The older I've gotten, the more casual my style has become. This, however, isn't something I view as a bad thing. Instead, I find it empowering. Gone are the days of feeling the need to hide myself behind more statement outfits. Now, at the ripe age of 34 and feeling more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have, I've found there's beauty to be had in casual outfits that I never fully appreciated before.
Of course, I still want my capsule wardrobe to look classic and chic, but these attributes aren't tethered to high heels and fanciful dresses. On the contrary, I'd argue the most classic looks are those that rely on more refined, uncontrived items which, depending on the styling, can work casually or formally. It's something you understand more acutely with trial and error—styling ensembles without worrying about whether they "work" or not and getting a feel for what you like in the process. However, if time is short, I've got you.
I went on the hunt for some classic casual outfits to inspire my own looks this season—below are 11 I immediately wanted to copy, and I have a feeling you'll want to, too. Utilising what many of us would call wardrobe "staples" such as blazers, jeans, Oxford shirts, T-shirts and simple skirts, scroll on to see them.
11 CLASSIC CASUAL OUTFITS TO TRY THIS SEASON:
1. STRIPED TOP + WIDE-LEG JEANS + BOOTS
Style Notes: Ultra-wide denim burst back onto the scene a few seasons ago and are sticking around for 2025, too. Opt for a simple top to keep things understated and complete the look with a pair of red leather boots, like Marianne.
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Exactly what I want to wear right now.
Reformation denim is a fashion editor favourite.
An easy way to add a pop of colour.
2. TRENCH COAT + TEE + WHITE SKIRT
Style Notes: Skirts are enjoying a peak in popularity right now, featuring regularly in the casual outfits of my favourite social media dressers. This outfit is centred on my current go-to skirt, the white midi, which is made all the more low-key with the addition of a jersey tee and trench coat.
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Everyone should have a camel trench in their wardrobe.
A true wardrobe staple.
A tonal fit is so elegant.
3. DENIM SHIRT + JEANS
Style Notes: Double denim isn't a new trend but, after appearing on the runways of the likes of Celine, Saint Laurent and Chloé, this is a look we're going to see a whole lot more of this season. Handily, it just so happens to be classic and casual, meaning the combination works for a variety of occasions.
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The perfect wash.
Just the right amount of slouch.
Such a great high-street find!
4. OXFORD SHIRT + PLEATED SHORTS + MULES
Style Notes: Longer shorts are a great choice for warm summer days, especially since they're so easy to dress up. A crisp blouse, structured handbag and pair of kitten-heel mules can completely elevate this look, just like Sylvie has done.
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You'll get so much wear out of this.
Don't underestimate the power of Bermuda shorts.
So chic and comfortable thanks to the low heel.
5. CARDIGAN + WHITE JEANS + SLINGBACKS
Style Notes: Denim goes beyond blue jeans—ecru pairs can work just as well in casual outfits and, dare I say, might even look more elegant. I love this relaxed combination featuring a roomy beige cardigan and basket bag.
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The wrap closure makes this cardigan feel special.
The colour and fit are 10/10.
A chic summer day shoe.
This will never go out of style.
6. POLKA DOT DRESS + MARY-JANE FLATS
Style Notes: I feel like I become more time-poor by the day, so I'm always on the lookout for easy yet elegant outfits I can assemble in a couple of minutes. This look definitely falls into that category. Let a printed midi do the hard work for you; all you need to consider is what shoe to wear it with.
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This print is so 2025 coded.
Suede is going nowhere for 2025.
7. TWEED JACKET + CUFF HEM JEANS + MARY JANES
Style Notes: Jeans are at the heart of many a great casual outfit. Lately my favourite way to style them has been with classy pieces—namely a tweed jacket and mary jane shoes, much like Tia's ensemble above.
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Honestly, this could be designer.
Cuff-hem jeans are winning out this season. The dark indigo shade is very luxe.
Trés chic, non?
8. KNITTED VEST + WIDE-LEG TROUSERS + CLOGS
Style Notes: The beauty of wide-leg trousers is that they can be dressed up or down on a whim, the latter of which is perfectly demonstrated here with the addition of a knitted vest and suede clogs. Comfortable and cool? Sign me up.
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So cute.
Simple? Yes. But so very effective.
How cosy do these look?
9. LEATHER JACKET + TEE + MAXI SKIRT
Style Notes: When it comes to casual outfits, no jacket style is quite as iconic nor can loan itself to as broad a variety of looks as the leather biker. Personally I think black styles look their best paired with more of just that—black. Try a fluid maxi skirt for a pairing that's so current-looking.
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A good biker never goes out of style.
A much cooler silhouette than bodycon.
I'd wear this for evenings too.
10. CROPPED JACKET + JEANS + TRAINERS
Style Notes: Leave it to a structured, cropped jacket to give a little extra sophistication to a jeans-and-trainer combo. With brown still standing strong as a core colour trend this season—try wearing like Jessica has here. Add a sleek suede or leather jacket, then offset with jeans and chunky trainers for the ultimate high/low balance.
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A very modern cut.
The perfect length for showcasing your shoes.
Still a firm favourite.
11. RELAXED SUITING + WHITE TEE
Style Notes: I tend to steer clear from suits on casual days, but I've found that wearing a T-shirt with your tailoring is an easy way to dress it down. Add a pair of sleek boots and a roomy tote and you're ready for a day of shopping and coffee dates.
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The dream blazer situ.
A minimalist must-have.
The Frankie Shop makes some of the best suits on the market.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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