Casual dress code. Casual clothing style for women

Agata Vasnetsova

Style is a way of saying who you are without using words.

Content

Those who are interested in fashion have often come across such names as casual style or casual style - these are not just things from the new collection of a high fashion house, but a way of life. This direction acts as a contrast to the romantic, classical business style and offers fashionistas different options for combining their favorite clothes. If your life principles are lightness, comfort and freedom, you should give preference to casual style.

What is casual

Stylists initially developed casual as one of the types of office dress code, only with some features - simplicity of cut and an emphasis on comfort and convenience. However, today casual means a mixture of styles from different directions: sporty, formal, classic and street chic. This gave rise to a reason to allocate this trend a separate niche in high fashion, to endow it with clear attributes and characteristics.

History of appearance

There are several versions of the emergence of the casual trend, but there are only two main ones. The first originates in Britain in the 50s of the 20th century. Based on the active growth of savings, a new youth movement, Tedds, was born. Its representatives dressed as simply as possible, with a slight accent of negligence, although they could afford items of fashion trends.

Later, the casual style was forgotten for some time, and was revived again only in the 70s, again in Britain. This was facilitated by football fans who, instead of chants, decided to support their favorite team by choosing a certain stylistic direction in clothing. Their choice was so liked and liked by society that over time such images became popular among the masses. This is how a variety of casual trend appeared - sporty elegance.

According to the second version, the casual style appeared in Scandinavia, which was facilitated by harsh climatic conditions countries. Layering of clothing, voluminous scarves and hats, knitted sweaters, knitted coats - all these classics saved residents from harsh winters. At the same time, preference was given to those clothes that could retain heat for a long time and not hinder movements. In Scandinavian casual clothing, clothing elements are laconic, with minimalist accessories and a neutral color scheme.

Casual style - characteristics and its features

The word “casual” can be literally translated as casual, everyday, careless. It has a lot of advantages and characteristic features:

• lack of strict boundaries - in office attire you can attend a party, sit at a bar with friends or go out on a visit;
• your own individuality - to create an image, you don’t need to buy expensive brands, for this you can use the things that everyone has in their wardrobe;
• unusual combinations - the style involves wearing loose-fitting trousers with a classic shirt or sports shoes with a formal skirt;
• using layering – you can wear a shirt over a tee, a classic knit dress with a turtleneck, or allow your sweater to peek out from under your jacket.

Following the above, you might think that you can wear the first thing that comes to hand. However, in practice, everything looks a little different and this approach to creating an image will not work. Only those who know about the intricacies of choosing fabric textures know how to correctly combine color scheme and combining different haute couture trends can look really fashionable.

Color spectrum

This style assumes using mostly unobtrusive, pastel colors, but designers suggest diversifying the color scheme with bright notes. In an office wardrobe, it is better to give preference to soft matte tones: light brown, blue, dark green, burgundy or gray. Street casual elegance can be emphasized with bright accessories, and a little leather items can be added to sportswear. In order not to look like a traffic light, it is important to follow a simple rule - do not combine more than 6 different colors in one image.

Fabrics and textures

Casual style is very democratic in terms of the combination of textures and materials. Preference should be given to denim, light cotton, knitwear and other items that do not require ironing. In their collections, designers have learned to intelligently combine expensive natural fabrics with synthetics, which complements the image of elegant negligence. Street fashion is available in combinations such as a patent leather sports bag and a classic wool jacket.

Accessories

When creating an image, do not forget about small details. As a rule, preference is given to silk or knitted scarves, which are worn with a casual coat or wrapped over a cardigan. You can often find headdresses - hats, caps, scarves or hats. If you need a belt, it is better to buy a wide or narrow leather one, and the dress can be decorated with a satin scarf at the waist.

Courageous youth can complement a fashionable look with a large bag; conservative women are more suitable for a small, comfortable shoulder bag. Backpacks are used in casual wear, but you don’t often see the classic version with a clutch. You should not buy bracelets, earrings or watches in bright colors. Casual jewelry is usually small in size and discreet in appearance.

Varieties of casual style

It is a mistake to consider casual as boring or monotonous. Wardrobe items can always be played out in interesting ways and interpreted to your liking. This style, like no other, is rich in a variety of fashion trends: sport casual, street fashion, casual chic. Each of them has their own characteristics and benefits. This assortment of choices helps you create your own unique look for any situation.

Smart-casual

This is a combination of a strict business style with a cheeky silhouette of an outfit. Smart casual can be found among home girls who dream of breaking away from parental control or representative ladies who want to emphasize their individuality. The basic set of things is:

• A woman's smart wardrobe must be complemented with classic jeans, a formal skirt, a blouse, and a turtleneck. For shoes, you should give preference to leather ballet flats, suede or classic shoes.
• For men, smart casual suggests wearing simple T-shirts with trousers, long sleeve shirts and a tie. Shoe options are moccasins, fashionable sneakers or slip-ons.

Street-casual

Casual urban style is what everyone sees in fashion magazines, in photographs of models or popular TV stars when they are captured in an informal setting. Street casual has no strict restrictions, which gives a complete flight of imagination and absolute freedom of choice to everyone. Casual style welcomes bold decisions when choosing clothes, its texture and color. The main rule is that you should feel comfortable.

The name sport casual already speaks for itself. This direction is for those people who choose a lightweight fit and comfort. If you want to create a sporty, casual look, get T-shirts, polo shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, sneakers or sneakers, tracksuits and other sports items. Although you feel as comfortable as possible in such clothes, you won’t go to the gym. This is more of a look for evening walks, get-togethers with friends or going to the movies.

Casual chic

This trend was introduced into fashion by an Italian fashion designer, famous designer Nino Cerutti. He advised his fans to combine simple fabrics with expensive accessories, complex cuts with cheap fabrics, and simple wardrobe elements with more complex ones. Chic is also often called casual evening wear, for its elegance, unpretentious luxury and presentable appearance.

All-out-casual

It is not customary to dress this way in business circles; you won’t go to work or a business meeting this way; all-out will be an ideal option only for relaxing in nature or with friends. You can choose comfortable sportswear or loose-fitting street fashion models and complement your look original accessories. Improvisation and freedom of choice are his main laws.

Business-casual

A combination of a strictly business style and a casual, but more classical variation. Business and smart casual are considered similar trends, but if in the second option you can wear a classic jacket with sneakers, then in business you can only wear a shirt without a tie. Business casual was designed as an office wardrobe for employees who are allowed liberties on short holidays or Fridays.

How to make a wardrobe

The ability to combine incongruous things, different fabric textures and accessories - this is how you can briefly describe the casual style. However, behind the slight carelessness and loose fit there are many pitfalls. For example, even here the Russian style, beloved by many, is unacceptable - a suit with sports sneakers or flip-flops with socks. Some simple tips on compilation basic wardrobe will help you avoid such primitive mistakes when selecting a kit.

Basic items

The first must-have item in men's and women's wardrobes is jeans. The rest of the appearance is built around them. You can choose the cut or style of the pants at your discretion, but it is better to have several options in reserve for different occasions. Women can replace trousers with denim skirts or complement them with a men's shirt, jumper, bright top or strict blouse. For men - a sweatshirt, sweatshirt, turtleneck or oversized sweater.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the dresses. They are not part of the basic wardrobe, due to the fact that such clothes force one to be feminine, which is different from a free, relaxed lifestyle. However, this clothing option is also not forbidden. If you want to diversify your appearance, buy an elongated sweater, or a casual dress that resembles a men's shirt.

Casual clothing

We should also talk about outerwear. The following will help you put the finishing touches: knitted jackets, jackets, vests, and an elegant coat. In order not to overdo it with simplicity, you should pay attention to the laconic cut, natural materials and classic colors. Oversized jackets, long jackets, knitted cardigans and vests are considered very fashionable. They will help add zest and create a complete image.

Casual shoes

It would be logical to assume that the casual shoe options are sneakers, moccasins, and sneakers. This choice has a right to exist, but it looks gray and boring. Shoes can become almost the main accent. Don’t be afraid to experiment, feel free to complement your looks with fashionable loafers, shoes with wide heels, feathers, ballet flats with stones or English boots, boots with leopard print. In brand stores, such shoe options can be found marked statement - which literally translates as glamorous shoes.

Bags and accessories

An everyday bag should perform the only important role - to contain everything you need. Small backpacks, messenger bags, and shopping bags will fit perfectly into the outfit. When choosing a business direction or evening chic, it is better to use classic options: clutches or envelope bags. They pair perfectly with sophisticated pumps or a stylish dress.

The look will seem incomplete without bright accessories. Basic things are considered: scarves, belts, watches, glasses and neckerchiefs. Don't forget about hairdressing supplies. These can be voluminous or bright elastic bands, interesting or unusual hairpins, original hoops. Wedding hairstyle and makeup will be complemented by decoration in the form of huge flower or a wreath.

Casual brands

It is a mistake to think that this trend is street style and does not figure in any way in modern fashion trends. Clothing creators, on the contrary, are trying to introduce the current casual style to the masses, willingly experimenting with new looks. On in this direction Such well-known companies and clothing brands specialize as:

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 dictionary in English, 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 the 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 perfectly cut and excellent quality, which goes perfectly with the outfit. Jeans are quite suitable for “smart casual”, but preferably dark blue or black, good cut in combination with beautiful shoes, such as 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 make color accents using 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 relaxed 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.

Ca·su·al adj 1 a: not expected or foreseen b: not done purposefully: accidental 2 a: employed for irregular periods a casual worker b: engaging in an activity on an occasional basis … Law dictionary

casual- casual, al casual expr. con dissimulo. ❙ “...el portero de la casa de al lado, que es un tío cochino y rijoso, que se acerca y se deja caer, buscando el magreo como al casual.” Mariano Tudela, Ultimas noches del corazón. 2. por un casual expr. por... Diccionario del Argot "El Sohez"

casual- 1. En español significa ‘fortuito, que sucede por casualidad’: “El hombre no pudo realizar un descubrimiento casual de este proceso tan valioso” (Aguilar Hombre). Debe evitarse su uso con los sentidos de ‘informal’ y ‘esporádico u… … Diccionario panhispanico de dudas

casual- adj. 1. happening by chance; not planned; incidental 2. happening, active, etc. at irregular intervals; occasional 1. Happening or coming to pass without design, and without being foreseen or expected; accidental; fortunate; coming by chance.… …

casual- casual[b] (II) (izg. kȅžuāl) prid. DEFINICIJA koji ima osobine odjeće za neslužbene prilike ETIMOLOGIJA vidi casual[b] (I) … Hrvatski jezični portal

casual- ADJECTIVE 1) relaxed and unconcerned. 2) showing insufficient care or forthought: a casual remark. 3) not regular or firmly established; occasional or temporary: casual jobs. 4) happening by chance; accidental. 5) informal. NOUN 1) …English terms dictionary

casual- chance, random accidental, adventitious, by chance, contingent, erratic, extemporaneous, extempore, fluky, fortuitous, impromptu, improvised, impulsive, incidental, infrequent, irregular, occasional, odd, offhand, serendipitous,... ... New thesaurus

Casual- Cas u*al, n. One who receives relief for a night in a parish to which he does not belong; a vagrant. ... The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

casual- /kæʒjʊl/, it. /kɛʒwal/ agg. ingl. . ◀ formale, pratico, semplice, sportivo. dimesso, inelegante, sciatto, trasandato... ... Enciclopedia Italiana

Books

• Casual, Oksana Robski. Casual is the first novel by Oksana Robski. A journalist and screenwriter by training, a wealthy woman by position, Oksana Robski writes with slight irony about the inhabitants of respectable mansions.…
• Casual. Everyday (audiobook MP3), Oksana Robski. Casual" is a story of pain, remorse, hard office work, a story of fantastic fun and success! The owner of a fashion gallery, journalist and screenwriter Oksana Robskis writes with slight irony...

The word “casual” itself is English; when translated it means something everyday, unconscious and therefore somewhat accidental due to this unintentionality. Casual style, as it is also called, appeared in Europe, because Europeans, like no one else, love to dress simply, albeit with excellent taste. They never sought to look expensive or rich, or particularly attractive or bright.
Naturalness and slight sophistication, expressed in a skillful choice of accessories that are usually worn somewhat casually, are the essence of casual style.

You can walk around the city for a long time in such clothes; they are comfortable enough for this. And then stop by the party, because the zest present in the outfit will not allow anyone to doubt your sense of taste.

The casual style is very unusual. There are practically no restrictions; you can wear whatever you want. Its essence lies precisely in the carelessness and “everyday” nature of the image, and not in any bright or characteristic details. Not so long ago, colors were considered distinctive features: beige, milky, dark blue or gray, that is, all the calmest and most discreet, but very stylish-looking shades. But now more and more casual fans are accepting bright shades.

Casual details

Often the basis of a casual outfit is trousers, functional and comfortable clothing. They usually have a straight cut, but can be slightly tapered. Slightly rolled up trouser legs are perfectly acceptable. If you wear bell-bottoms, be careful about other things, otherwise you risk looking like a hippie.

T-shirts, tops and tank tops are also an integral part of casual wear. Everything knitted, spacious and comfortable fits perfectly into this style. It is better if the top is light. You can use shirts, especially plaid ones. Prints are not entirely casual, but sometimes acceptable.

You can please flirty girls by the fact that the dresses are quite consistent with the spirit of this style. The length should be medium, the cut should be loose and straight, and emphasize the waist with a belt. The fabrics are light, the colors are discreet.

For young people in casual style, a jacket will be a must-have item of clothing. Made from lightweight fabric, it may well be a little too big for you. Treat his choice with special attention, since the jacket will be one of the main items in your look.

Despite the fact that casual items may well be very simple and completely unbranded (the fewer logos, the better), accessories must be of very high quality. You don't have to buy expensive things, but they have to be really good. Take the time to choose them and you won’t regret it. Also be careful about your shoes. Loafers, tennis shoes and spring boots will be a great solution. Ballet flats are suitable for girls.

Jeans and sweaters, comfortable shirts and trousers, simple T-shirts and sweatshirts, skirts and dresses - everything that is typical for comfortable clothing is the basis of this style. What else is included in casual style can be listed endlessly. It’s easier to limit the range of things that will never belong to this style. In this case we are talking about uniforms and national clothes, clothes for celebrations and dresses for official receptions, for example, or tailcoats, clothes of formal business style, sportswear and clothing of highly specialized subcultures, for example, hip-hop culture.

The only inviolable rule of casual style is that clothes should be well tailored, suit you and fit your figure.

Every day, casual style is becoming more and more popular, because it suits everyone and does not set too strict limits. We can say with confidence that many people choose this style not so much because of comfort, convenience and brightness, although this leaves a huge imprint, but for the purpose of self-expression and emphasizing their own individuality.