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There's a time and place for embracing a more-is-more mentality with new trends, piling on jewelry, and wearing your boldest color with absolute gusto (hello, hot pink à la Barbiecore). But when you're in a low-key state of mind and craving effortlessness with the basics—or, to be frank, have roughly five minutes to get dressed—the best casual outfit ideas will get you exactly where you want to be.
Perhaps that's a floral dress and sandals for a summer afternoon out and about or one of fall's freshest designs to kick off the 2022 season in style. Maybe you're a jeans girl and all about a baggy silhouette with a bodysuit or perfect T-shirt and tennis sweater layered over the top. Ahead of autumn, a cozy knit with jean shorts or faux-leather leggings and ballet flats might be the ticket for an anti-try-hard outfit in transitional weather. And before it gets too cool, an exercise dress or pair of leggings may be all you need for quick errands or meeting up with a friend for a coffee and stroll.
Whatever your vibe or aesthetic, it's wise to have laid-back looks aplenty on hand for the moment you're in need. Scroll on to find 35 of BAZAAR editors' favorites, including comfy denim, relaxed blazers, roomy button-down shirts, flowy dresses, chic sneakers, matching workout sets, khaki pants, and cozy shackets.
The Straight-Leg Jeans Outfit
Citizens of Humanity Dylan Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
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The Cargo Pants and T-Shirt Outfit
Reformation Rayne High Rise Utility Pants
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The T-Shirt Dress Outfit
Another Tomorrow Organic Cotton-Blend Dress
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The Matching Athleisure Set Outfit
Bandier x Sincerely Jules The Meadow Legging
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The White Tank Outfit
SLVRLAKE Dakota Distressed Organic Denim Shorts
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The Shacket Outfit
Isabel Marant Étoile Harveli Check Wool-Blend Overshirt
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The Suit Vest Outfit
Le Jean Ella Denim Crop Waistcoat
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The Straight-Leg Jeans Outfit
Citizens of Humanity Dylan Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
The Straight-Leg Jeans Outfit
Citizens of Humanity Dylan Distressed High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans
Now 70% Off
Straight-leg jeans, a white button-down, and loafers typically skew polished, but for a more casual look, choose slouchier-fitting denim and style your shirt open over a tee.
The Cargo Pants and T-Shirt Outfit
Reformation Rayne High Rise Utility Pants
The Cargo Pants and T-Shirt Outfit
Reformation Rayne High Rise Utility Pants
Like Jennifer Aniston, try a pair of utility cargo pants with a T-shirt and sandals, be they flat or heeled.
The Puff-Sleeved Top Outfit
Dôen Quincy Top
The Puff-Sleeved Top Outfit
Dôen Quincy Top
A great-fitting jean instantly downplays the sweetness of a floral puff-sleeved blouse with ruffles.
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The T-Shirt Dress Outfit
Another Tomorrow Organic Cotton-Blend Dress
The T-Shirt Dress Outfit
Another Tomorrow Organic Cotton-Blend Dress
A T-shirt dress is a timeless throw-on-and-go piece. For a modern edge, pair yours with chunky footwear, like platform sandals or dad sneakers.
The Matching Athleisure Set Outfit
Bandier x Sincerely Jules The Meadow Legging
The Matching Athleisure Set Outfit
Bandier x Sincerely Jules The Meadow Legging
Now 74% Off
Master the nostalgic athleisure look in a pair of black leggings, styled with a cropped hoodie, a baseball cap, and scrunched socks with sneakers.
The White Tank Outfit
SLVRLAKE Dakota Distressed Organic Denim Shorts
A tank top and denim shorts feel relaxed but elevated with a leather belt, trendy handbag, and sandals to tie the look together.
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The Striped Button-Down Outfit
AYR The Deep End
The Striped Button-Down Outfit
AYR The Deep End
An oversize fit makes any button-down feel more relaxed, like this bold banker striped design. Try yours over a T-shirt with white jeans for a casual and summery effect.
The Khaki Pants Outfit
Nili Lotan Shon Pants
The Khaki Pants Outfit
Nili Lotan Shon Pants
Lean into the khaki pants resurgence by teaming a cropped pair with a sweater vest and knotted leather sandals.
The Shacket Outfit
Isabel Marant Étoile Harveli Check Wool-Blend Overshirt
The Shacket Outfit
Isabel Marant Étoile Harveli Check Wool-Blend Overshirt
A shacket is multi-seasonal with proper styling—pair yours with shorts and ankle boots when transitioning from summer to fall. Then, as temperatures dip, swap in jeans or fleece-lined leggings.
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The Suit Vest Outfit
Le Jean Ella Denim Crop Waistcoat
The Suit Vest Outfit
Le Jean Ella Denim Crop Waistcoat
Embrace the juxtaposition of the suit vest trend paired with Y2K-style low-rise bottoms, be they jeans, trousers, or a skirt.
The Oversized Sweater Outfit
Christy Dawn The Ester Sweater
The Oversized Sweater Outfit
Christy Dawn The Ester Sweater
In cool weather, you can't beat the comfort and ease of an oversized sweater with jeans and leather ankle boots.
The Utility Jumpsuit Outfit
Alex Mill Standard Jumpsuit
Alex Mill's twill jumpsuit is a BAZAAR editor favorite (digital director Nikki Ogunnaike wrote an ode to it here). Wear yours solo or layered over a T-shirt and finish with sneakers, clogs, or slide sandals on casual days.
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The Baggy Jeans and T-Shirt Outfit
Agolde Baggy Low-Rise Organic Jeans
The Baggy Jeans and T-Shirt Outfit
Agolde Baggy Low-Rise Organic Jeans
Now 35% Off
A T-shirt and sneakers are fail-safe accents with baggy jeans on casual days. Complete the look with a neon-colored bag (one of the biggest 2022 bag trends) for an unexpected pop.
The Matching Linen Set Outfit
Everlane The Linen Workwear Shirt
The Matching Linen Set Outfit
Everlane The Linen Workwear Shirt
A matching linen set is a perfect summer look for casual outings like a coffee run or a farmers' market trip. Complete the set here and style with a leather tote or market bag.
The Romantic Tank Outfit
Cleobella Desi Tank
The Romantic Tank Outfit
Cleobella Desi Tank
A frilled tank with jeans is the ultimate in casual for ultra-feminine tastes.
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The Leather Pants Outfit
Frame Striped Cashmere Cardigan
The Leather Pants Outfit
Frame Striped Cashmere Cardigan
Leather pants feel perfectly casual when paired with a cardigan worn as a top and retro sneakers to finish.
The Babydoll Dress Outfit
Merlette Soliman Black Deco Print
The Babydoll Dress Outfit
Merlette Soliman Black Deco Print
Take the sweetness out of a floral-printed babydoll dress by styling it with comfortable walking shoes, like chunky sneakers or Birkenstock slides.
The Long-Sleeved T-Shirt Outfit
KULE The Boyfriend Top
The Long-Sleeved T-Shirt Outfit
KULE The Boyfriend Top
Few outfits are as quintessential on casual days as a long-sleeved striped nautical T-shirt with denim shorts and Converse sneakers.
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The Slip Skirt Outfit
Vince Satin-Twill Midi Skirt
The Slip Skirt Outfit
Vince Satin-Twill Midi Skirt
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A T-shirt or simple tank top instantly downplays the dressy effect of this satin slip skirt.
The Sweater Set and Shorts Outfit
STAUD Tide Cardigan
A matching cardigan and knit crop top make for an instant, easy outfit. Whether paired with long denim shorts or jeans, this striped set feels as summery as ever with open-toe clogs (which you can swap for closed-toe versions come fall).
Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Laura Lajiness Kaupke is a freelance writer and editor covering fashion, accessories, and lifestyle topics, including beauty, home, fitness, and travel. You can see her work across various outlets, including VOGUE, Harper’s BAZAAR, ELLE, Marie Claire, InStyle, Glamour, Esquire, Women’s Health, Brides, The Zoe Report, Popsugar, Refinery 29, Coveteur, Byrdie, Well+Good, The Editorialist, among other titles and brands. Laura has worked in the fashion industry for over 11 years and held senior fashion editor positions at Popsugar and The Zoe Report, with additional experience as a copywriter and fashion publicist.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or expertise. However, I can provide you with information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. Here are some key points related to the concepts mentioned in the article:
Casual Outfit Ideas:
- Casual outfits are perfect for low-key occasions or when you want to feel comfortable and effortless.
- Some popular casual outfit ideas include floral dresses and sandals for summer, baggy jeans with a T-shirt, t-shirt dresses paired with chunky footwear, and matching athleisure sets.
- Other options include white tanks with denim shorts, striped button-down shirts, khaki pants with a sweater vest, and shackets (shirt jackets) paired with shorts or jeans.
- Suit vests can be paired with low-rise bottoms for a trendy look, while oversized sweaters are great for cool weather.
- Utility jumpsuits, baggy jeans with a T-shirt, and matching linen sets are also mentioned as casual outfit options.
- The article also suggests styling leather pants with a cardigan, wearing babydoll dresses with comfortable walking shoes, and pairing slip skirts with T-shirts or tank tops.
- Sweater sets and shorts can create an easy and stylish outfit, and long-sleeved striped T-shirts with denim shorts are a classic casual look.
Please note that the specific products mentioned in the article may not be available or up-to-date, as the article seems to be from a specific time period. It's always a good idea to check current fashion trends and availability when looking for specific items.
Let me know if there's anything else I can help with!
