Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.
Whether you're headed to a museum date, attending a friend's daytime brunch, or adventuring in a new city, a dressy-casual outfit will strike the perfect balance between refined and relaxed. The dress code invites you to feel comfortable, but not so much that you show up to an office party in jeans, a T-shirt, and flats. When in doubt, one-piece outfits are an easy way to achieve the dressy-casual vibe because they don't require much effort. A printed knit dress or midi slip design paired with knee-high boots are the kinds of looks that give the impression you spent more time getting dressed than you really did.
Some popular trends lend themselves to the dressy-casual theme. The soft-girl aesthetic, for example, takes a pastel approach to a wide range of dress codes. A lavender knit dress paired with wedges or a yellow pearl-button-front cardigan worn with black jeans are ideal dressy-casual outfits. Elsewhere, with the pearlcore trend still going strong, glam up a regular blouse or denim jacket by sewing strings of pearls onto it to deliver a more elegant look.
The secret to dressy casual is balancing the fancier pieces with more laid-back items and accessories. Your favorite pair of kitten heels or your go-to beaded clutch will always help you reach new levels of chic. Ballerina flats, alternatively, can pare back a dressy combo of tailored trousers and a satin blouse.
Read on to find out how to master the dressy-casual way of dressing.
What Is Dressy Casual?
Also called smart casual, dressy-casual attire combines relaxed, everyday wardrobe essentials with more formal, office-ready items. Think wearing a silky blouse with your favorite pair of jeans, styling a long dress with flats, or wearing tailored trousers with a linen shirt. Depending on your office dress code, you can get away with dressy-casual looks every day. They are usually a step above jeans and graphic tees, but they aren't as formal as tweed suits or glamorous dresses.
How Can I Style Dressy-Casual Outfits?
The key to achieving the dressy-casual look? Balancing the more refined piece with an item or accessory that has a more laid-back vibe. For example, match a linen shorts set with strappy heels and a designer bag. Or try pairing a chunky gold necklace with a standard cami to dress up dark denim jeans. Another brunch-ready look: a satin slip dress with slingbacks and colorful bangles. If you need more guidance, scroll on for our curated picks.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak
FAQs
14 Ways to Always Dress Classy
- Use neutral colors as your foundation. ...
- Choose solid colors. ...
- Wear classic patterns. ...
- Try out a monochrome look. ...
- Don't wear more than three colors. ...
- Mix and match textures. ...
- Wear a high neck and high waist. ...
- Follow the rule of thirds.
Effortless style lies in the balance between comfort and elegance. Seek out comfortable fabrics like cotton, linen, and cashmere that not only feel great but also exude luxury. Mix these materials with tailored pieces to create a harmonious blend of casual and polished elements.
What is a better way to say dressy casual? ›
AKA: "Business casual," "trade-show chic," "town dress," "urban chic," "city dress." Come as you Are! Translation: Flexible but not sloppy—even a laid-back daytime happening is still a party. You can wear anything from jeans to a dress to a relaxed suit, like this camel ensemble on model and actress Carol Alt.
Are leggings dressy casual? ›
Are Leggings Business Casual? Despite the idea that leggings are exclusive to working out and lounging, we all know that our humble leggings can be much more than that. Leggings can be business casual when paired with work-appropriate pieces that look more suitable in an office than on the gym floor.
What do guys wear for dressy casual? ›
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual: This is somewhere in between co*cktail and casual attire. Think of a neat button-down shirt paired with tailored trousers, potentially accompanied by a blazer or a sophisticated sweater. Ties are optional here but can add a touch of refinement.
Are dress pants dressy casual? ›
Dress pants, on the other hand, offer a dressier appearance and are available in more styles. For a more casual appearance, slacks are probably the better choice. For a formal appearance, dress pants are probably the better choice. With that said, you can choose either slacks or dress pants.
What makes a woman look classy? ›
If you're trying to be elegant, start by wearing classic styles of clothing, like knee-length skirts and tailored button-down shirts, and choosing clothes made from high-quality fabrics, like silk and satin. Never too baggy, never too tight; the clothing of an elegant woman looks like it was made to fit just her.
How to look effortlessly put together? ›
In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips to help you achieve an effortless but put-together look.
- Dress for the Occasion. ...
- Fit is Key. ...
- Classic Accessories for a Business Casual Outfit. ...
- Pay Attention to Grooming. ...
- Choose Your Footwear Wisely. ...
- Declutter and Organize. ...
- Time Management. ...
- Confidence is Key.
Instead, opt for classic cuts on most items of clothing. This will keep you looking timelessly elegant. Knee length skirts with even hem lines, tailored button-down shirts in men's style, and knee-length trench coats are among a large number of classic cut items. Wear clothes that fit.
How can I look attractive in simple way? ›
- Get your sweat on. Break a sweat and it could help lift your spirits. ...
- Give some compliments. Let those close to you know how great they are. ...
- Put a smile on. ...
- Give yourself a pep talk. ...
- Don't self-sabotage. ...
- Avoid making judgmental comments. ...
- Assess your relationships with others. ...
- Have a sense of humor.
A professional top would be a button-down shirt, a dressy blouse, or a collared top. Again, your top can incorporate color, it just has to stabilize out your outfit. If your bottoms are a muted color, opt for a colored shirt. If your bottoms are the outfit piece adding color, wear a more neutral top.
How to make normal clothes look fancy? ›
Try layering.
- Wear two tops with different necklines.
- Wear a cute vest, shrug or bolero with a top or dress.
- Wear a camisole or tank top beneath an open blouse.
- Wear a sweater or cute leather jacket.
- Wear a shawl in the evening.
Add Costume Jewelry
Add a statement necklace to your dress, whether it's a 16-inch necklace featuring wide stones and resin pieces or long strands of gold and silver. Or, slip on a wrist full of bangle charm bracelets and a huge co*cktail ring, and watch your outfit suddenly shine.
