You can look great in a suit. You can look great if you have the money and a skilled tailor who knows his or her stuff. You just need to hand over the cash and let them tailor something to fit your body. You just need to tie your tie.
Casual dress is not as easy. While a suit is a uniform that compliments itself, casual dress is not the same. You have to wear different clothes on your own and you don’t have a tailor to protect you.
The suit was men’s default outfit for so long. However, the suit is no longer required for work. According to one survey, one in ten people wears one to work. This means that they spend less time on casual clothing and are more likely to be comfortable. Where do you start? There are many business casual and smart casual dress guides. But what about dressing well when dress codes don’t apply?
The History of Keeping It Casual
The 1950s are the most fashionable decade for casual dress for men. Teenagers in America and Britain wanted something more, a life that was different from the monotony of corporate life and the austerity of war. The suits and formal wear were gone, and jeans and freedom were in.
The Wild One and Rebel Without a Cause had significant impact. Music stars like Little Richard and Elvis Presley only added to the youthquake. This new mood was more about excitement and passion than suppression and rations. The anti-establishment uniform (jeans, T-shirt, and leather jacket) best captured this.
Denim and specifically denim jeans are the biggest fashion takeaway from this period. They were originally created as a uniform for west coast gold miners. However, they were revived in the 1950s as a staple of casual and anti-conformist clothing. They have been the backbone of casual attire for every decade since then.
What is Casual Dress?
There are no rules in casual dress. This is the first rule. It is possible to wear whatever you like and still be considered casual. But that’s the problem. There are no rules or guidelines. Some men find it easier to just follow the crowd. The next time you visit the pub on Saturday night, look out for the identikit drinkers dressed in jeans and a untucked shirt. This is fine. However, to be noticed in casualwear takes some effort.
There are also the ever-changing goals of casual dress. Fashion brands realized that casual clothing is the place where people spend the most money, after the decline of the suit. This explains, at least partially, why Gucci, Dior Prada, Louis Vuitton, and Prada – all luxury fashion houses that have over 400 years combined history – are now ‘hype’ brands. They react to the lucrative streetwear market that is currently dominating the sector and collaborate with them.
These brands used to stick to traditional tailoring until a few decades ago. But now, anything goes. From PS400 sliders, to monogrammed LV X Supreme hoodies, which are re-selling on ebay for eight grand. Balenciaga and Vetements’ “DHL” T-shirts are just the beginning. Can you dress casually and not look ridiculous? Well, yes. It is.
This is actually the beauty of casual clothes. You don’t have to spend a lot to look great, unlike with tailoring. If you are unsure where to begin, just follow the pointers below. These “rules” are not meant to be followed and are only suggestions. However, they can serve as a starting point if you are looking for casual style inspiration.
These are the 6 Rules of Togel Casual Dress
Fitting is Important
Casual attire can be just as important as tailored clothing. You don’t have to be tailored. What should the fit of your clothing be? It all depends on what look you want and how your body is constructed.
Traditionalists will say that a slim-but-not-restricting fit should be the ideal to aim for, but there’s been a shift towards looser styles in reason seasons, with boxy shirts, and outerwear, and wide-legged trousers proving popular amongst designers and fashion-forward consumers. There is still a case for clothing that flatters the body, but it’s not too tight.
Fit is the most important aspect of clothing, and should be taken into consideration above all else.
Find out what you’re comfortable in
If you aren’t comfortable wearing the latest streetwear, it’s not worth spending money on hoards. Wear what you like, no matter how many you have.
Keep it simple
Minimalist style isn’t necessarily in fashion right now. Instead, big logos and bold statement pieces are the trend. Simple, minimalistic clothing is still fashionable. However, simple, unadorned clothes will always be in fashion. For casual casual style, mix and match simple, easy-to-wear pieces. For inspiration, look to A.P.C. and AMI for ideas, or to high-street brands like COS and Arket to find well-made, unfussy clothes.
Details are key
A combination of a T-shirt and a denim jean is the most versatile casual outfit. You can tuck, untuck, or half-tuck your T-shirt. Roll or leave the sleeves as they are. You can pinroll your jeans or have them tailored. Jeans in slim or relaxed cuts? All these subtle variations and tweaks make a significant difference.
Find a Uniform
While many people find the idea a uniform is restrictive and limiting, others find it a way to simplify and reduce. You can dress in a way that is easy and comfortable, similar to wearing a suit. This will allow you to save time in your morning routine and give you more time for coffee or sitting at the edge of your bed contemplating the big issues. Or just looking at memes.
You can find a casual uniform in style with a mix of white Oxford shirts, navy trousers and white sneakers. A preference for black might mean that you have black jeans and a leather jacket. Google “Jeff Goldblum leather Jacket” to find out more.
You can’t ignore the latest trends, but you shouldn’t be ruled by them
Trends dominate casual style, whether they are high-end or low-end. While this is great, trends will soon be out of fashion. If you want to be able to plan for the future, don’t try to follow trends. Instead, invest in pieces that will last. For example, a solid bomber jacket rather than the Vetements DHL Tshirt.
It is a good rule to only use one “trend” item per outfit, such as a logo baseball hat. Keep the rest simple.