The Anatomy of a Stylish Casual Look
As much as we all like to look our best, we don’t always have the motivation to go all-out every single day. That’s okay though, because looking good doesn’t necessarily involve dressing up all the time. With the right elements assembled in the right way, you can still turn heads with a casual outfit and be the most stylish guy in the room. There are many ways to create an exceptional casual outfit; here’s a good base to build from.
Start with a great shirt. The line between sport shirts and dress shirts is somewhat more blurred than it used to be, and we like to refer to dressy casual shirts as “transitional,” as they can be worn with or without a tie. Casual shirts tend to have more whimsical designs, and are therefore available in a greater number of color combinations and pattern choices. You can find them in any motif from tiny florals to abstract, futuristic graphics. They often have interesting details, and may be made from fabrics such as denim, or new materials that offer some stretch, for a perfect combination of comfort and style.
Pair it up with the right pants. There are dozens of options when it comes to casual pants, but often a high-quality pair of jeans or five-pocket twills will do the trick. Twill pants and jeans are cut similarly, with a button or zip fly. They ought to be fitted, but not skin tight. Twill pants can be used as a sort of “upgrade” option when even nice jeans would be just a little too casual.
Don’t forget your jacket. Leather jackets are the classic casual choice, and this year brown suede is really having a moment. Timeless and rugged, a brown leather jacket is versatile enough to match with most outfits, and a good-quality leather will last many years with proper care.
Eye-catching shoes finish the look. Whether you prefer boots or sneakers, there are some incredible casual styles out right now. Sneakers are especially popular at the moment, with high-end minimalist styles dominating. Classic white is the standard must-have, but darker colors may work better if you spend a lot of time outdoors. Running, boat, or tennis styles are also hot – think anything ’70s or ’80s. If you have an active lifestyle, sleek techy runners can be a great choice. If you don’t know where to start, go with something old-school and retro with touches of suede.
Of course, this is just one way to assemble a stylish casual outfit – you can substitute pieces as you see fit, layer things up in colder weather, add your own touches along the way, or completely flip the script and make something all your own. Whatever you choose, we’re here to help you through every step of the journey.