How to Make Casual Outfits a Little More Chic
Here are a few easy ways I like to make casual outfits a little more chic and sophisticated (for summer).
I am by no means a style maven or fashion expert, but I am trying to up my everyday look just a smidge (because I LIVE in athleisure). I put together a few simple, inexpensive outfits and then added a few touches to make them more chic. If you like anything you see, I link to everything at the end of the post.
How to Make Shorts a Little More Chic
Pair With a Long Sleeve Silk Top
I love long sleeve silk (or silk-look) shirts and think they look fabulous paired with shorts. Equipment is my favorite; this leopard slim silhouette is a must-have in my closet.
Pair With a Cold Shoulder or Similar Neckline
Even lightweight casual cotton is a bit more sophisticated when it has a cold shoulder or similar skin baring style. Choosing an interesting neutral also ups the chic a bit; this cinnamon color is fab and so pretty with warm metallics and leopard.
Pair with a monochromatic top.
Sometimes keeping the color neutral and monochromatic is enough to add a touch of chic to a simple, casual outfit. The top below not only is in the same color range; it also has an interesting neckline. The sunglasses stand out against the “mostly white” look.
Pair With a Sweater Knit
The sleeveless sweater below has a great feel and texture and gives a much more chic look to simple shorts than would a tee shirt or cotton top.
Add statement accessories~a hat, earrings and/or sunglasses.
All of the outfits above go even more chic with a simple but fun hat. Add fun earrings and leopard sunglasses for even more sass:-)
How to Make a Skirt a Little More Chic
Pair with a black sleeveless sweater.
I couldn’t live without my black sleeveless sweater(s). They literally go with everything. Shorts. Jeans. Skirts. Wide leg pants.
Pair with a classic belt. I splurged on a Gucci Belt this year (read how I got it for less in this post) and consider it one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. It is my favorite accessory. Any good belt can take a simple skirt and top and tie them together for a chic look.
Pair with cute (but comfy) shoes.
When I wear a skirt, I am super particular about my shoes (they show~so they have to be cute). I LOVE these Cork-Ease wedges because they have the look and comfort that I love.
Everything that I am wearing (and similar) is in the collage below.
I’d love to hear from any of you who have ideas for adding a touch of chic to simple, everyday outfits. Always feel free to leave comments; I love them:-) As always, thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a joyful, blessed and savvy day.
I love that these ideas feel doable! This post is an older one, so some of the original links may no longer work, but I hope you can recreate the looks with similar pieces you already have.
I’m so glad you found these tips helpful!! This post is an older one, so some of those exact pieces may no longer be available, but the styling ideas are definitely ones you can recreate with pieces you already have or similar finds!
I’m so glad these ideas were helpful!! This is an older post, so some of the exact pieces may no longer be available, but these are still some of my favorite ways to make a casual outfit feel a little more polished.
I completely understand!!! I tend to reach for a basic tee too, but changing up the fabric or neckline can make such a difference.
Yes!! Sometimes it’s really just the fabric or an interesting neckline that makes a casual outfit feel so much more intentional. Such an easy way to dress up the basics!
Yes!! I love anything that makes an outfit feel a little more put-together without adding extra layers in the Summer heat. Such an easy way to elevate a simple pair of shorts!
I think it’s really the silk fabric that does it! It adds that little bit of polish to a casual pair of shorts without feeling too dressy. Such an easy swap from a basic tee!!
Exactly! I’m all about simple ways to feel a little more polished without giving up comfort. Sometimes one small change is all an outfit needs!!!
I completely understand the athleisure uniform!! I love that these little swaps can make you feel more put-together while still being comfortable.
Yes!! I love that these are such simple swaps but can make an outfit feel completely different. I hope you love the silk top and shorts combo!!
Yes! It’s amazing how one simple change can make an outfit feel a little more polished. This is an older post, so some of those exact links may no longer be available, but I hope the outfit ideas still give you some inspiration!!!
Yes! That’s exactly it. Just one slightly dressier piece can make such a difference without sacrificing comfort. So glad you found these tips helpful!!!