Summary
What is casual chic style? Why adopt the casual chic style? The casual chic of the 2010s The new era of casual chic, post 2020 The well-kept secret to mastering the casual chic style Choosing the right clothes for a casual chic style Tending towards relaxation or elegance Balance your silhouette The different levels of mastery of casual chic style The final wordHow to be well dressed without overdoing it?
Here is the challenge that casual chic chooses to take on. And rather brilliantly because it is now essential in the contemporary men's wardrobe.
This style guide was originally written in 2016 . We offer you here a complete update of this content, written in 2024.
What is casual chic style?
A little reminder never hurts.
Casual chic means mixing elegant clothes with more casual ones in the same outfit.
For example :
- A blazer jacket (elegant) with a t-shirt and chinos (casual).
- A shirt (stylish) with jeans (casual)
Maybe you already dress like that sometimes, without necessarily realizing it. In which case: well done.
The goal of this guide is therefore to help you mix these two style registers well . Because not all casual clothes go with all dressy clothes. That would be too easy.
A modern vision of casual chic by A Tempo Rubato.
Why adopt the casual chic style?
It's an easy style to get started with.
It represents a good entry point into men's style for newbies who don't really know where to start.
It is easy because it is based on fairly common clothing such as sweaters, shirts, jeans. You probably already have some of these pieces in your wardrobe. And for what you are missing, the offer on the market is very wide.
A white shirt , cognac pants , leather shoes: a simple casual chic look that works well.
It is also an all-purpose style : this mix of elegance and relaxation is socially well accepted. You are not taking too many risks by dressing in such a way.
To go a little further, I would say that casual chic is a good stylistic foundation which then allows you to branch out towards more advanced, more cutting-edge styles.
After a while, depending on your stylistic path, you could drift towards a more workwear chic, soft tailoring or minimalist style for example, all of which have roots in common with casual chic.
Casual chic of the 2010s
The style of an era necessarily corresponds to the offering of that era .
Around 2015 - a period when casual chic style really took off - the men's fashion offering was more limited than today. There were fewer brands, less diversity in the shapes and volumes of clothing.
There were shirts and t-shirts, blazers and bombers. Jeans and chinos. Sneakers and ankle boots. The slim and skinny fit. I'm exaggerating a bit but you get the idea.
The silhouettes of these years are only a reflection of this offer, mixing these pieces and influences together.
The typical outfit was fitted jeans with a mismatched blazer and a shirt, it was the pinnacle of a style with just the right amount of chic, but not too much either, so as not to come across as “overdressed”.
It corresponds to a still tenacious heritage of the Slimane silhouette, itself inspired by rock silhouettes.
Denim, blazer with narrow lapels, boots, slim cuts… the photos from Stay Classic (now @timmelideo on Instagram) represent the casual chic style of the 2010 decade
In 2024, things have logically changed. But what precisely?
The new era of casual chic, post-2020
Two big changes have taken place in recent years:
1. More breadth
Where volumes were mostly fitted, recent years have seen the emergence of more generous cuts , both at the top and bottom.
Fullness is liberating : by exploring different widths and mixing loose and fitted styles in the same outfit, you open yourself up to new style possibilities.
On the left: an outfit with clothes close to the body, very 2010s. Some will find it too fitted. On the right, an outfit with loose clothes, very 2020s. Some will find it too loose. Photo credit: J.Crew
So if you are used to wearing fitted volumes, our advice is the following: try slightly straighter volumes.
I'm not talking about going for super broad things. But just a little wider than you're used to. We are talking about all types of clothing here:
- Whether it's the pants, which you can choose a little looser at the thigh and calf. To give you an order of magnitude, fitted pants have a leg opening around 18cm, on a size M. To aim a little straighter, you can go around 20cm for example
- But this also concerns tops: take t-shirts, shirts and sweaters with a little more room at the shoulders and armpits
Not only will it be more comfortable, but it is possible that when you look in the mirror you will find the result visually interesting.
To get you started, for example, we talked about the benefits of straight cut pants in this article .
And in our Bonnegueule collection, we have been offering straighter and more comfortable pieces for some time:
2. More flexibility
The materials are now less thick and rigid .
Denim weights are more reasonable (goodbye 23oz thick giga jeans). More fluid materials find their place in the men's wardrobe. The return of velvet, a downy fabric with a rounder drape, also embodies this shift very well.
These softer fabrics, combined with slightly looser cuts, allow the garment to drape more and express itself around the wearer . Which contrasts quite a bit with the silhouettes of 5 or 10 years ago, which were much stiffer and structured.
On the left: the iconic Naked&Famous jeans that stand up on their own, alongside the brand's founder, Brandon Svarc. Rigidity at its peak. A very “2010s” trend
Right: look at the drape of the pants, loose and flowing. Silhouette Officine Générale , fall/winter 2024.
Today's casual chic shows a quieter, more relaxed elegance. The casual chic of 10 years ago had a more structured, very clean side.
When we push the idea of “cool” elegance to the limit, we arrive at a stylistic trend that has its own name: soft tailoring, which we dissected in this article.
A vision of quiet elegance, not at all stiff or stuffy. By Stoffà , or the epitome of soft tailoring
The well-kept secret to mastering casual chic style
A sure way to design a beautiful outfit is through coherence and harmony. Coherence brings fluidity and naturalness.
The advantage of dressing in a well-defined look (workwear, streetwear, tailoring, etc.) is that we have a natural coherence between the different pieces. For example, if you like the suit style, it's easy to have consistency: a suit goes naturally with a shirt, a tie and leather shoes.
And the risk of mixing several styles in the same outfit is losing this coherence. Sneakers don't go naturally with a suit, it's not something obvious.
The whole challenge of casual chic style is to find a good balance between these two worlds.
So here is the ultimate tip for mixing elegant and casual clothes in the same outfit , very well explained by Jordan:
To wear two pieces with different levels of formality, you have to take the formal piece towards casual and the casual piece towards formal .
Dressing casual chic means aiming for the middle of the scale. Make sure the formal room isn't too formal and the casual room isn't too formal either.
The more clothes you own at the crossroads between casual and formal, the more successful combinations you can make. Because you can combine them with formal pieces AND ALSO with casual pieces.
This is the most important idea to take away from this article: take the formal and make it more casual, and vice versa.
This is how you harmonize two distant styles: by bringing them together.
With this idea in mind, we understand why Nike Dunks don't go with an office suit. It's not so much that a suit and sneakers aren't compatible: it's more that this type of sneaker is not compatible with this type of costume.
“And if we still wanted to wear Dunks with a suit, what would we do?”
This association is not in my favor, but if we wanted to do it, here is how I would do it:
1. Wear them in a resolutely streetwear aesthetic
With a colorful, loose, flexible suit, a hoodie, a printed t-shirt, jewelry/accessories.
The suit is a little too fitted here. It would benefit from being wider and “soft” ideally. Despite everything, the idea of the outfit, all black with a printed hoodie and a t-shirt, is good. @brkicks on X (ex-Twitter), with Kyrie Irving
2. Wear them with a more traditional suit and wear a striking contrast
We are talking about an approach where we no longer necessarily seek to respect harmony in the outfit. Yes, the shoes will contrast strongly with the rest, and we can find that very good that way.
The shoes really stand out from the rest of the outfit. Yet there is a little something that emerges, which we can appreciate or not at all. (@larylarciu on Instagram)
Choose your clothes wisely for a casual chic style
We are going to be very concrete: I offer you a checklist of the essential points to take into account to gauge the level of relaxation or elegance of the main men's clothing.
I noted for each item of clothing whether it is basically more formal or casual.
From a casual chic perspective, the idea is to wear more casual versions of formal clothes, and vice versa.
Click on each link to access an analysis by clothing typology. :)
The whole purpose of casual chic style is to explore, to play with these different codes.
We don't necessarily realize it, but each item of clothing we wear, through its cut, its color, its material, its details, exudes something: a universe, a style, a level of relaxation or formalism.
To truly dress well, you have to understand what our clothes reflect. It is this knowledge, this outlook, which allows you to put together a successful outfit, with pieces that combine symbiotically.
Dress shoes with jeans may or may not work. For this to work, you have to see, for example, that fitted jeans with elongated shoes give a “big feet” effect. With this fact in mind, we adapt and understand that we need less tight jeans and less pointed shoes to create more harmony.
Strive towards relaxation or elegance
Casual chic is a spectrum.
You can aim for looks right between chic and casual (50/50).
But we can also consider casual chic silhouettes which tend more towards elegance (for example 80% chic, 20% casual) or more towards relaxation (80% casual, 20% chic).
This idea is useful if you have very dressy or very casual clothes that are difficult to get out of their register.
With cotton jogging pants (very casual clothing), you will not be able to create an elegant outfit with a shirt and a blazer. On the other hand, you can work on a very casual silhouette but with a touch of chic and flair.
Well-worn jogging pants here at Aimé Leon Dore . No, it's not a stylish outfit per se. But it's a well-crafted outfit which gives it a slightly chic side.
On the other hand, it is not necessarily easy to wear certain very formal clothes in a casual manner. Typically, a very formal suit jacket won't really go with sneakers. The contrast in style is a bit strong between the two.
In this case, make a casual chic outfit that leans more towards chic.
Here's a good way to relax a rather formal navy blue jacket: with loafers and pleated pants. The fine round-neck wool sweater is a good idea for a change from a shirt, while still maintaining the right amount of elegance. Photo credit: Blugiallo
Balance your figure
Let's talk about the importance of silhouette, cuts, proportions.
As we said a little above: a successful silhouette is a harmonious silhouette.
This harmony can be achieved on width: that is to say having clothes whose width is consistent for you (not too tight, not too wide), but also between them (not having two clothes whose cut is very different).
There is also harmony along the length (or even lengths) that Jordan describes very well in this article :
And this general harmony is, among other things, made possible by the balance between the upper part and the lower part of your silhouette. This means that these two parts must be equal in their respective dimensions (head and feet included). In short, there should not be a disproportionate result.
A disproportionately long bust, mounted on short legs, lacks harmony.
Very long legs visually encroaching on a tiny trunk is no better.
To improve the harmony of your silhouettes, start by undressing . Yes yes. In order to understand your body and what clothing can do to enhance it.
Next, I advise you to take a critical look at your outfits. To do this, don't hesitate to look at yourself in front of the mirror, take a photo of yourself or even share your looks with other enthusiasts who can give you feedback.
Here are two examples of outfits that I think lack harmony, with my tips for improving them.
Vertical harmony
@stufffinegoods on Instagram
Interesting composition , with quality clothing. The colors are well chosen. The pants are quite rich in details, which gives consistency to the whole.
On the other hand, the proportions ring false. The bust appears very elongated and the legs very short . This is because the pants are worn low on the hips and short (rolled up). Taking the photo, slightly from above, doesn't help either.
To balance the silhouette, I think it would be good to wear the pants higher on the hips and to wear them longer . We could thus approach this type of rendering:
More balanced proportions. At a glance, I would say that the pants are worn 5cm higher on the hips and 3cm longer than the previous look. The person here gains a good 8 centimeters in leg, which has a big impact on the overall silhouette. Photo credit: Berg&Berg
Horizontal harmony
@weatherman on Instagram
Not casual chic here but rather formal, but the teaching is interesting.
The outfit works overall, except for what we see at the bottom of the pants: the calf is tight and appears very small compared to the feet , which on the contrary seem very imposing. This effect is accentuated by the rest of the outfit: the jacket is long with a wide lapel. The shirt collar and tie are also quite wide. Only the calf appears shrunken in this set.
Here, you should choose pants with a larger leg opening , which provides more coverage for the foot. Shoes with a less elongated, more rounded shape could also reduce this “big feet” effect. Like this for example:
Wider pants at the bottom, rounder shoes = the “big feet” effect disappears. @urbancomposition on Instagram
The different levels of mastery of casual chic style
Level 1: do it simply and well
It all starts there.
Well-cut clothes, in correct materials (natural as much as possible) which come in a simple color palette.
Practice the idea of bringing the Elegance and Casual sliders together.
At this point, you will make mistakes and that is completely normal , even desirable. This is how we learn! We must not stop there but continue to move forward. :)
Here is a small list of pieces to wear easily in level 1 silhouettes:
- Oxford shirt with button-down collar
- Plain round neck sweater in a basic color (blue, gray or green for example)
- Casual blazer (soft, textured construction, with patch pockets)
- Jacket or jacket in a sober fabric and color: work jacket, denim jacket, harrington
- Blue jeans (raw or bleached) straight cut
- Pleated cotton chinos
- Clear sneakers with a clean shape
- Derby with rounded shape
You will find in the Bonnegueule collection:
Photo credit: Berg&Berg
The color palette is simple: white, navy blue, olive green, brown . Remember that these colors always work together, so overuse them.
The volumes are well controlled : neither too narrow nor too wide.
The polo collar that sticks out brings a little light to this ensemble.
Pleated cotton pants fit perfectly here. You should have one: it's a piece that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and relaxation.
Discreet leather dress shoes finish it off. In suede leather like here, it's very good.
Blue jeans, a beige overshirt: the base is very simple.
Brown hiking shoes add character. But derbies would go very well too.
Note that the pants have fullness to go with the rather imposing shape of the shoes. Slim pants would make less sense.
The green hat works well as an extension of the beige and brown.
Rings are optional!
Photo credit: Proper Cloth
This is what a casual chic outfit looks like mastered with a blazer and jeans.
Above: a shirt and a blazer, in casual mode. The shirt is made of oxford with a button-down collar and is worn slightly open. The blazer is quite light in color and has patch pockets.
Bottom: Lightly faded jeans and brown suede tassel loafers. Don't like moccasins? Wear derbies, the outfit will work just the same.
Note also the beautiful harmony of colors : white, sand, faded blue and brown.
Photo credit: @randomwalkshop on Instagram
The Oxford shirt is still there. Blue jeans too.
Originality lies in this Harrington jacket, in a beautiful green. A way to bring a little sporty/ Ivy League side to your style. Sober brown derbies finish it off.
Level 2: we start talking seriously
You have mastered the basics, avoiding the biggest style mistakes.
Now is the time to add some pizzazz to your outfits . By sporting colors, cuts, even pieces, that few other men wear (and which you like of course).
You begin to differentiate yourself, your stylistic identity is refined.
Small list of pieces to wear easily in level 2 silhouettes:
- Colorful tops (yellow sweater, pink or lavender shirt, etc.)
- Shirt with character : stronger pattern, unique shape/cut
- Very casual, very textured blazer
- White or ecru pants
- Loose pants
- More accessories: bracelets, rings, scarves, hats…
- Shoes with a less common shape: moccasins, boat shoes with cleats, Paraboot Michael derbies
You will find, in the Bonnegueule collection:
Photo credit: @thedecorumbkk on Instagram
White, ecru, gray, black: here is an outfit in shades of gray that is very pleasing to the eye.
The sweatshirt, denim jacket and white socks bring casualness, while the white shirt, pleated wool pants and velvet slippers are more elegant.
The balance of volumes is also very successful : look at the length of the pants or the jacket for example.
The colors are quite sober here (white, blue, beige).
This look is distinguished by more original clothing shapes and volumes. We can note the pants, with a loose cut and a cargo pocket placed on the front of the left thigh. There is also the jacket, whose hybrid form takes its inspiration from both the blazer and the work jacket. Finally, you have the tassel loafers, which you don't see that often on the street.
Photo credit: @ginga_ayuha on Instagram
A sweater, a blazer, jeans, loafers: fairly simple clothes. You notice the yellow of the sweater , which fits well with the rest of the outfit (gray and blue). Also note the white socks with red stripes , which denote what we are used to seeing.
Adding punchy and colorful pieces is a good way to spice up fairly classic silhouettes.
Photo credit: @takumi_oshima on Instagram
The casual chic style can also tend towards other worlds. Here you have the combination of dress pants with a shirt and leather shoes, but we feel that there is something else behind it.
So, this outfit leans towards the workwear style with pants in a fairly rustic material (it looks like tweed), the beige shirt (which changes from white and blue) and the faded denim jacket. Everything has character , we appreciate it.
The clothes are also perfectly cut: the fairly short jacket still covers the waistband of the pants because they are quite high.
Level 3: breaking the rules
The lines are blurring.
Your stylistic identity asserts itself frankly: you know what you like and what you don't. You can now give free rein to your instincts. You feel what works and what doesn't work for you.
You respect some rules but you also break others . Sometimes by provocation. Sometimes to create something cool, through imbalance and the unexpected.
Sometimes you are told that certain clothes only suit you. Well done, you have found your style. Your playing field is now infinite.
From this level, there is no longer really a “typical clothing”!
Photo credit: Drake's
Take a look at British brand Drake's lookbooks to discover inspiring and more stylish looks.
Here, we have a clever slalom between casual and more dressy.
The cap and cardigan are rather casual. Beige chinos too, despite their central pleat which gives some structure to the leg line. The braided belt too, but it remains in leather and matches the moccasins.
The shirt, tie and blazer are dressier but not too much because they are colorful or patterned. We are not looking for a very formal “suit and tie”.
Note the superposition of several layers at the top , with patterned pieces (jacket, shirt, tie) framed by other plain and sober ones (cardigan, coat).
If you were wondering if it is possible to mix two identical patterns in an outfit, the answer is yes. To do it well, vary their scale (large stripe / fine stripe).
Photo credit: @shuheinishiguchi on Instagram
Shuhei Nishiguchi masters his subject like no one else . His outfits are always rich in lessons.
Here, an outfit constructed in a harmonious monochrome ranging from white to brown.
Each piece has a little story to tell. The pants for their impeccable cut. Shoes for their unique appearance (exotic leather?). The t-shirt for its high collar which protrudes from the melted diamond pattern sweater. The blazer for its fluffy appearance. The jacket for its military side (evidenced by the beige color, the shoulder pads and the pockets). Even the necklace and its pendant fit into the shades.
An impeccable outfit where everything works perfectly together: the different shades of beige/brown/sand complement each other wonderfully.
Photo credit: @scottfrasercollection on Instagram
A more advanced outfit, made up of specific clothing that is not found on every street corner.
Indeed, it is a vision of casual chic where each item of clothing is improved , boosted.
No simple t-shirt but a striped sweater (which I suspect is short-sleeved) and well textured with an openwork knit stitch. No classic straight blazer but a double-breasted jacket with a shawl collar, inspired by tuxedo jackets. And pants with a distinct style: high waisted and loose.
Beautiful shapes, beautiful textures, beautiful plays of volumes and a beautiful monochrome palette of neutral colors make this look different.
Photo credit: @richardbiedul on Instagram
We end with a look that's deliberately a little provocative.
I don't recommend dressing like this every day. It's more to show you that with confidence, experience and daring, you can push your style quite far.
It's technically a casual chic look because you have:
- Dressier clothes at the top , with the embroidered white shirt, bow tie and black double-breasted tuxedo jacket
- And others more casual at the bottom , with faded jeans with raw edges (the threads of which hang at the bottom) and leopard mules (yes yes). Oh yes, there's a cap too, while we're at it.
While there isn't much cohesiveness about it (that's clearly not the point of the outfit), you'll notice that each item of clothing fits impeccably well. It helps to make some sense of it all.
Dressing up also means having fun, trying things out . Pair a tuxedo jacket with jeans, for example.
The final word
Casual chic is a rich, multifaceted style. It is simple to understand but difficult to master.
To create harmonious casual chic outfits, remember the following points:
- Understand the records of the clothes you wear,
- Think about the overall harmony of your silhouettes ,
- Get inspired , again and again. Binge yourself with inspiring looks, whether on Instagram, Pinterest or elsewhere. Try to understand why exactly these outfits appeal to you.
- To go further and make your casual chic outfits even richer, inject other influences : preppy, workwear, streetwear, etc.
Now it's up to you!
Questions, comments? Tell us everything in the comments, we'll answer you.