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Casual chic is a phrase you’ll see thrown around on blogs and magazine articles. You might be wondering, what is casual-chic style? It’s an aesthetic that rarely comes with a definition. But don’t worry! I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about casual chic and how you can master this style.
What is Casual Chic style?
Casual chic is all about looking smart without wearing a head-to-toe formal outfit. It’s when you mix sophisticated and streetwear pieces to create an effortlessly stylish look. Yep, it’s that simple! You want to make it look like your outfit took five minutes to put together, while still being polished.
What you wear on the weekend when you’re off the clock is likely to be a casual chic look. If you’re looking for inspiration, one place to search is celebrity paparazzi photos. Jessica Alba, Meghan Markle, and Reese Witherspoon all are great sources of casual chic inspiration.
There are no set rules for casual chic style. It’ll look different from person to person as it incorporates items from your closet instead of focusing on new trends. A classic casual chic styling trick is to add a pair of high heels to your favorite jeans and t-shirt outfit. To achieve a casual chic look, you want to bring together everyday pieces with something a little more elevated to make them more sophisticated.
To take this style quite literally, you can mix a casual piece with a chic piece, such as sneakers with a blazer or a graphic tee with loafers.
You can thank the Parisians for giving us the idea of casual chic! If you want to learn how to perfect the French look, then make sure you check out these posts. Channel your inner French woman while standing in front of your wardrobe!
If you’re not sure where to start with your casual chic fashion, here a few recommendations for must-have pieces that you can mix and match together!
What is Casual Chic Style? 8 Pieces to Get That Style
1. Silk Scarf
The easiest way to make any outfit casual chic is by adding a scarf. You want to invest in a silk scarf that you can throw on over a t-shirt or a dress.
Silk scarves are a wardrobe staple, and you can wrap them in a dozen different ways. This accessory is also the pinnacle of Parisian chic. Take some time to learn a few different ways of tying your silk scarf, as this can help determine how casual your outfit will look!
2. Tailored Blazer
A blazer is one way to take a casual outfit and give it a tailored finish. For the casual chic look, you’ll want to find a blazer that fits your body well and flatters your figure. A black blazer will go with any casual chic look and I love how it can instantly make your outfit look more polished.
3. A Classic Bag
Part of nailing casual chic style is having the right bag. A classic leather bag is one you should have in your wardrobe, but a bag with the right pattern or fabric can give your outfit a whole new look too.
Whether it’s an oversized tote or a top-handle bag with faux crocodile leather, you want to have a statement bag in your closet to tie all your looks together.
4. Add a Print
When people think of casual chic, they tend to assume that it’s all neutral colors and minimalistic outfits. And while that’s my favorite look, it’s not the only way to achieve this style! A classic print can make any outfit chic.
Preppy fashion goes hand in hand with casual chic, making stripes the perfect print to experiment with. If you’re more of an animal fan, leopard is a timeless print that will always be chic. You can get your feet wet by experimenting with accessories that use a print before diving into the deep end with a blouse or dress.
sweater (similar) | shoes | tote bag
5. Ballet Shoes
What is casual chic style? It’s Audrey Hepburn. The actress turned humanitarian was the personification of the idea of casual chic! Audrey Hepburn was almost always spotted on film sets wearing a pair of ballet shoes.
You don’t need to make your feet suffer in a pair of heels to look chic. Ballet shoes come in every color and print you could ever want. They pair perfectly with any outfit. If you want to channel your inner Audrey, wear your ballet flats with a pair of cigarette pants and a long-sleeve top.
6. Crisp White Shirt
A staple of Parisian fashion is the crisp white shirt. A white shirt can take a pair of simple denim jeans and make workwear appropriate in the blink of an eye.
Although it’s a neutral color, white will always make a statement. Throw your hair back in an elegant chignon and let your white shirt take center stage.
7. Skinny Jeans
If you google ‘casual chic style’, you’re guaranteed to find thousands of pictures of women wearing skinny jeans. Denim jeans are a unique piece that can jump between casual and semi-formal depending on how you style them. The cut of your jeans is always something to consider, with skinny jeans lending themselves more to the casual-chic style.
Skinny jeans work because they help to elongate your legs and they help create the look effortless chic. Nowadays, there are lots of different jean styles to try and I’m a fan of the straight leg or cropped look as well.
8. Sunglasses
Putting on a pair of oversized sunglasses is one way to make yourself feel like a put-together woman. There’s something mysterious and alluring about seeing a person hiding behind a pair of shades. You could be heading out of the gym in your yoga bottoms and a hoodie, while still looking chic with your sunglasses.
Find a pair that complements your face shape with a color that works for your complexion. The right sunglasses will help to make your face appear slimmer and give you a smart look with zero effort.
For even more information on this style, check out the Easy To Follow Casual Chic Style Guide for Every Woman!
