What does the word casual mean to you? What I think it means may be totally different from what you think. Basically, according to the all-knowing internet, a casual outfit is something that is relaxing. It’s comfortable and it’s for everyday wear. This can mean so many different things! It can mean wearing those trusty jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers or it can be fancied up a bit. I’m going to be honest…I was a little put off that the “net” says flip flops are EXCLUDED in casual wear! Yes! I said it. Hold your britches all you Southerners! Everyone knows we wear flip-flops almost all year-’round. And sweats or gym clothes….say bye-bye. Nope. No revealing clothing, ripped or distressed outfits, or graphic t-shirts. So, does that change the picture in your mind about what a casual outfit is?
Well, it does for me! So, my version of a casual outfit is now a laid-back, comfortable outfit that looks great, isn’t offensive and you can wear it in any store without getting banned! Oh, and you have to look good enough for everyone to think you look great! That about covers it, right?
If that’s not enough, there are actually DIFFERENT kinds of casual outfits. Let’s see if you and I can agree on these definitions, as well as the pros and cons of these styles.
Active Casual – this is kind of a sporty look, without the sweats or gym clothes. Like you are going to a sporty event, but you aren’t IN the sporting event.
This used to be stuff you would wear to the gym but now has become mainstream clothing. You know the ones…leggings or loose shorts, tennis skirts, workout shirts, etc. You know the ones that we used to say “aren’t pants” but are now! So, you basically look like you are going to work out, but you aren’t. You are making a Walmart or Target run – and without the “run” part. You pin up your hair because you didn’t have time or energy to do it. You may or may not have on makeup or any jewelry. You might be wearing sneakers or even flip-flops. Let’s move on and list the pros and cons of active casual wear.
- Pros – so comfy! Stretchy pants leave room for a good meal, shorts let the air in, and shirts leave us cool and non-sweaty. You can go grocery shopping or out with a friend to grab a fast-food lunch AND you can work out in them! Great for running regular errands. Need I say more?
- Cons – shows all my jelly rolls because they are usually a bit tight, shirts don’t cover the bottom very well (Repeat after me – “Leggings are NOT pants!”), and not made to eat at a nice place and pretty frowned upon when out with a group to dinner or a party.
Smart Casual – this is just regular ‘ole casual. Nice, fitted tops and bottoms with a little bit of jewelry and effort.
Basically, something that looks good on you and is more than just a little comfortable. You actually wear something that makes you look nice. You can visit with friends, go to a casual place for lunch or coffee and go shopping at the mall. The colors aren’t faded and you don’t have this mornings’ toothpaste splattered all over you. You made an effort to fix your hair and you put some light makeup on with nice earrings or a thin necklace. Nothing fancy, but a step up from yoga pants. You maybe even have jeans on with a nice fitted t-shirt or a cotton skirt. Um, dressy flip-flops go here! So do sandals!
- Pros – You look more put together. You are still comfortable and you have a little style. You can go just about anywhere except out to a nice dinner. This is your “get stuff done” but you still look good outfit and accessories.
- Cons – Not many here. Hey, you look good! You look normal, but don’t show up to work unless you are dropping something off.
Dressy Casual – now we can show up to work and even church! You kept the casual but got a little gussied up.
You might still have on jeans, but you have a designer shirt or a silky type shirt on. You can even do slacks, a dress, or a skirt, but you have on dress shoes or a wedge or a slight heel. You feel good and you look good! You can go to a party and you can go to church all in the same outfit! This is the perfect time to put on eye-catching jewelry, curl or wear your hair down and “put on” your face. If you aren’t a Southerner, that means you put a little more makeup on. LOL. You match your bag to your outfit and you probably smell good, too!
- Pros – You feel good about yourself and you really look good. You feel more confident and you look the part! People compliment you and you can now be in a photo shoot and you look professional enough to go to work. Also, unless you put on an outfit that has been in your closet for 10 years, you are most likely blending in with the stylish people. Except you, Aunt Betty! You know you bought that dress in 1992. It’s time to head to the mall and get a new style!
- Cons – You may or may not be comfortable! Just sayin’. You also have to put in a little more money for dressy casual outfits and you have to spend a lot of time trying on things to find what looks good on you.
Business Casual – dress pants or skirts, button-down tops, and dressy shoes. Everything business-like. Interview style.
This is my least favorite type of casual outfit. You have to look professional and look like you know what you are doing. You have to put on some confidence and wear mostly boring colors and tops with collars. Dark colors. Browns, blacks, grays with a hint of color. Just a hint. Don’t want to show too much independence here. That’s why it’s called business casual. You have some business to do. Just basically look like you are going to a funeral or a meeting or maybe visiting someone at the hospital. Your feet hurt because you are squeezed into hard shoes, your waist hurts because those pants aren’t stretchy, and your neckline pulls at you all day.
- Pros – You look like you know what you are doing. You look powerful and like you are about to get down to business!
- Cons – You have to spend a LOT of money and time picking these types of clothes out. You are uncomfortable, especially if you have to sit all day in a meeting in business clothes. You may look like you are dressed like a school principal or like you are going to a funeral. At least wear some kind of bright color or nice pattern. But hey, you are here to get a job done, right?
Now that you have been schooled on the correct types of casual fashion and style, leave us some tips for making each type of style look better. We would love to hear your best fashion tips or even to share links to the best places to buy casual wear.
Drop me a comment if you need help shopping or find me on Facebook under South GA Girl Deals. I can look around for you and share the results.