How to Elevate Casual Outfits

The casual outfit can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re meeting up with a few friends or rolling out of bed and running late, something simple like a jeans-and-tee combo gives you a stress-free fit you can quickly throw on.

But what if you’re wanting something more in women’s and men’s casual streetwear?

An elevated casual attire blurs the line between comfort and class, it’s the perfect jumping-off point for anyone interested in stepping up their fashion game—without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. If that’s you, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s look at how to elevate your casual outfits.

The Aesthetic of Elevated Casual Attire

Elevated casual is a step above your run-of-the-mill, everyday wear. Think of it as simple sophistication: stylish and put together in an easy, natural way.

A well-done elevated casual outfit can take you straight from the office to a night out. It’s casual clothing you can comfortably lounge around in while waiting for plans to come together—and once your friends finally make up their minds, you won’t have to change a thing before heading out the door.

Keep in mind that elevated casual doesn’t mean “fancy” or “dressed up” (though it can). Instead, this style is all about infusing a touch of luxury or unexpected interest or flair into an otherwise ordinary casual-style outfit.

Tips for Kicking Your Casual Looks Up a Notch

There’s an art to elevating a casual outfit. Here’s some general tips when it comes to styling casual wear. 

Reach for Sophisticated Colors

One of the telltale signs of elevated casual is the color palette. Along with wardrobe staple tones like black and navy blue, elevated casual is often defined by muted, earthy colors like:

• Tan
• Olive green
• Clay
• Brown

Earth tones are highly complementary, so it’s easy to mix and match pieces in these colors. For example, you could pair a cream-colored mesh knit sweater with some light brown trousers and a brown leather watch.

Alternatively, create a monochrome look by combining different shades of the same color. Monochrome always feels intentional, so it’s an excellent way to look more put together.

Embrace Texture

The material you choose can also move your outfit into the realm of elevated casual. Common textured materials include velvety suede, shiny leather, and sturdy cotton. Learning how to mix patterns and textures can all bring interest, adding dimension to an otherwise flat look. 

Replace your black jeans with leather straight pants, for instance, to level up your casual fit with some streetwear style.

The same rule applies to tops and outerwear, too. High-texture options could include:

• A fleece pullover
• A satin track jacket
• A mohair sweater
• A rugged M65 jacket

Tuck It In

Whatever shirt you’re wearing—whether it’s a long sleeve, a sweater, or a button-up—you can instantly elevate the overall look with a clean tuck. Even a tee can feel elevated casual when it’s tucked into straight-leg jeans held up by a studded statement belt.

To keep things fresh, try experimenting with different types of tucks, such as the half tuck (where you only tuck in one side of a button-up).

Pay Attention to the Details

Sometimes, switching up your personal style isn’t about making big changes. With elevated casual, small details can significantly enhance an outfit.

There are different types of detailing that can make pieces pop, including:

• Patchwork
• Metal accents
• Prominent stitching
• Pockets
• Rhinestones
• Non-functional buttons and zippers

Take denim jeans for men, for example. If you compare a plain pair of blue jeans to these acid-washed zipper flare pants, which one feels more creative and intentional? Detailing like this takes an average denim pant and turns it into a statement. At the same time, it still feels casual enough to wear anywhere.

Lean Into Layers

Many elevated casual outfits are built around a single statement piece. But you can also create a sophisticated look with a handful of everyday pieces layered on top of each other.

Intentional layering adds visual depth and complexity to an outfit, much like a piece of art. Plus, it suggests an understanding of color theory or textural interplay.

Even if you don’t have that understanding, you can come up with a layered look. The trick is to stick with complementary colors and keep it simple. Many abide by the “rule of three,” which suggests that a put-together outfit has no more than three distinct colors across all layers and accessories. 

A classic example of layering is the long sleeve flannel underneath a heavyweight sweater. As long as you pick a flannel with subtle patterns, you can put it under almost anything. You can also match the sweater’s color to one of the accent colors of a plaid flannel.

With the collar of your flannel sticking out of the sweater, finish off with a denim coat or neutral zip up jacket, a simple pair of tailored trousers, and boots.

Key Pieces for Elevated Casual Looks

The best thing about elevated casual is that it’s primed for experimentation. You probably already have some casual clothing in your closet, so all you need to do is pick up a few new staples and build some looks.

Speaking of staples, these elevated casual essentials will serve you well:

• Sleek trousers – The truth is that when your casual clothes fit you well, they look more expensive—and that’s the secret to elevated casual. Instead of baggy jeans, opt for a pair of trousers, a straight-leg pinstripe pant, or some slim dark-wash denim. 

• Refined tops – Everyone loves a good tee, but most elevated casual outfits call for something more. In the colder months, go for an understated knit sweater or an earth-tone cardigan; when it’s warm out, you’ll want a short-sleeved collared shirt.

• Structured outerwear – Unlike flowy, loose-fitting pieces, structured outerwear clothing gives a more prominent shoulder shape. And because blazers (a mainstay of elevated looks) tend to be structured, any jacket that mirrors that shape comes across as more formal. Try a cropped M65 jacket or a leather jacket.

• Classic boots – Footwear is often overlooked, but your shoes can make a massive difference. Something as simple as swapping sneakers for leather boots can take a look from ultra-casual to polished.

• Eye-catching accessories – One of the easiest ways to lift up a look is to accessorize. A watch takes simple men’s shirts and jeans to the next level, while a pearl necklace or bracelet adds intrigue to any outfit.

Add a few of these must-haves to your closet, and you’ll have no trouble throwing together an elevated casual look in the morning.

Find Clothing That Elevates Your Wardrobe

Ultimately, the beauty of elevated casual lies in its simplicity. Take some of your favorite casual clothes and streetwear shirts, add a statement piece or an unexpected accessory, and you’re good to go.

As long as you put a touch of thought into your choices, you can turn almost any outfit into a more sophisticated look.

Of course, it helps to have a few go-to pieces on hand. For that, check out the latest clothing drops. From high-quality denim to heavyweight sweaters, we’ve got the elevated casual pieces you need.

 

Sources: 

Esquire. The Complete, Unbeatable, Esquire Guide to Smart Casual Style in 2024. https://www.esquire.com/uk/style/fashion/a29890440/mens-smart-casual/

New York Times. Can the Rule of Three Solve All My Dressing Problems? https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/08/style/fashion-rule-of-three.html