Do you have a lowkey daily style but still love to daydream about looks fit for a stately evening out? Just because you like to dress in a more casual style doesn’t mean you can’t also look elegant at the same time! If you want to elevate your daily looks, keep reading for 15 elegant casual outfits that you can easily recreate with items from your capsule wardrobe.
1. black tank top + white skirt + hoops + sandals + woven tote
tank top | skirt | sandals | hoops | bag
First up on our list is a staple item that is perfect for spring and summer wear. A white midi or maxi skirt will be your new favorite piece when it comes to elegant casual looks. You can dress this piece up or down with ease, and the best part is, it’s even more comfortable than wearing pants.
If you’re headed to lunch but still want to look classy, pair it with a black high-neck tank top. This classic color combo will instantly make you look more chic. Then, add a few more casual elements to make this ensemble appropriate for daytime wear. Accessorize with leather fisherman sandals, a woven basket tote, and gold hoop earrings to complete the look.
2. white button-down + striped pants + hoops + sandals + woven tote
pants | shirt | sandals | hoops | tote
This next look is the epitome of my own personal style. If you love East Coast, nautical-inspired fashion as much as I do, you’ll have to try this second look. First, start with a capsule wardrobe staple piece – the white button-down. Reach for a slightly oversized version, and then play around with tucking it in the pants for an effortless, yet tailored look.
On the bottom, try a striped pair of pants. Whether you prefer a trouser style or a more relaxed linen pair, the vertical stripes will offer a slimming effect that’s beachy, and interesting. Next, add texture with your accessories. Gold hoops, classic leather sandals, and a straw tote bag complete the look.
3. striped sweater + jeans + slingback heels + earrings + leather bag
sweater | jeans | heels | bag | earrings
No classic everyday wardrobe is complete without a striped sweater. Stripes are a French style classic, and there is a nearly endless number of ways you can style a striped sweater for year-round looks. For elegant casual looks, pair a striped lady jacket cardigan with a pair of wide-leg jeans to strike the perfect balance of effortless and elevated.
Then, add a pair of slingback heels. They’ll pair well with a structured leather bag, and gold stud earrings to round out the look.
4. t-shirt + white jeans + black sweater + leather bag + pearls + ballet flats
white tee | sweater | jeans | ballet flats | bag | earrings
If you want to elevate your everyday casual looks, play around with classic color combos that won’t ever go out of style. Black and white is the perfect example. This timeless combination gives your look a touch of old Hollywood glam – no ball gown required. The high contrast between colors is eye-catching and interesting – which will help to elevate the look of a sweater and jeans.
Pair wide-leg white jeans with a white tee layered under a black sweater. Then, use the sandwich method to choose your shoes. Black ballet flats are perfect. Finish the look with minimal, but elegant jewelry – like a pair of pearl stud earrings.
5. white blouse + denim shorts + woven bag + earrings + sandals
blouse | shorts | sandals | bag | earrings
Are denim shorts your go-to staple for summer style? You can elevate them for classy looks with the right styling choices on top. Try reaching for a blouse with feminine details like frills, lace, or embroidery. These details will help to elevate your entire look, and truly make a difference. Next, coordinate your accessories. A woven shoulder bag with a gold buckle, gold statement earrings, and a sleek pair of leather sandals complete the understated, yet elegant look for warm weather.
6. satin pants + sweater + pearl earrings + top handle bag + flats
sweater | pants | shoes | bag | earrings
If you’re feeling stuck when it comes to creating casual elegant outfits, try playing around with unexpected textures. For instance, start with a cotton crewneck sweater. Then, on the bottom, instead of reaching for your favorite linen pants, try a satin pair of pull-on pants instead. The pre-crinkled satin material will instantly make your look appear more luxurious. Bonus points if you coordinate your top and bottoms for a tonal look!
Keep your accessories classic. Choose a top-handle bag and a pair of black leather flats. Then, add a pair of pearl stud earrings to complete the look.
7. button-down + linen pants + straw hat + pearls + neck scarf + sandals
shirt | pants | sandals | bag | earrings | hat | scarf
Be inspired by classic fashionistas like Grace Kelly when you create elegant casual outfits. The accessories in this look make all the difference! First, start with a navy pair of linen pull-on pants and a blue button-up shirt. Next, add a chambray blue button-up shirt.
Now, it’s time for your accessories. Classic, elegant pieces like a wide-brim straw hat and tote bag are perfect for timeless summer looks. Finish the look with pearl stud earrings, a Parisian-approved neck scarf, and fisherman sandals.
8. denim jacket + white linen pants + silver earrings + sandals + tote
jacket | pants | sandals | earrings | tote bag
A denim jacket is a casual wear staple, and if it’s one of your favorites, you can elevate its look by reaching for a collarless version – like this style from Everlane. Soften the look with a pair of linen white pants. Then, accessorize with leather fisherman sandals, an oversized tote bag, and silver hoop earrings. It’s the perfect weekend look for spring!
9. trench coat + white tee + jeans + gold earrings + sneakers + leather bag
trench coat | sneakers | jeans | leather bag | white tee | earrings
Take inspiration from Parisian streetwear for this next outfit. Elevate a basic white t-shirt and wide-leg jeans by pairing them with a classic trench coat. French girls love this piece for its ability to make any look appear more put-together and elegant. Plus, it’s the perfect outerwear for chilly spring or fall weather.
Add a pair of clean, comfortable sneakers in white with minimal branding. Then, add two more dressy accessories with a pair of gold hoop earrings and a structured leather bag.
10. collared sweater + jeans + flats + watch + sunglasses + earrings + tote
sweater | jeans | flats | tote bag | earrings | sunglasses | watch
Assemble this next outfit for a casual chic brunch look. First, start with classic wide-leg jeans in a medium wash. Then, add a Johnny collar sweater for a preppy touch. Elevate the outfit further with cap-toed ballet flats inspired by Chanel, a sleek leather tote, gold earrings, and a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses. A gold bracelet watch completes the look.
11. button-down + cardigan + black jeans + tote bag + earrings + flats
jeans | flats | shirt | sweater | earrings | tote bag
Do you prefer darker tones when it comes to your daily look? Here’s how to make your black jeans look more elegant. First, layering is key. Pair them with a white button-down and a striped lady jacket cardigan. If it gets too warm, you can always tie it around your shoulders for a French-girl-approved vibe!
Accessorize with gold stud earrings, a black leather tote bag, and a pair of Mary Jane flats to complete the outfit.
12. white button-down + tank dress + earrings + woven tote bag + sandals
black dress | white shirt | sandals | tote bag | earrings
Elevate your favorite summer midi dress by pairing it with a button-down shirt. Leave it unbuttoned for an effortless, yet chic look. Then, don’t forget about the power of your accessories. Classic sandals, a woven tote bag, and a pair of chunky gold hoop earrings truly make the look.
13. button-down + jeans + sweater over the shoulders + loafers + bag
button-down | white jeans | loafers | shoulder bag | sweater
Do you love a preppy, academia-inspired look? Get the aesthetic with a pair of crop white jeans, a button-down shirt, and a navy sweater tied around your shoulders (this is an important detail). Next, add a black shoulder bag and a pair of suede penny loafers for texture. Casual elegant outfits don’t have to be complicated, and this is the perfect proof of that!
14. sweater + topcoat + satin pants + earrings + top handle bag + flats
coat | bag | pants | sweater | shoes | earrings
Style an elegant look that’s still comfortable for cooler weather with these pieces. First, start with a stylish pair of pull-on pants – this pre-crinkled satin pair is perfect. Then, add a soft sweater on top to introduce a new texture to the look.
Next, throw on a cozy wool topcoat to keep warm in colder temperatures. Finish the look with a sleek top-handle bag, and black Mary Jane flats to complete the outfit.
15. poncho + t-shirt + pull-on pants + hoops + mules + bag
poncho | shirt | pants | bag | earrings | shoes | belt
Elevate any casual look with an elegantly draped wrap or poncho. In the cooler spring weather, this is a great layer that’s easy to take on or off. Style it over an all-white linen look for an easy and stylish spring outfit idea. Then, add texture with a woven pair of mules and a smooth leather handbag. If you want to add shape to your wrap or poncho, try belting it for a flattering appearance. Then, complete the look with a small pair of gold hoop earrings.
Effortless Casual Elegant Looks
Casual elegant looks don’t have to be complicated, or take a lot of effort to put together! Accessories, layering, and texture are key to elevating even your simplest pieces to create a chic appearance. If your lifestyle calls for casual style but you still want to look elegant, save these outfit ideas for a rainy day (or tomorrow!).
Loving elegant looks lately? We’ve got you covered! Up Next: 15 Classy Elegant Outfits to Elevate Your Look
A lot of wonderful ideas. And the best thing: I have nearly all the pieces to recreate the looks I liked most.
Thank you!
That’s the best, right?! Thanks for stopping by, Tina!
I absolutely love the way you style outfits. At 71 and wanting to look put together, your direction is wonderful. As we age it is challenging to know what to wear and look smart. Aside from the shorts, most everything else is timeless! Thank you so much for using your talents to inspire!
Thank you so much for this comment, Jane. I am thrilled that you find the content helpful and inspiring!
I agree with Jane. I’m 68 and I love how you style clothes that really fit my age and lifestyle, too! Thank you!
So happy to hear that, Sue! I appreciate your feedback 🙂