The streets of modern cities are full of people whose clothes are difficult to accurately classify into traditional style groups. Sometimes it’s not even easy to understand which subspecies the image you see can be attributed to. When such doubts arise, then, most likely, we are faced with the so-called casual style of clothing. It owes its birth to the endless labyrinths of the concrete jungle, which is why it has other names - street, urban. Casual translated from English sounds like everyday, non-permanent, informal.
A little about the history of style
It is generally accepted that casual originated in Scotland about forty years ago. It was then that football became very popular in the late 70s. Its fans and loyal fans united in informal clubs that actively supported their favorite team, composed songs, and memorized chants.
Among these people, it was customary to wear simple and comfortable things from well-known brands: jeans, sneakers, polo shirts, T-shirts, sports jackets. The fan movement received the name Casual, which was later firmly assigned to the new stylistic group of clothing.
Over time, casual clothing moved away from football and began to be actively used by lovers of country walks and outdoor activities. And soon he completely moved to the metropolis. It has become most popular among young people and people who are not inclined to traditional types of clothing.
Casual style in clothing - features of the trend
Over the past decades, casual has gained worldwide fame. And all thanks to a unique combination of comfort, practicality and aesthetics. A mix of things that seem random at first glance is by no means so. In fact, all casual outfits are well thought out.
Urban style appeals to rich and poor, young and old alike. It allows you to create a complete wardrobe for people of any shape and height.
The absence of clear requirements and strict restrictions in the suit allows you to feel free in any environment. In addition, the sporty component of the style gives our image more youth, energy and freshness.
Basic principles of casual style
The main requirement for clothing is comfort. The concept of creating images in a casual style is built on individual characteristics and preferences, giving the opportunity for self-expression. A democratic approach to the formation of an ensemble allows a person to dress beautifully, freely and without large financial expenses.
Therefore, a street style wardrobe will always include jeans, shirts, pullovers, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and skirts. From these items you can easily create a large number of sets by combining things with each other. One shirt, worn alternately with trousers, a skirt and jeans, allows you to get three different looks. And if you complement each of them with a pullover, jacket or jacket, and decorate with a variety of accessories, then your wardrobe “menu” will be immediately formed for the whole week.
- uniform, including military;
- items intended for various celebrations and official receptions - tailcoat, tuxedo, cocktail dress, wedding dress;
- business sets typical for strict dress codes;
- items typical of other styles and subcultures such as grunge, hip-hop, punk and others;
- clothing for sports training;
- national/ethnic costumes.
Everything that remains uncovered in this list can be safely attributed to the casual style.
Typical signs of a trend
The description of the requirements imposed by the stylistic direction consists mainly of the negation of standard forms. So, in order to always be in trend, supporters of the popular trend should:
- give up the constant pursuit of fashion;
- reduce the cost of purchasing new products from well-known brands;
- do not adhere to strict restrictions;
- do not copy other people's images.
When studying photos of fashion collections, consider the styles you like as basic models for creating your own wardrobe. Do not try to combine colors in a suit according to compatibility rules. You should also not strive to combine things based on the principle of texture and other quality characteristics of fabrics.
Let your things be distinguished by excellent quality, good cut and attractiveness. If such clothes suit you, then your entire appearance will characterize you as a stylish person, dressed with taste.
Casual style in clothes for women
The basis for creating new images are three: basic things: jeans, skirt and dress. Choose clothes that best suit your taste and figure, and complement them with a variety of costume details. For this purpose, you will need T-shirts, tops, blouses, shirts, sweaters, cardigans and other things.
When choosing updates for yourself, give preference tissues of natural origin. Clothing made from cotton, wool, viscose, denim creates a comfortable feeling and looks decent.
Color palette has virtually no restrictions. Any combination of colors is allowed, even the most unexpected ones. It is not recommended to enhance the color scheme with sparkling elements such as sparkles or sequins.
Shoes for girls it is selected, first of all, comfortable, and secondly, fashionable. It goes without saying that it must be in full accordance with the surrounding situation. The range of products in casual style is offered very rich: ballet flats, moccasins, sneakers, boots, shoes, boots and much more. The main thing is to have a comfortable last and a stable heel. All this will not create tension in the legs, and the gait will become light and free.
Accessories It is advisable to choose ones that carry certain functions. Useful items include sunglasses, umbrellas, watches, belts, scarves, and bags.
Casual clothing for men
Basic wardrobe items do not have to be classic. Instead of formal trousers, opt for jeans or chinos. In winter, wool trousers or cargo pants are more suitable. The shirt does not have to be tucked in; it is even better to wear it untucked. This way it will look good even if you wear a pullover on top.
Most items, especially knitted items, do not need to be ironed at all. You can completely abandon trouser creases or ironed shirts. On the contrary, slight bruising will serve as further confirmation of environmentally friendly materials.
Another symbolic item of urban style costume is the jacket. It is advisable to acquire several items of different colors and quality, and then you will be provided with fashionable combinations for several months to come.
Mixing business style with informal items makes it easy to transform formal suits into practical and cozy sets. A variety of accessories help with this. To soften and “blur” the official image, use scarves, neckerchiefs, belts, belts, and hats. As for watches, it is advisable that they do not have a pronounced sporty or classic look. A model of good quality neutral shapes will be another successful component of a fashionable look.
The attributes of casual style also include certain shoe models. These can be loafers, brogues, deserts, and of course, sneakers. Socks can be chosen in any color; bright and printed items are allowed. Try to ensure that their shade is in harmony with any one item of the suit - a tie, a handkerchief. In the summer, you can skip socks altogether.
And finally
At first glance, it may seem to some people that casual clothing is an arbitrary combination of things. In fact, he has certain traits and characteristics that are easy to notice. To give a more precise definition of style, we can say that it is something between sports and business trends. The ability to achieve a balance between these fashion trends will serve as confirmation of grace and good taste.
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 outfits for official receptions, for example, or tailcoats, clothes of formal business style, sportswear and clothes 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.
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 English dictionary, 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 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 a perfect fit and excellent quality that matches the outfit perfectly. Jeans are quite suitable for “smart casual”, but preferably dark blue or black, good cut in combination with nice shoes, for example, 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 add color accents with a 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.
Fashion stereotypes lose all meaning when it comes to casual. The word itself means “unintentional”, “accidental” in English. But this is only a formal translation; in fact, the essence is much broader. What it is - casual style, was best explained by fashion maestro Karl Lagerfeld. He called it “the appearance of everyday life in all its diverse incarnations.”
The casual style of clothing is characterized by the absence of strict canons, ostentatious negligence, and convenience in street and business fashion. But both in general and in particular, this is a creative approach to creating bold, progressive images that are not just comfortable and practical, but also filled with elegant meaning.
History of the style
Such a fashion phenomenon as casual has its own cultural and social roots. Fashion historians distinguish two versions of origin - British and Scandinavian.
- The British "pedigree" of this style is most closely connected with the Tedds, or Teddy-boys, subculture. In the 50s of the twentieth century, a youth layer was formed without aristocratic roots and a decent education, but with good capital in their pockets and the ability to dress expensively. It was the Teddy boys who introduced a casual style of clothing that showed disdain for the higher aristocracy. They wore expensive branded items, combining them with deliberate carelessness and maximum comfort for themselves. Thus, the English street gave the world a new fashion trend, which leaked “to the people” through other youth movements: from skinheads to sports fans.
- The Scandinavian version is based on national traditions of life and costume, which are characterized by multi-layering, while being simple and comfortable. Over time, fashion designers discovered a recipe for the “correct” layering: shake, but do not mix. And preferably expensive and “tasty” ingredients.
Distinctive features
The casual style look is bold and addressed to modern active people. Those who are able to combine a career with family and cope with different roles in society. For girls, this style of clothing was born from the desire to satisfy the needs of those fashionistas who like to dress up easily. For them, convenience comes first, but while maintaining a touch of chic and sophistication in the details. This is what characterizes the features of casual: practicality, comfort and elegance.
And it is the third factor that debunks the myth of the imaginary banality of style. Casual, although based on laconic and simple things, is by no means simple. There is no place for loungewear and a sloppy approach. It requires a sense of taste and style, the ability to choose comfortable things so that they form a unique and memorable ensemble for all occasions.
Types of casual style
Casual - dynamic style of the big city. The use of the wording “urban style” emphasizes the diversity and diversity inherent in the rhythm of a metropolis. And for each aspect of his life, a certain type of casual was formed.
A substyle that subtly combines a strict silhouette with deliberate simplicity. That very simplicity that is worth a lot. This is a kind of business casual style, fully appreciated by “good girls” students. Presents not only elements of representativeness, but also freedom of expression.
The fashion statement of the women's wardrobe in this direction is elegance in everyday life, brightness of colors, harmony of materials, accessories and wardrobe elements.
Achieved with stylish trousers, classic jeans, skirts, blouses without “frills”, a laconic turtleneck, vest, sweater. And, of course, no outfit will take place without an accent scarf, a trendy belt, a fashionable bracelet, matching accessories and a stylish bag. Shoes in the genre include ballet flats, leather or fabric, slip-ons, Chelsea boots, and low-heeled shoes. The main thing is to find a balance of strict elements with informal details.
2) Business Casual
Business casual style is close to the previous fashion genre, but has a more subtle approach. What is allowed in smart mode is not suitable for business. For example, smart casual for men allows you to wear branded jeans with a polo shirt, while business casual style is more likely to be characterized by a classic suit, but without a tie.
The main feature: a person who chooses business casual looks quite formal, but at the same time feels relaxed. Suitable for those who are burdened by a strict dress code and want to brighten up their office wardrobe. It’s not for nothing that this substyle received the unofficial name “Friday office fashion.”
3) Active and sporty casual
Sports as a casual style does not mean working out in a fitness club or morning jogging. It rather characterizes a lifestyle and wardrobe with elements of a sporty nature. This means that clothes for the gym and running should remain there - near the exercise machine and treadmill. But a variety of kangaroo sweatshirts, polos, T-shirts and all other things that convey a message specifically to an active lifestyle constitute active and sporty casual.
Stylish sweatshirts, sneakers and jeans are the main capsule of the wardrobe of this substyle. Important signs are the minimum of accessories and the choice of materials. Fans of sporty casual love modern fabrics such as neoprene, fuser and cozy knitwear, providing freedom of movement and a feeling of lightness.
If you add a little flight of fancy to the freedom of movement, and replace a walk in the park with a promenade along the embankment, you get street casual. Compared to other casual fashion trends, it is the most eccentric and careless. It is characterized by an extraordinary combination of bright accessories and familiar things. The most daring wear leg warmers and knee socks in patterns dictated by fashionable geometry. They are not shy about being hooligan by wearing extravagant hats and caps.
In general, with the choice of street casual, there are endless opportunities to demonstrate your style and uniqueness. And although it is completely unacceptable for business circles, it is great for lunch in a cafe or a shopping trip with a friend.
What the casual chic style includes was first described by Nino Cerutti. He also released the first collection in this fashion genre. The motto here could be the phrase “combine the incongruous,” namely: expensive fabric with a simple cut, a simple outfit with luxurious decoration. And the word “chic” in the definition of style in no way calls for wearing jeans with stones and hanging around with sparkling jewelry. Restraint and elegance reign here too.
Casual chic ready-to-wear collections are not uncommon on the high catwalk. Armani, a worthy successor to Cerutti's ideas, has especially succeeded in this. And no matter how conservative designers, who consider casual to be a lower class of style, puff themselves up, it has already conquered both fashion trendsetters and the mass consumer.
What to wear with
Casual style images, for all their democracy, are built on certain principles:
- multilayer;
- basic simple things;
- high quality things;
- a harmonious combination of prints and shades, not necessarily trendy;
- use of accessories.
Excluded: old-fashioned clothing, deliberate sexuality. Loose-fitting items are welcome, but this is not the same as oversize clothing. The base of any casual look is simple T-shirts, tank tops, chinos and jeans (skinny, flared, boyfriend), and a sweater that matches the ensemble.
The most feminine followers of the style will need dresses and skirts in their wardrobe. For example, curvy midi models in a duet with sneakers have already become classics of the genre. But the most typical dresses in casual style are the “sweater” model, the noodle dress, the shirt dress, as well as a minimalist sheath without unnecessary decorative elements. They are chicly complemented by long, laconic wool vests or cocoon coats.
Shoes and accessories
The choice of shoes is dictated first of all by the season, and only then by your own taste and mood. Basic shoes in casual style are sneakers, slip-ons, loafers, low shoes with flat soles, ballet shoes. Your favorite sneakers, if they are not overtly sporty, will fit into the look of almost any style. But it was not without reason that the call was made to “combine the incompatible.” Therefore, boots with spikes, studs, unusual fur decor, the newly fashionable leopard print and snake pattern can become the main accent in a casual look. And at the same time justify its newfangled name - statement shoes.
As for bags, their role is to be a discreet, unobtrusive companion. Primary requirements; laconic design, comfortable handle and spaciousness. This is the shopper model - the ideal bag in casual style. An alternative could be a city backpack that is relevant today. Well, for a casual glamor look, a laconic clutch was created - an excellent pair for elegant low-heeled pumps. The main thing is not to confuse casual glamor with a new look, just like other subtypes of casual with grunge style, etc. Then layering will be appropriate, the image will be collected, and fashionable accents will be in their place.