Blurring the line between comfort and style, casual attire mistakes may not look obvious, especially if you’ve always seen casualwear as the most laid-back type among the stricter end of the dress code spectrum.
But what most people don’t realize is that casual style isn’t limited to the usual t-shirt and jeans combo we’ve grown accustomed to. In fact, there are multiple ways to elevate it without overdoing it to the stricter smart or business casual looks.
If you’re curious about these, read on to find out the common casual attire mistakes that make your outfit basic and how to correct them to create an elevated look.
Mistake #1: Wearing Low Quality Fabrics
We get it—casual style is supposed to be comfortable, but no guidebook says it should also look sloppy and unpresentable.
One of the most overlooked and underestimated parts of styling is not taking a look at the type of fabric that our clothes are made out of. Low-quality fabrics evoke a tacky appearance, while high-quality ones come with better drape and structure, giving a more polished look.
For starters, you can use the following table to guide you on how to swap your casual basics for better-looking, high-quality fabrics for an elevated appearance:
| Skip the Basic Choice | Swap for an Elevated Staple |
|---|---|
| French Terry Sweatshirt | Cashmere/Wool Sweater |
| Faded/Lightwashed Jeans | Dark-washed Jeans/Chino Pants |
| Running Shoes | Leather Lace-up Sneakers |
| Basic T-Shirt | Button-up Shirt/Satin or Flowy Blouse |
| Cotton Blend T-Shirt | High-quality Pure Cotton T-Shirt |
Aside from swapping your low-quality fabrics, investing in high-quality ones also allows you to pair them with casual wear staples effortlessly, resulting a in chic laid-back outfit. Just take a look at this styling from Mango, which paired a lightweight, flowy blouse with mid-washed, wide-leg jeans, creating a stylish, elevated statement.
Once you master the art of pairing high-quality fabric, you’ll never have to worry about looking basic again.
Mistake #2: Not Layering Up
For those of us living in a tropical country like the Philippines, layering may not be our first choice when trying to elevate a casual look. On the flip side, we miss out on a massive opportunity to improve our outfits by skipping this step.
Layering creates visual interest and depth in a look, especially when you combine different textures to create a cohesive, well-defined outfit. Even in warm weather, you can easily hop on this styling technique by opting for lightweight, breathable fabrics instead of heavy, heat-insulating ones.
Some of the best styling examples include topping your go-to white t-shirt with a light linen blazer or a breathable shacket (shirt-jacket) for a polished look, or draping a lightweight cardigan over your shoulders for that effortless “old money” aesthetic. You can also pair your lightweight button-downs with a woven vest to add a tailored touch to your appearance without overheating.
The key to nailing an elevated casual style is to not let the warm weather stop you from adding sophistication to your looks, while still choosing items that won’t compromise on comfort.
Mistake #3: Underestimating the Power of Accessories
Another overlooked styling technique, the power of accessories is often underestimated when creating a stylish, elevated casual look.
Despite their size, the right accessories can give your outfit an elevated edge by adding polish, character, or a distinct statement to your look.
One of my personal favorite styling hacks is finishing a look with gold-toned hoop earrings or huggies, which instantly create a “clean girl” aesthetic, especially when paired with soft dewy makeup.
Tortoiseshell sunglasses are another personal favorite of mine. They effortlessly exude an easy, polished look—especially when worn on top of your head, doubling as a headband to keep your hair back.
For the gents, do not underestimate the power of swapping your smartwatch for a leather or stainless steel analog watch for an effortless, sophisticated touch.
Mistake #4: Lack of Confidence
Ever wondered why the simple, basic look of your favorite celebrities still looks eye-catching and noteworthy compared to a random person wearing a casual outfit on the street? It’s not even about the clothes themselves, but the confidence of the person wearing them.
You don’t have to be a supermodel to nail an elevated casual look. Even if you don a well-thought-out casual ensemble, if you lack the confidence to wear it, that insecurity can instantly downgrade the outfit. After all, style isn’t just a simple presentation—it’s a statement of your personality and taste, so claim that confidence and flex that OOTD.
Casual style may have become so common and normal that we sometimes forget it is still possible to wear it outside its usual tee-and-jeans formula.
Now that you’re aware of the common fashion styling pitfalls that make your look basic and unremarkable, which among these are you keen to improve and looking forward to wearing in your next outfit? Let’s hear them in the comments below!