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35 Casual Outfits To Copy Now: These Are The Casual Clothes We're Investing in in 2021
We're looking to the likes of fashion stars Ellie Delphine and Alexis Foreman to figure out what casual clothes we need to buy, and outfits we can be inspired by in 2021
After a year of hibernation, we've lost all sense of what casual clothes actually are.
Given that we've been stuck in lounge and sportswear for this long, we thought it would be good to have a little refresher on what makes a fantastic casual outfit, taking cue from content creators (and stylish women) such as Brittany Bathgate and Monikh Dale.
These women, while totally nailing dressing up in Cecilie Bahnsen gowns, bold red lips and super high heels, have a particular knack for dressing down, something that is easier said than done. Classic pairings of fisherman sandals and cable knit jumpers are employed by Alexis Foreman, comfy loungewear is a go-to for Abisola Marvel, while Alyssa Coscarelli opts for 1970s jackets and groovy prints, Ellie Delphine pushes the limits of 'casual' in short shorts and minis and Stephanie Broek takes minimalism to the extreme in navy, white and black.
While jeans and trainers are obvious contenders for the best casual clothes (for good reason), we don't think you should be sleeping on roomy shirt dresses, good quality sandals, sturdy bodysuits and chunky knits. While some items work for every budget, we think sometimes these casual staples are worth investing in, to ensure even on your most chill of days, you feel luxe.
From the right New Balance trainers to nab, to styling tricks that with give life to even the dullest pair of leggings, here are 35 casual outfits to inspire your next trip to the shop.
Birkenstocks ftw
The German shoe has timeless ugly shoe appeal, so much so they won't stop selling out, so nab yours when you can.
Rock a statement coat
Keep your jeans and T-shirt interesting with a patterned, statement coat. Buying a lightweight, but oversized coat also means you can wear it for multiple seasons, but with different layers underneath.
Crop it up
A cropped jumper is a fun way to play with proportions while keeping comfy. They also work well over dresses and skirt when picnic season rolls around.
Try short shorts
Tights, a puffer jacket and boots mean no matter the chill, you can try short shorts. Leather, of faux leather, also makes it feel a little more grown up.
Go hands free with a crossbody bag
While we can only dream of owning The Row's crossbody bag, we look to Arket's nylon version for ultimate practical points that won't break the bank.
Swaddle yourself in a jumper dress
Size up in a merino or cashmere dress for ultimate cosy vibes. This also works for at-home loungewear.
Borrow royal style with a quilted jacket
Quilted coats are everywhere at the moment, and for good reason - they look so cute, while still being very practical. They work best over denim jeans, but also adorable over a mini dress.
Dare in cream jeans
To be worn all year round, risk the stains with cream jeans. Remember to hold back from washing your jeans too much, a sit in the freezer every now and then is most of the cleaning they need.
Sports and workwear combined
Be it loafers and leggings, or a shirt with a sweater, mix formal pieces for loungewear for that louche look. We love how Broek has left her shirt poke out of the bottom of her sweater.
Forever frayed jeans
You can either take your own scissors to your straight-leg jeans, or buy pre-distressed. The plus-side to DIY-ing is that you can control their length.
Colour drench your loungewear
Even the comfiest of loungewear looks more put together when all in one hue. Extra points for going all white like Marvel.
Relaxed tailoring at home
Size up in wide-leg suit trousers, preferably palazzo, and in a natural fabric. These can take you from home to office (when the time comes).
Not-so-prim A-line skirts
Opt for conservative styles with chunky shoes and knits. We love a-line skirts in leather, wool or even a technical fabric.
Suits you
Oversized tailoring can be dressed down with trainers.
Get on the chunky sole trend
Big boots with big clompy treads toughen up even the sweetest ensemble.
That '70s style
A retro leather jacket elevates even the oldest of band T-shirts.
A cardigan as top
There should be nothing between you and your knitwear, not even a bra.
Long live the shacket
Part shirt, part jacket, the shacket is a casual clothes must.
Hoodies are back
Layer your luxe hoodie under a crisp trench coat.
You're a tennis skirt pro
Tennis skirts were everywhere last summer, and we predict this year will be no different.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
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