements that most often appear in styles in this aesthetic:

• Basic garments include T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, jumpers, cardigans.
• Comfortable clothes, made of materials that are pleasant to the touch. Loose-fitting cuts are common.
• Subdued colour palette - white, grey, shades of beige, khaki, black.
• Comfortable footwear, e.g . trainers, sneakers, espadrilles, timeless ballerinas.
• Classic accessories - leather belts, baseball caps, shoulder bags or backpacks.
• Simple patterns and prints, such as the classic check or stripes. Rather avoid colourful prints.

The story of the casual style

The beginnings of the casual style (1920s and 1950s.)

1920s and 1930s.

• The casual style was born as a counterbalance to formal fashion. In the 1920s and 1930s, less formal wardrobe items became popular: chinos, polo shirts, cardigans, jumpers.

• The American preppy style promoted by Ivy League students - elegant but less obliging - has gained in importance.

1940s. and 1950s.

• After the Second World War, casual took on a practical nature. Military clothing (e.g. field jackets, desert boots) began to find its way into everyday use.

• Icons such as James Dean and Marlon Brando promoted jeans and T-shirts as the rebellious but casual attire of youth.

The rise of casual style

1960s. 1970s.

• The casual style rose to prominence thanks to the counterculture and the moral revolution. Bell-bottom jeans, flannel shirts, printed T-shirts and denim jackets became popular.

• The hippie movement and later punk rock and disco had a huge impact on the expression of everyday style.

  1980s.

• Casual started to become more organised as a smart casual style, combining elegance with casualness.

• The beginning of the athleisure influence.

Casual style as mainstream

1990s.

• Casual dominates mass culture: jeans, sweatshirts, sneakers and T-shirts are becoming the everyday attire of people all over the world.

• The grunge style (Kurt Cobain, Nirvana) is emerging, promoting carelessness and naturalness.

The beginning of the 21st century

• Casual style begins to evolve towards minimalism, normcore and an ‘anti-fashion’ aesthetic.
• Mixing sporty elements with urban fashion (hoodie + jacket) is becoming the norm.

Casual today

• Casual style blurs the boundaries between business and private wardrobe - corporate employees are increasingly dressing “smart casual

• Athleisure and streetwear become the domineering trends.

• The rise of sustainable fashion, quality materials, simplicity and comfort.

Read: Discover the secrets of the athleisure style – what are its characteristics and how to wear it?

For what occasions will a casual style work?

Casual style clothes will work well for all informal occasions, such as:

• going out for a walk,
• weekend trips,
• for work, if you are not bound by the dress code.

You can use the casual style not only for everyday outings, but also for business meetings in less formal circumstances, where full formalism is not required, but a professional look is still important. For formal occasions it is better to choose a smart casual style, while a casual style is ideal for everyday wear.

Read: What is dress code? Discover types and rules?

Casual styling

Neutral-coloured clothing is the perfect base for casual outfits. They make it easy to create a cohesive and elegant look, which can be varied with muted colour accents. The right choice of colours and cuts keeps the silhouette in proportion and ensures all-day comfort.

We have put together a selection of casual looks for you that are perfect for both work and everyday wear.

Casual chic - the blazer takes centre stage

In this styling the focus is on a jacket made of linen by Deha. The simple cut and holiday white allow you to combine elegance with comfort, so you can combine elegance with everyday style and look professional even in a casual look. Complete the look with wide trousers in the same shade for freedom of movement and timeless sneakers in white or beige. Matching accessories add a touch of elegance to the look. This look is fashionable, casual and perfect for the summer for work.

Casual look - timeless denim

Jeans are a classic element of casual style. Jeans are timeless and practical, and with straight or flared jeans you gain versatility and comfort. These styles also help you maintain the right proportions for everyday styling. You can of course opt for a classic white T-shirt and light-coloured mom jeans, but how about a little more variety? The denim knit trousers from Australian brand Alemais are decorated with patches by Anouk Colantoni. It's a story full of colour that inspires. Their relaxed fit will ensure you are completely at ease during your daily challenges. A plain, loose white shirt or a linen shirt with embroidered prints will go well with this casual look, which will emphasise the subtlety of everyday moments.

Minimalism and comfort in casual style

A comfortable everyday look? Here you go! The Varley sweatpants will impress you with their comfort and quality. The wide legs and elasticated waistband ensure complete comfort and freedom of movement, while the natural, breathable materials guarantee all-day comfort. A classic T-shirt or top and a soft sweatshirt in neutral colours will create the perfect base for everyday casual looks. Shoes? Sneakers in white or beige, of course.

Casual style - summary

Casual style is a style that gives you a lot of freedom and allows you to express yourself. Simply opt for comfortable T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts in a muted colour palette and timeless sneakers. These pieces are guaranteed to create comfortable everyday looks. This is a style for people who appreciate comfort and freedom, but who also love fashion and want to look good in every situation.