Fashionable casual clothes. Photo: Fashionable looks in casual style. Important little details of Casual style

Those who are interested in fashion can find the English name “Casual” or “casual style” everywhere - clothes in the style of casual, smart casual or business casual. Casual clothing can be varied, but should not be mixed: casual clothing is not appropriate in the workplace, and at the same time, no one sits in an elegant, smart casual look on the sofa in front of the TV.

What exactly does the name “Casual” mean or what is meant by the expressions “Smart Casual”, “Business Casual” and “Casual Friday”, you will find out further.

Casual: what does it mean in Russian?

If you look in the English dictionary, the concept of “Casual” can be translated as “everyday”, “casual” and “loose informal”. The same can be said about clothing: “casual clothing” is, first of all, relaxed and comfortable wardrobe items that can be worn in your free time: comfortable jeans, colored T-shirts, loose-fitting pullovers and hooded jackets.

But in the workplace, casual also means that you can deviate a little from the strict formal style, but this does not mean that employees can show up to the office wearing jeans and a sweatshirt. Such a name as smart casual (“Smart Casual”) already makes it clear: this style combines ease and an elegant, neat style.

What does casual wear mean?

Everyone knows that moment when, upon coming home after a day of work, formal work clothes are replaced by casual, casual clothes. Sweatpants instead of a tight skirt or a T-shirt instead of a shirt and tie. Also, on weekends, no one really pretenses themselves just to go shopping. This is where casual-style clothing comes to the rescue, which represents a kind of bridge between an elegant style and a cozy home look: comfortable cotton trousers, T-shirts, a pullover with a hood or a simple-cut summer dress are casual-style clothes that can be worn in your free time , but she is also good enough to attract the admiring glances of others.

What is smart casual?

Some time ago, in the business sphere and in the workplace, there were certain (sometimes unwritten) rules regarding correct clothing: for men, a suit and tie were considered mandatory almost everywhere, while women were recommended to choose a suit with a skirt for work and be sure to wear tights with it or a pantsuit. The modern business world has become a little freer and more relaxed: jeans, which were frowned upon two centuries ago, are the favorite clothes for the office, and most men simply replace a tie with a polo shirt or even a T-shirt.

However, there are still a number of nuances and subtle differences in what is allowed and what is not allowed in the office. “Smart casual” is a magic formula: for example, a T-shirt instead of a blouse would be appropriate for office workers. However, in this case, the T-shirt must be a perfect fit and excellent quality that matches the outfit perfectly. Jeans are quite suitable for “smart casual”, but preferably dark blue or black, good cut in combination with nice shoes, for example, heels or ballet flats. But, for example, blue baggy jeans combined with sneakers will be an absolute taboo for the office. For “smart casual”, mostly muted shades are used: dark blue, black, grey, brown or white are ideal for this style. You can add color accents with a beautiful neckerchief or a bright necklace.

What does Business Casual look like?

The lines between business casual and smart casual are a little blurry, but generally business casual fashion is about a higher style. For men, for example, if it is believed that smart casual allows for high quality jeans and a polo shirt, then business casual still involves choosing a classic suit - which in turn has become more casual and the combination with a tie has become optional, but a blouse is no longer mandatory in the office.

What happens on Casual Friday?

The concept of “free Friday” arose already in the 50s in the United States, when many entrepreneurs and banks with strict dress code rules allowed people to appear in the office on Fridays in more casual clothes, thereby setting the mood for the upcoming weekend. “Informal Friday” really took off in the 80s and then became widespread in Europe. Today, “Casual Friday” has lost much of its meaning, as casual dress codes such as business casual or smart casual have gained acceptance on the rest of the week.

In fact, some creative entrepreneurs and companies where a more casual style of dress prevails, on the contrary, introduce “Formal Friday”, when employees deliberately dress more elegantly.

If you want to replenish your wardrobe, it is recommended to divide between casual clothes for free time and smart casual clothes for work. Clothes for free time can be comfortable, bright and relaxed. For summer, a colored T-shirt and knee-length cotton trousers can be ideal casual clothes, but for the office such a combination would simply be inappropriate. On the other hand, smart smart casual pieces like a cashmere Twinset cardigan and dark blue jeans are too good for the house.

At bonprix you will find a wide selection of relaxed casual clothing for free time and elegant smart casual fashion for office everyday life.

Even people who are far from fashion cannot be surprised by the word “casual”, this style has become so ubiquitous. However, if you clarify what it means, many will find it difficult to answer. On the one hand, these are ordinary things, arranged in various ways, but not every such image can be considered casual. What is its essence? We will tell you what casual style is for women, and with photo examples we will confirm the fact that this genre today is the most comfortable and vibrant in the fashion world among all women’s clothing styles.

Basics of casual style

The essence of casual is three simple principles - convenience, practicality and elegance. All of them should sound equally in the image. This means that clothes should be comfortable in order to spend an active day in them, but the image should have a slight twist. On the one hand, those around you should think that you didn’t dress up deliberately for a long time and carefully, but at the same time it should be noticeable that you thought through your image well. It turns out that the casual clothing style for women is not as simple as it might seem at first glance.

Casual clothing appeared in the 70s of the 20th century among football fans in Scotland and England. It may seem strange, but they did not dress in sports or football uniforms, but in comfortable clothes - jeans, polos, sneakers, sweatshirts. Moreover, they chose branded clothing from such prestigious brands as, for example, Lacoste. Over time, this style was adopted by other fans, and later by everyone else. Today, casual style for women is quite popular in fashion, glossy photos confirm its direct involvement in high fashion, and on the streets of the planet almost every second girl is his fan.

Today, casual is divided into four types:

Capsule of casual style

The main rule for all things in your wardrobe is the quality of fabrics and cut and good fit, only then will you get a casual look that is not at all characterized by sloppiness or a “cheap” look.

This pair will be complemented by universal T-shirts, tops and blouses, sweatshirts and cardigans. Choose comfortable shoes - sneakers, loafers, flat boots, ballet shoes, sandals. If you need heels, choose the most comfortable ones, with low or stable heels, with a comfortable last, because the main rule of casual style for women is that the look should be comfortable. Photo:

Advantages and disadvantages of casual style

The casual style is full of advantages - it is comfortable and versatile, a well-chosen look is suitable for work, for an informal meeting, and for a walk on a day off, that is, you do not need many different sets for everyday life. In addition, the things inside the images can be easily mixed with each other, so even a small capsule will allow you to assemble a dozen different sets.

The disadvantages include some difficulty in maintaining style, that is, it is not enough to wear jeans and a white T-shirt to call the image casual; it requires details and accents that will make you unique, but not pretentious. Sometimes this is difficult to achieve and there is a risk of looking bland or, conversely, too fancy.

Another definite disadvantage of the casual style is the inability to add strict white blouses, classic office suits, or, conversely, clothes from such bright style trends as hip-hop.

Casual for different ages. How to put together an image at 30, 40, 50 years old?

In principle, casual style for women is quite universal and suitable for any age. Similar sets can be worn by a student and an elderly but active lady of any age. The main rule is to choose suitable silhouettes.

So jeans, the basis of casual style, should be selected according to age and figure. At 30 years old, it can be any model - skinny, boyfriend, flares, if height allows. In casual style for women over 50 years old, it is better to give preference to straight, classic blue or light blue jeans.

Also, at 50, you should not wear tight T-shirts or knitted jumpers. It is better to opt for a loose-fitting blouse or untucked top, as well as a discreet sweatshirt. The sleeve at this age should also not be short; it is better to always cover the forearm.

The length of the skirt is also important - if at 30 it can be above the knee, then in adulthood the knee needs to be covered to look elegant.

As for accessories, young women are allowed almost everything - massive earrings, large necklaces, bracelets, bright handbags. Casual style for women over 40 has softer outlines and subdued tones. It is better to give preference to large, soft-shaped bags, silk scarves, cashmere or wool stoles. This does not mean that they are not allowed jewelry, but even jewelry should be discreet, elegant and expensive.

What to offer plus size ladies?

Casual style for plus size women is just a godsend. Elongated models of outerwear and autumn clothing, the denim genre, and layering will help hide the shortcomings of a curvy figure like nothing else. A KHL lady's wardrobe must include classic jeans, an elongated vest, a jacket, a men's cut shirt, a cotton jacket, several dresses, and, of course, accessories.

Accessories in casual style

Among the large number of modern images, it is sometimes difficult to understand in what style a person dresses. This is due to the gradual mixing of traditional style trends and the emergence of new options. Gives a special audacity, but at the same time acceptable for everyday wear.casual style of clothing that stands out from everyone else. If it is difficult to determine what style modern urban looks belong to, it will probably be casual.

Translated from English, the word “casual” means “urban” or “everyday”. Creating bows using the principles of this style is easy and relaxed. Options for combining clothes are suitable for going to school, work, meeting with friends, on a first date, or for a simple evening walk. The style originated in Scotland in the late 70s.

To highlight the main features of this principle of clothing combination, it is recommended to study its essence in more detail. Several criteria characterizing casual:

• combining aesthetics, comfort, practicality;
• thoughtfulness of images, which at first glance seems accidental;
• versatility - casual is relevant for older and young people, both rich and thrifty fashionistas will fall in love with it;
• Regardless of figure, height and build, every person has the opportunity to choose a stylish look;
• freedom of action is the basic principle casual : It is allowed to combine any items of clothing of different colors;
• sporty notes - they give the overall appearance freshness, energy and youth.

Self-expression and convenience are among the fundamental characteristics of style. Each person has the opportunity to show themselves without spending a lot of money.

Characteristics and subspecies

Any concept of fashion can be classified into specific varieties. This also applies to the casual style, which is so popular in clothing today. In the wardrobe of a follower of these looks there will always be jeans and T-shirts, but there are distinctions that make it possible to distinguish the following subtypes from the style:

• urban;
• sports;
• business;
• free.

To choose your option, you need to consider each type in more detail.

Urban

This type of casual is also called street casual. The whole feature of wardrobe combination is based on human convenience. Therefore, in order to correctly characterize the stylistic direction, it is recommended to remember all the subtypes of urban styles. A table with the features of the urban option will help you get to know it better.

These criteria are the main characteristics by which urban casual can be distinguished. To create a look, all you need to do is take your favorite clothes from your closet.

Sports

Men's fashion also dictates its own rules, representatives of the stronger sex are forced to obey them. One of the styles suitable for guys is sports casual - here are its main characteristics:

• freedom of movement - a trend that originated in England among football fans, after which it became firmly established in everyday life. The style is characterized by a free style
  clothing that does not have logos or brands, but attracts the eye with its quality;
• noble shades - there is no place for acidity and glamor, which is why men choose sports casual. The wardrobe contains things in dark blue, black, white shades;
• items - men's style , as well as women's casual sports, is distinguished by an abundance of immortal polos, sweaters, comfortable trousers, and shorts. Here you can also find loose jackets, caps and snow-white sneakers.

The combination of colors should be calm: blue is appropriate to wear with beige, and black with white.

You can often see how calmly and nobly businessmen dress at business meetings in informal places: they oftenstick to this style.

Business

People whose profession requires them to be constantly in trend and shape often use a business casual style. It is distinguished by rigor, simultaneous simplicity, and ease. Main features:

• skillful combination of different colors and patterns of clothing;
• strict, slightly fitted shirts;
• colors of the upper part of the wardrobe – blue, light blue, stripe, white;
• cotton chinos;
• classic moccasin-type shoes;
• tweed or corduroy jackets;
• Buttoned jumpers.

As for accessories, it is appropriate to use a strict classic watch, a tie, a pocket square, or a briefcase. Designers say: there is no need to clutter the image with accessories, there should be themminimal amount.

Free

Casual style in clothescharacterized by particular simplicity and ease. When you return home after a long vacation, you don’t want to put on formal attire. For such an occasion, loose casual clothing that suits the taste of men and women will be relevant.

The main features of the free style include:

• simplicity;
• freedom of movement;
• thoughtfulness of the images, although at first glance it seems that the person put on the first thing he came across;
• complete absence of rules;
• convenience and comfortable things.

Designers note that there is no need to think about the beauty of the chosen outfit: loose casual will look stylish and relaxed - this is one of the positive characteristics of the entire stylistic direction.

Who is it suitable for?

The main difference between this style and others is its versatility. As mentioned above, this trend fits perfectly into the wardrobe of mature and young people. Casual fits equally well on a slim figure and curvy figure. The style is relevant for boys and girls, so there is no need to make distinctions. Here are a few categories of people who will like casual:

• youth studying in schools and colleges. If in an educational institution form is not required , then you can safely create an image in a casual style and go gnaw on the granite of science;
• businessmen - fashionable people wardrobes in this style are suitable for people who are constantly on the road for business meetings. Casual is so versatile that any businesswoman will look great in it;
• aged people. Retirement age is a period when you want warmth and tranquility. These are the criteria that casual wear provides with its calm colors and comfort.

Casual style does not include festive outfits, military uniforms, or ceremonial types of clothing. All other wardrobe options can be safely used in this direction.

Wardrobe rules

Each clothing style has its own rules for creating a wardrobe. For men and women they differ in the presence of various accessories, but casual wear has almost identical rules for both sexes.

For men

As already noted, men's casual clothing is distinguished by noble colors and calm images. To create a stylish and comfortable look, you should pay attention to the following combination rules:

• jeans go well with T-shirts and polos;
• It is appropriate to use sweatshirts with inscriptions, front pockets and a hood;
• long sleeves - turtlenecks with long sleeves are a good replacement for T-shirts in cold weather;
• shirts are relevant for business casual style, popular options: stripes, prints and checks;
• trousers made of cotton and linen easily replace traditional options with arrows.

Winter for men designers advise wearing warm knitted sweaters - they harmonize well with jeans of any color.

For women

Casual clothing style for womendistinguished by ease and simplicity of wardrobe items. Fashion does not prohibit the use of bright accents in images, but you should not overdo it. Here are some combination rules:

• warm sweaters and knitted sweatshirts in combination with skinny jeans;
• jeans and shirts are suitable for business and office style;
• cardigans, jackets and sweatshirts also fit well into the style;
• women's clothing in casual styleimplies comfort, so you should choose moccasins, ballet flats or low-top shoes from shoes.

Older women also love this fashion style, because its main feature is convenience. A light white shirt, olive breeches, stylish boots and a scarf - such a lady will not leave anyone indifferent.

Fashion stereotypes lose all meaning when it comes to casual. The word itself means “unintentional”, “accidental” in English. But this is only a formal translation; in fact, the essence is much broader. What it is - casual style, was best explained by fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld. He called it “the appearance of everyday life in all its diverse incarnations.”

The casual style of clothing is characterized by the absence of strict canons, ostentatious negligence, and convenience in street and business fashion. But both in general and in particular, this is a creative approach to creating bold, progressive images that are not just comfortable and practical, but also filled with elegant meaning.

History of the style

Such a fashion phenomenon as casual has its own cultural and social roots. Fashion historians distinguish two versions of origin - British and Scandinavian.

1. The British "pedigree" of this style is most closely connected with the Tedds, or Teddy-boys, subculture. In the 50s of the twentieth century, a youth layer was formed without aristocratic roots and a decent education, but with good capital in their pockets and the ability to dress expensively. It was the Teddy boys who introduced a casual style of clothing that showed disdain for the higher aristocracy. They wore expensive branded items, combining them with deliberate carelessness and maximum comfort for themselves. Thus, the English street gave the world a new fashion trend, which leaked “to the people” through other youth trends: from skinheads to sports fans.
2. The Scandinavian version is based on national traditions of life and costume, which are characterized by multi-layering, while being simple and comfortable. Over time, fashion designers discovered a recipe for the “correct” layering: shake, but do not mix. And preferably expensive and “tasty” ingredients.

Distinctive features

The casual style look is bold and addressed to modern active people. Those who are able to combine a career with family and cope with different roles in society. For girls, this style of clothing was born from the desire to satisfy the needs of those fashionistas who like to dress up easily. For them, convenience comes first, but while maintaining a touch of chic and sophistication in the details. This is what characterizes the features of casual: practicality, comfort and elegance.

And it is the third factor that debunks the myth of the imaginary banality of style. Casual, although based on laconic and simple things, is by no means simple. There is no place for loungewear and a sloppy approach. It requires a sense of taste and style, the ability to choose comfortable things so that they form a unique and memorable ensemble for all occasions.

Types of casual style

Casual - dynamic style of the big city. The use of the wording “urban style” emphasizes the diversity and diversity inherent in the rhythm of a metropolis. And for each aspect of his life, a certain type of casual was formed.

A substyle that subtly combines a strict silhouette with deliberate simplicity. That very simplicity that is worth a lot. This is a kind of business casual style, fully appreciated by “good girls” students. Presents not only elements of representativeness, but also freedom of expression.

The fashion statement of the women's wardrobe in this direction is elegance in everyday life, brightness of colors, harmony of materials, accessories and wardrobe elements.

Achieved with stylish trousers, classic jeans, skirts, blouses without “frills”, a laconic turtleneck, vest, sweater. And, of course, no outfit will take place without an accent scarf, a trendy belt, a fashionable bracelet, matching accessories and a stylish bag. Shoes in the smart casual genre include ballet flats, leather or fabric, slip-ons, Chelsea boots, and low-heeled shoes. The main thing is to find a balance of strict elements with informal details.

2) Business Casual

Business casual style is close to the previous fashion genre, but has a more subtle approach. What is allowed in smart mode is not suitable for business. For example, smart casual for men allows you to wear branded jeans with a polo shirt, while business casual style is more likely to be characterized by a classic suit, but without a tie.

The main feature: a person who chooses business casual looks quite formal, but at the same time feels relaxed. Suitable for those who are burdened by a strict dress code and want to brighten up their office wardrobe. It’s not for nothing that this substyle received the unofficial name “Friday office fashion.”

3) Active and sporty casual

Sports as a casual style does not mean working out in a fitness club or morning jogging. It rather characterizes a lifestyle and wardrobe with elements of a sporty nature. This means that clothes for the gym and running should remain there - near the exercise machine and treadmill. But a variety of kangaroo sweatshirts, polos, T-shirts and all other things that convey a message specifically to an active lifestyle constitute active and sporty casual.

Stylish sweatshirts, sneakers and jeans are the main capsule of the wardrobe of this substyle. Important signs are the minimum of accessories and the choice of materials. Fans of sporty casual love modern fabrics such as neoprene, fuser and cozy knitwear, providing freedom of movement and a feeling of lightness.

If you add a little flight of fancy to the freedom of movement, and replace a walk in the park with a promenade along the embankment, you get street casual. Compared to other casual fashion trends, it is the most eccentric and careless. It is characterized by an extraordinary combination of bright accessories and familiar things. The most daring wear leg warmers and knee socks in patterns dictated by fashionable geometry. They are not shy about being hooligan by wearing extravagant hats and caps.

In general, with the choice of street casual, there are endless opportunities to demonstrate your style and uniqueness. And although it is completely unacceptable for business circles, it is great for lunch in a cafe or a shopping trip with a friend.

What the casual chic style includes was first described by Nino Cerutti. He also released the first collection in this fashion genre. The motto here could be the phrase “combine the incongruous,” namely: expensive fabric with a simple cut, a simple outfit with luxurious decoration. And the word “chic” in the definition of style in no way calls for wearing jeans with stones and hanging around with sparkling jewelry. Restraint and elegance reign here too.

Casual chic ready-to-wear collections are not uncommon on the high catwalk. Armani, a worthy successor to Cerutti's ideas, has especially succeeded in this. And no matter how conservative designers, who consider casual to be a lower class of style, puff themselves up, it has already conquered both fashion trendsetters and the mass consumer.

What to wear with

Casual style images, for all their democracy, are built on certain principles:

1. multilayer;
2. basic simple things;
3. high quality things;
4. a harmonious combination of prints and shades, not necessarily trendy;
5. use of accessories.

Excluded: old-fashioned clothing, deliberate sexuality. Loose-fitting items are welcome, but this is not the same as oversize clothing. The base of any casual look is simple T-shirts, tank tops, chinos and jeans (skinny, flared, boyfriend), and a sweater that matches the ensemble.

The most feminine followers of the style will need dresses and skirts in their wardrobe. For example, curvy midi models in a duet with sneakers have already become classics of the genre. But the most typical dresses in casual style are the “sweater” model, the noodle dress, the shirt dress, as well as a minimalist sheath without unnecessary decorative elements. They are chicly complemented by long, laconic wool vests or cocoon coats.

Shoes and accessories

The choice of shoes is dictated first of all by the season, and only then by your own taste and mood. Basic shoes in casual style are sneakers, slip-ons, loafers, low shoes with flat soles, ballet shoes. Your favorite sneakers, if they are not overtly sporty, will fit into the look of almost any style. But it was not without reason that the call was made to “combine the incompatible.” Therefore, boots with spikes, studs, unusual fur decor, the newly fashionable leopard print and snake pattern can become the main accent in a casual look. And at the same time justify its newfangled name - statement shoes.

As for bags, their role is to be a discreet, unobtrusive companion. Primary requirements; laconic design, comfortable handle and spaciousness. This is the shopper model - the ideal bag in casual style. An alternative could be a city backpack that is relevant today. Well, for a casual glamor look, a laconic clutch was created - an excellent pair for elegant low-heeled pumps. The main thing is not to confuse casual glamor with a new look, just like other subtypes of casual with grunge style, etc. Then layering will be appropriate, the image will be collected, and fashionable accents will be in their place.

In order to understand the style, it is enough to return for a moment to everyday life, where the main attention is drawn to the time inexorably flying by. Casual is a style that has subjugated the most common values ​​and people’s attitude towards clothing. To be its adherent, it is not enough to deliberately give new things a wrinkled look; on the contrary, casual does not support self-disdain. Casual is not only a clothing style, but also a lifestyle.

You can describe the casual style in a few words - this is complete freedom of choice in clothing, emotions and in a holistic way. Fashionable representatives of this culture prefer to buy things spontaneously, while trying to maintain a stylish wardrobe without paying extra money for clothes. In other words, casual strives to combine the most practical properties of clothing - versatility, relevance, comfort, adequacy.

Casual is a style for every day. You can carry out a lot of experiments with it, for example, combining the most ordinary everyday clothes with popular new items and then deduce from this own lookbook, taste or manners.

The history of the emergence of the Casual style

Strange as it may seem, the style originates not on the fashionable boulevards of Paris, but opposite on the streets of the quiet town of Aberdeen in the north of Scotland. Its appearance was facilitated by members of the local football club, who decided not to follow traditions and, instead of the uniform of their favorite team, wore items from fashionable brands at that time - Sergio Tacchini and Fila.

Later, the style of the club's fans became not only popular, it was used for a long time as a business card, which helped form the first idea of ​​Casual, and later provoked a rapid growth in style fashion throughout Europe.

The main idea of ​​Casual and its difference from other styles

The style hides several main ideas, among which greater attention is focused on freedom of expression, as well as on lack of strict rules when choosing clothes and accessories. If you translate the meaning of the word casual, you get several key words - casual, everyday, careless, not formal.

It is very difficult to define the boundaries of a casual wardrobe, because to create an image you can use almost any thing from jeans, skirts, cardigans to shirts and down jackets.

• In compilation color range style, use any colors, just make sure you don’t focus on one color.
• Concerning style, it is recommended not to use deep necklines and completely forget about rhinestones,glitter,waves or ruffles on clothes.
• It is best to choose clothes from high-quality material, such as cotton fabric, wool fabric or denim.

How to combine clothes in casual style?

First of all, you need to remember that the basis of the casual style is jeans and only by retreating from them can a further image be created. For those who don't like to wear jeans, you can wear trousers, but don’t forget that trousers will add unnecessary neatness to your image.

Next, jeans or trousers are optionally complemented wide shirts,blouses standard cut, slightly wide T-shirts,T-shirts polo, tops, turtlenecks,jumpers,voluminous sweatshirts or short sweaters.

For amateurs skirts And dresses will have to work hard, because for them casual wear creates some problems in combining clothes, but they can be easily corrected by wearing fashionable or.

Can be worn in summer shorts or skinny jeans, and closer to autumn in the cool season, a casual look will go perfectly with vest, jacket, raincoat, parka, coat, denim or Leather Jacket.

For lovers sneakers, sneakers, espadrilles, moccasins, shoes, sandals, ballet shoes, boots, sneakers You will definitely like this combination of shoes, since in casual style they play mostly a secondary role, this makes it possible to put on shoes comfortably and to your taste.

Combine clothes, experiment with looks and don’t forget that every style can be perfected. Casual is freedom not only for the body, but also freedom for imagination.