Whether or not it’s right, it’s human nature to judge others based on their clothing and appearance. Since this is a known fact, (people with straight teeth are considered more successful) take control of how people see you and dress to impress even when you’re dressed casually. Dressing well can even change your demeanor, and studies have shown that it influences the way we think. With that in mind, here are five casual clothing items to add to your wardrobe so that you can be comfortable and casual while still appearing put together. This simple and straightforward list will get you through a multitude of situations.
A structured jacket
When it comes to clothing that can be worn over and over again in different situations, nothing beats a structured jacket. This could be a blazer, or it could be something a bit less conservative, but a jacket with built in structure like a good cut of fabric or darting will make a huge difference in our wardrobe.
I talk about the third piece rule a lot, and this is the perfect place to put it into action. A structured and well fitted jacket automatically pulls an outfit together and makes it feel more formal. If you’re trying to keep your business casual attire professional, wearing a jacket will always help.
A white shirt
When it comes to five casual clothing items to add to your wardrobe, a white shirt is potentially one of the most important and versatile. This could be a white T shirt, a white button down shirt, or a white blouse. I’m a huge fan of white shirts so I stock up on all three variations. This is a catch all piece that can be dressed down with jeans, worn under a suit, or can be worn in just about any other situation you can think of.
Another great thing about a white shirt is that it can be bleached if something spills on it. I’ve gotten red wine out of a white shirt with bleach, so a white shirt is a great option for events.
Dark wash jeans
There are a lot of shades of denim, but a great pair of mid to dark wash jeans can be dressed up or down, and are actually acceptable at many offices now. While light wash denim might be trendy, a darker wash will always look more polished and put together.
A versatile bag
If there’s one thing every person needs to have it’s a carryall bag. I’ve talked about it before, but I’m completely obsessed with this bag from Dagne Dover. The coated canvas looks like leather, but it’s super durable and perfect for any occasion. Plus it has a ton of pockets and a zipper closure on top which is amazing.
I also really like this Fossil messenger bag that is totally unisex. It’s a little more rustic but works as a perfect carryall option. You can use it for travel or to put your laptop in to go to work.
Recently I’ve been all about the belt bag, otherwise known as a fanny pack. Fanny packs have come a long way since the 90’s, and look much more stylish now. I recently got an inexpensive belt bag (pictured) and love how convenient it is!
Nice shoes that you can dress up or down
The last item that falls within the five casual clothing items to add to your wardrobe is a pair of nice shoes that can be worn at work or to dress up a casual outfit. This could mean a pair of pumps or nice flats for women, and for men, think about trying a pair of shoes such as wingtips or simple leather boots. The goal is to have a shoe option that appears polished and put together, and can be worn in a variety of situations.
When it comes to clothing, there are many styles and variations on what you can wear, but this list outlines five casual clothing items to add to your wardrobe that will help you look put together and casual regardless of the situation. Take a look at the items and pick out specific pieces that work for your style and your life.