Trust Me—These Casual Outfit Ideas Always Work

The best outfits are the ones you can assemble with minimal effort and wear, well, anywhere that doesn’t have a fancy dress code. Although they can sometimes become eclipsed by the high-octane, sparkle-clad looks that populate our feeds, casual outfits deserve the same consideration, attention, and admiration. After all, they’re what the majority of us spend most of our time in, so nailing your casual outfit repertoire isn’t just advisable—it’s integral to honing your desired aesthetic.

If like me, you’re currently feeling as if you have nothing to wear, I went ahead and did a little Instagram scrolling to find the casual outfit ideas to try right now. I deliberately chose looks I figure you should be able to re-create with pieces from your own wardrobe, though admittedly, there are a few of-the-moment items that will help your wares feel current.

From essential jeans-and-T-shirt pairings to some fresh ways to partner up your separates, these are the nine casual outfit ideas to try this weekend (and every weekend that follows).

1. T-Shirt + Straight-Leg Jeans + Shoulder Bag

No casual outfit can quite compete with the simple jeans-and-T-shirt pairing. Never overlook it. 

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I get a good share of my basics from & Other Stories.  

Shoulder bags will make any casual outfit feel polished. 

2. Jumper + Vest + Printed Skirt

Give your midi skirts a low-key feel with the addition of a white vest top and a jumper knotted around your shoulders. 

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I always go to Reformation for expensive-looking floral prints.

3. Slip Dress + Flat Sandals + Hair Claw

Although slip dresses can loan themselves to after-dark styling, I personally prefer them when worn casually with black slider sandals and no-fuss accessories. 

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This will help you create so many easy updos. 

The sandals that minimalists are wearing on IG. 

4. White Shirt + Black Trousers + Sliders

Casual Outfit Ideas: @aida.bdji wears a white shirt, black trousers and sliders

Photo:

@aida.bdji

Black trousers might be typecast as “smart” attire, but with a crop shirt and black leather sliders, they’re made to feel less corporate. 

These will pair just as well with dresses as they will tailored trousers. 

5. Bright Vest + Linen Trousers + Chunky Flip-Flops

Casual Outfit Ideas: @sasha.mei wears white linen trousers with a green vest top

Photo:

@sasha.mei

It’s summer, so naturally, linen is high on my sartorial agenda. Try breathing new life into a white pair of linen trousers with a vibrant vest top in a trending colour. 

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Kelly green remains a huge colour trend.

M&S also serves up great affordable linen separates. 

The designer sandals every editor has on their wish list. 

6. White Dress + Basket Bag + Thong Sandals

What could be more classic than a white dress and a basket bag for summer? Instead of mules or heels, make your ensemble look the casual-outfit part with a pair of ’90s-style thong sandals. 

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This also comes in a beautiful flame-red hue. 

The basket bag to end all basket bags. 

A more frugal alternative to the pair from The Row above. 

7. Trench Coat + Waist Coat + Jeans

Casual Outfit Ideas: @raeannlangas wears a tailored vest, jeans, and trench coat

Photo:

@raeannlangas

No longer resigned to being stuffy workwear, tailoring has never been more prevalent than it is now. For day, trying incorporating tailored pieces with denim. 

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There’s also a pair of trousers and a blazer to match this waistcoat should that be of interest. 

8. Denim Skirt + Crop Top + Loafers

Casual Outfit Ideas: @claire_most wears a crop top with a denim mini skirt

Photo:

@claire_most

If skirts are more your thing, then you can always rely on a denim mini in lieu of jeans. Paired with a crop top, white socks and loafers, this is a look I’d like to re-create for myself immediately. 

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I own this very crop top, and it’s such a great fit. 

Contrast stitching further elevates this denim miniskirt. 

Loafers without the gold metal hardware always feel more casual. 

9. Striped Shirt + Ecru Jeans + Trainers

Casual Outfit Ideas: @anoukyve wears a stripe shirt with ecru jeans and trainers

Photo:

@anoukyve

Yes, I know—denim features heavily in my suggestions, but with so many ways to wear it, I had to cover the bases. Finally, we have ecru jeans, which always look their best paired with blue-striped shirting. Finish with classic kicks. 

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If you’re going to invest in a striped shirt, make it a Jigsaw classic. 

Ecru tones always look more expensive than pure white denim. 

I live in my Supergas during the summer months.