How To Achieve Classic Casual Style

Want to know how to achieve classic casual style- the kind that looks effortless, polished, and timeless? It’s a style many women strive for, but striking the right balance between relaxed and refined can feel tricky. How do you look put together without looking overdone? And how do you keep it casual without feeling underdressed?

The secret is in simple yet impactful styling tweaks that elevate even the most basic pieces. In this post, I’m sharing exactly how to achieve classic casual style with key wardrobe essentials, effortless outfit formulas, and styling tips that will help you achieve an easy, polished look. No matter the occasion.

How To Achieve Classic Casual Style

To truly master classic casual style, you first need to understand what defines it is. Once you do, curating a wardrobe and putting together effortless, intentional outfits becomes second nature.

What Is Classic Casual Style

Classic casual style is all about blending comfort and sophistication. It strikes the perfect balance between elegance and ease, allowing you to look polished without feeling overdone. Think tailored denim, crisp button-downs, ballet flats, simple dresses, and high-quality basics- pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night.

Classic casual style is versatile, refined, and intentionally simple, making it easy to create outfits that feel put together with minimal effort. Here are a few tips to help you get that effortless look that has people saying- I love her outfit!

How To Dress Classic Casual

Opt for Tailored Fits

When it comes to achieving classic casual style, the right fit is everything. Being petite, I often have my pants hemmed. Whether it’s taking something in or letting it out, a tailor can really make a difference in how something fits and looks on your body. When the fit is right, everything just comes together.

Choose High-Quality Fabrics

High-quality fabrics like linen, cotton, cashmere, and silk can instantly elevate any outfit. There are plenty of affordable brands out there offering great pieces for fair prices. I love this brand for high-quality but affordable cotton, cashmere and silk pieces.

 Consider A Go-To Outfit Uniform

Having a simple, repeatable outfit formula makes getting dressed easier. Think of it as your go-to uniform. That may look a little different for everyone. For me it’s a button-up shirt (I have a variety of simple styles and shirts with more intricate details like this one) and polished jeans. Depending on the season and occasion, my shoes can be sandals, loafers, boots, or heels.

You may prefer chino pants over jeans, or a timeless summer dress and sandals, but find an outfit formula that is comfortable and works with your style.

These versatile tops work with both jeans and pants and are elevated yet casual. Swipe through to see them all:

Easy dresses where you can swap out the shoes:

Make Simple Updates

To keep your classic casual style fresh and current, update key pieces with modern silhouettes and subtle details. For example, over the last 2 years, we all swapped our skinny jeans in favor of straight-leg and wide-leg jeans (although skinny jeans are coming back- did you know?).

Shoes can also use some updates to make your outfits feel more classic yet modern. While ballet flats remain timeless, small details can make them feel more current- like wearing raffia fabric, woven textures, and ballet flats with a slingback!

Here are a few more modern updates to the classics:

Where to Invest and Where to Save

Classic casual dressing is about buying fewer, better pieces, but not everything has to be designer-priced. Here’s how to invest wisely while still shopping smart:

Key Pieces to Invest In:

• Classic Coats–  Sezane and J. Crew have great quality wool coats as well as trench coats at a reasonable price.
• High-quality Shoes (like leather loafers and ballet flats)- Your feet are one of the most important investments, after-all you walk everyday, sometimes all day. Well fitting and supportive shoes are a must! My go-to brands for comfort and style are Margaux, Inez, and Sarah Flint.
• Tailored Blazer– Unless a blazer is part of your go-to “uniform”, you only need one or two. I love a great black or navy blazer, and a light tan or camel blazer for creating different seasonal looks. J.Crew and Sezane make beautiful blazers for the price, while Smythe and Veronica Beard are amazing but at higher price-points.
• Well-fitting Jeans– Finding a pair that you love and feel good in is important. Jeans can really fall into the “Invest in” or the “Save on” category, depending on how often you wear them and what styles you feel best in. My most-worn jeans are from Mother and Paige, although I also have some from Gap and Madewell that I love!.

Save On:

• Basic Layering Tees and Tanks– Sezane makes my favorite t-shirts (like this one), but I also have a few from Madewell that I often reach for.
• Sunglasses– A chic pair of sunglasses is a must-have, but unless you’re really invested in a luxury pair, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that look just as stylish. Warby Parker and Sezane offer great quality sunglasses at a fraction of the price of designer brands.
• Trend-driven Accessories– While we are all about timeless fashion over here, it is fun to play around with seasonal trends. This is where you can opt to save though. Whether it’s a statement necklace, a fun beach tote, or a seasonal scarf.
• Handbags (For Everyday Use)– While a high-quality leather bag is worth investing in (I love my Chloe Marcie bag, and my YSL college bag for everyday use), you can find stylish options without spending a fortune. Madewell and J.Crew often have beautiful bags that balance quality with a more reasonable price tag.

For more tips on curating a timeless and versatile wardrobe, check out my French Capsule Wardrobe post, where I break down essential pieces for creating an effortlessly chic closet. It’s all about selecting those key, versatile items that create a refined, yet effortless style- perfect for any occasion.

 

Classic Casual Outfits

Timeless Tank Dress with a Classic Denim Jacket

An easy dress like this tank dress, is one of those wardrobe staples that’s endlessly versatile. And when you pair it with a classic denim jacket, it instantly leans more casual while still feeling put together. This is the kind of outfit that easily transitions from day to night, just by changing your shoes and accessories.

Here, I styled it with darker tan, or cognac, block heels and beaded necklace keep the look grounded and relaxed. The raffia tote adds that laid-back, effortless feel that makes classic casual style look so easy.

For a dressier occasion, just swap the block heels for gold strappy heels (these are my go-to pair, plus you can take 15% off with TARA15SPRING25), add some refined gold jewelry like this white sapphire necklace, and finish with a clutch or small shoulder bag. A light-weight pashmina wrap is perfect if needed an extra layer in the evening.

Feminine White Blouse and Straight-Leg Jeans

This is one of those classic casual outfits I reach for again and again- a true go-to uniform that always works. A white button-up feels timeless no matter what, but the broderie lace detail on this one adds a soft, feminine touch that makes it feel extra special.

I paired it with these straight-leg jeans (always a flattering choice), my go-to tan block heel sandals , and a statement necklace for an easy, everyday look that still feels pulled together. The large raffia tote brings in a relaxed, laid-back vibe, perfect for spring days or weekend errands. You could easily swap in a structured handbag and a pair of statement earrings if you’re heading somewhere a little more polished.

Chic Loungewear Set

Loungewear can absolutely be part of a classic casual wardrobe. Especially when it’s as refined as this matching ivory set. It’s soft, comfortable, and easy to wear, but the matching pieces give it a more elevated feel that makes it look intentional rather than thrown together. You can see the top here and pants here (this brand runs relaxed, I’m wearing size XXS).

I styled it with a structured ivory bag (similar style here) to keep things tonal and polished. The tan leather loafers add a tailored touch. It’s the kind of outfit that works just as well for a casual coffee run as it does for travel days, or working from home when you still want to feel put together.

Effortless T-shirt Dress and Sandals

Sometimes the simplest outfits are the ones you end up loving the most. A t-shirt dress is a warm-weather essential- it’s comfortable, easy to wear, and always feels effortless. The subtle floral print on this one (white floral print here and subtle leopard print here) adds just the right amount of interest while still feeling timeless.

I paired it with neutral wedge sandals to give the look a little lift without sacrificing comfort, and carried my large raffia tote for that relaxed, summery vibe. This is the kind of classic casual outfit you can throw on and go. It’s perfect for vacation days, brunch with friends, or weekend errands. Want to dress it up a bit? Add a pair of gold statement earrings and swap the tote for a small shoulder bag or clutch.

Timeless Shift Dress with Knee High Boots

A shift dress is one of those silhouettes that never goes out of style. This white dress, adds a feminine, slightly vintage feel that’s perfect for transitional seasons (you can take 10% off with my code TARATHORSEN).

I paired it with cognac knee-high boots for a classic, grounded look, and layered a navy wool coat on top for a bit of contrast and warmth. It’s a timeless combination that works for everything from weekend outings to casual dinners. If you want to elevate the look even more, try adding a structured bag and a simple gold necklace.

Mastering how to achieve classic casual style doesn’t require a wardrobe overhaul. It’s all about investing in timeless pieces that you can mix and match effortlessly. By focusing on fit, quality, and a few key essentials, you’ll find that curating a classic casual wardrobe is simple. The goal is to create outfits that are both polished and comfortable, and that make you feel great no matter where you’re going.

Whether you’re putting together your go-to uniform or updating your wardrobe with a few modern pieces, mastering this style is all about versatility and balance. By incorporating a few of these tips into your everyday outfits, you’ll be well on your way to  essence of classic casual style.

Shop These Casual Classics

Scroll or swipe left to see them all:

For more inspiration on curating a timeless, chic wardrobe, check out my post on timeless fashion pieces to invest in.