If your employer has a dress code, figuring out what to wear most days isn’t hard. However, with so many options in menswear, evenings and weekends can be more difficult to dress for. How casual is too casual? How do you dress when you’d like to go somewhere nice but not fancy enough for suit and tie? It’s probably time to build up your casual wardrobe; here are four tips for finding your personal casual style.
Denim Has A Place
Most people depend on denim jeans in their casual wardrobe, but while those are a great option, you can be a little more creative too. You can add a couple denim shirts to your closet and wear one over a plain t-shirt or with khakis. While denim is a very versatile option, you shouldn’t be wearing blue jeans every day. Try out different colors of jeans, and experiment with different fabrics too. Khakis and colored chinos might not be your usual style, but don’t be afraid to experiment with them to find a style you like.
Textures to Catch the Eye
A great way to subtly elevate your casual fashion is to introduce some new textures. Cotton and polyester are fine, but they become routine quickly. Consider adding something like a suede or leather jacket to your look. It will add a little extra pop to your look without looking out of place. As the weather gets colder, sweaters are also a good option. An added benefit is that many of these pieces will also expand your color scheme.
Add A Bit of Flair
Men’s apparel tends to be less colorful than women’s clothing, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. Details can make or break your look, so pay attention to them. Look for items that have something about them that stands out, like contrasting collars or embroidery detail. These details might not seem like much, but they can pull your outfit together and elevate the whole look. If you’re uncomfortable starting with anything flashy, don’t. Start with basic colors and patterns and branch out from them as you gain confidence in your design skills.
Don’t Forget the Footwear
It’s easy to depend on sneakers and to dread dress shoes, but there’s a whole world of designs and styles between those. From Oxfords to loafers to boat shoes to a wide variety of boots, your shoes can change the tone of your whole outfit. While you can often find shoes at discount prices, be careful that they aren’t also made with discount quality. A well-made pair of shoes should last you several years. You don’t need to get rid of all your sneakers, but you should try adding some new styles of shoes as well. Paired with the right outfit, they can help you look more respectable and stylish.
Your casual wardrobe can be as detailed and quality as your dress clothes for work. Start adding pieces slowly to make sure that you’re building, rather than being limited by, your casual style. If you’ve got a special event coming up, invest in clothes that make you feel confident to build your casual wardrobe with care.
