With 40s and even 50s in the upcoming forecast, take heart, my fellow Midwesterners – warmer weather is on the horizon! There comes a point in every cooler climate when you’re tired of the temps, and even though it’s not spring yet, you start dressing like it practically is. I’ve already retired my faux fur coats and embraced a lighter look, opting for casual chic outfits instead. In my opinion, this is a great style to adopt for this time of year: comfy enough for cooler weather (and those low-motivation days), but with a touch of chic that elevates not just your outfit, but your mood too. Scroll on for real-life outfit inspo!
1. striped shirt + black pants + sneakers + tote bag
Yes, I even like to look casual chic on a road trip! I started with these new pants – they’re made from a lightweight “Air Essential” material that’s unbelievably comfy and soft. Plus, they have a nice skimming fit, so they’re flattering too. I already know these will be a go-to pair for traveling and comfy days. To dress up the pants and add a chic touch, I opted for a striped shirt… another wardrobe staple! Sneakers are the practical choice, and I love adding a Parisian vibe to the outfit with a Longchamp bag.
2. joggers + cableknit sweater + loafers + cable knit socks
I love mixing textures (did you catch that it’s a way to dress more expensively?), even in casual outfits! Here, basic joggers get an elevated twist with a high-quality cable-knit sweater. This is a capsule wardrobe staple because you can wear it in fall, winter, and even early spring – just mix textures there too. Cable-knit sweater with white cotton shorts? So preppy, so beachy!
These pieces create a comfy base (you can layer a white tee under the sweater, too), and little touches like crew socks, leather loafers, and a gold watch add interest and sophistication.
3. white button-up + jeans + loafers + camel coat
This look doesn’t scream winter… and that’s the point. It’s nice to wear a classic, year-round outfit when you want to channel something other than winter weather. Here, the basics never fail. A white button-up and jeans are the perfect foundation for a casual chic outfit. To bring even more polish to the look, complete it with loafers, a structured bag, and a wool coat. Very demure, very mindful!
4. sweater + pull-on pants + loafers + socks
Though this could be a great office outfit, it’s actually very comfortable – thanks to the Dream pull-on pants. When I need to feel a little more elevated, these are the pants I reach for while working from home. They give off office-workwear vibes with the comfort of joggers. Paired with a huggable cashmere sweater, matching socks, and loafers, this ensemble embodies the essence of chic with the comfort of casual!
5. leggings + sneakers + t-shirt + belted coat + tote bag + beanie
Mom fashion, but make it chic. This outfit combination is ideal for your on-the-go moments, whether that looks like playdates, school pickups, coffee runs, or errands (sometimes all in the same day!). I always talk about the power of a good coat, and here you can see it in action. The color, length, and silhouette instantly “cinch” the look – elevating it times a thousand, and making you feel (and look) good in your simple pieces of leggings, a t-shirt, and sneakers.
6. jeans + sweater + boat shoes + socks + tote bag
Jeans plus a sweater sounds simple – and it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s bad! It’s a great combination to build an outfit around, and one that just about everyone has. To make this casual outfit feel a little different, I paired it with boat shoes (casual and preppy) and a coordinating tote bag. It’s a great color combination to try, and thanks to the different textures, it feels elevated, too.
Casual Chic Looks
Casual chic looks this time of year can be easy. By starting with a base of casual pieces (jeans, leggings, joggers, T-shirts) and adding chic elements (loafers, a watch, belted coats), you can have comfort and style – the best of both worlds. Up Next: How to Nail Your Casual Clothing Style by Elevating Your Athleisure
