Is it just me, or is picking out a casual outfit usually even more challenging than putting together a dressier look? If I'm leaving the house in a plain tee and denim, I could easily try on 10 different pairs of jeans just to land on the right look that's casual and laid-back but still says I'm a fashion girl without saying I'm a fashion girl, you know?
Since I find myself mulling over these casual looks more than I probably should, I figured it would be useful to create a fail-safe guide to casual wear for those moments when you want to be easygoing but still look cool. To me, the seven outfit formulas below do just that. Whether they feature the simplest basics in our closets or riff on a few trendier elements, putting together one of these ensembles is a can't-lose scenario.
Neutral Blazer + White Tee + Jeans
A structured blazer—especially one in a neutral tone—works wonders to make a simple denim outfit look polished.
Every closet needs a great structured blazer.
Subtle '90s energy.
Perfectly relaxed.
Timeless kicks.
Denim Shirt + Jeans
Double denim, or the Canadian tuxedo—whatever you want to call it—is a never-fail formula. I'd take a cue from Jen and pair a denim jacket with jeans in the same wash and your favorite flats.
Wear as a shirt or unbutton it as a jacket.
Fewer accessories are sometimes better.
Trouser-inspired denim will always look polished.
The prettiest flats I've seen in a while.
Floral Dress + Sneakers
A pretty dress with athletic sneakers is a calling card for fashion girls everywhere, and it's actually so easy to re-create. Style a fun frock (bonus points if it involves elements like ruffles or puff sleeves) with your favorite kicks and add in whatever accessories suit your mood.
Reformation always knows.
Running shoes cool enough to wear off the trails.
Worth buying in bulk.
This color, though.
Relaxed Suit + Ribbed Tank + Sneakers
Take a dressed-down approach to suiting by wearing a relaxed set with a simple ribbed tank and "dad" sneakers.
I'll just say it: We made the perfect blazer…
…and, naturally, the pants to go with it.
An A+ basic.
Printed Skirt + Tee + Flat Sandals
Hinge your outfit around one piece—in this case, a printed skirt—and fill in the look with your favorite basics.
I live in my baby tees in the summer.
Nobody does '90s-inspired pieces quite like Réalisation.
I have these and can attest to how comfortable they are.
An outfit-making addition.
Tank Top + Wide-Leg Trousers
When you're not feeling jeans, relaxed trousers are a chic alternative. Wear them with a simple tank for an easy summertime 'fit.
Simple with a hint of trendiness.
A must-have.
Sweat Set + Structured Jacket + Sneakers
Thanks to 2021, coordinating sweats are an outfit you actually want to be seen out of the house in. A structured jacket pulls the look together.
If you're going to invest in outerwear, you can't go wrong with a classic wool coat.
This color makes everything look more elevated.
Airport outfits will never be the same.
Cool girls everywhere own them. Are you next?
Up next, see the winning summer basics my fashion colleagues voted on.
-
6 Fashion Editors, 36 Summer Buys—Inside Our Summer 2025 Mood BoardsEverything inspiring our wardrobes this season.
-
If I Saw You in Any of These 15 Summer-to-Fall Transitional Outfits, I'd Think You Hired a StylistNice taste.
-
Put Down the Black and White Pants—This Is the Richer Color You Didn't Know You NeededElegant and on-trend.
-
10 Outfits Europe's Chicest Dressers Are Wearing When They're *Not* on VacationStaying local is cool.
-
What You Should and Should Not Wear to Every Major Sporting EventFrom a Liberty game to the French Open.
-
Just to Be Clear, *These* Are the Pants Fashion People in L.A. Are Wearing Instead of Basic JeansSpotted in Paris too.
-
The Coolest Outfits of Summer 2025 Are Actually the Laziest—Let Me ExplainEasy does it.
-
I Just Created 5 Incredibly Chic Summer Outfits From Amazon for Under $190Cool looks for less.
