I need help to be more casual!

gs1967

I've just read through the dressing sophisticated thread and thought I'd ask for my own help .

I've lost all sense of whatever little style I had, I've forgotten how to dress casually. I'm either smartly dressed for work or slobbing around in pj's. We had a family day out last week and my husband said I looked like I was going for a job interview! I just don't know what to wear to look casual...can anyone help me?

I don't really like jeans, I've never been able to find a pair that looks right. When I was younger I lived in little dresses and woolly tights but I'm too old for that. I sometimes read some of the blogs from here and wish I could put outfits together like those.

I just don't know where to start!

Fuzzy_Duck

Personally I'm very jealous of you- I'd love to look sophisticated all the time!

Why do you think you're too old for dresses and woolly tights? I think it's a winning combination that looks good on all ages. You could wear casual dresses with pump shoes or flat boots, or a billowy knee length skirt to look more casual. Some nice plain cardigans are good for layering and can be worn all year round.

I never used to wear jeans either, as I found them uncomfortable and didn't really like the way they looked. I have since found a brand that does fit me properly and I wear any colour jeans except typical blue denim (I much prefer a more flattering indigo, or white in summer). So it's worth trying on as many pairs as possible to find a pair that do fit you and look good, as jeans are the easiest way of dressing down.

When you do add some casual clothes to your wardrobe, try mixing them with a sophisticated item of clothing and see what works. A dressy top could look good with a plainer skirt for example, and you may feel more comfortable that way as you get used to your new casual clothes.

piratefairy

i'm with you in the jeans-hating camp, gs!! i went through my first year of college in nothing but, and then just decided that i hated them, and haven't worn them since..
if you really don't like them, they are not the only casual clothing option, i think they're just the fall-back..
there is nothing wrong with dresses and tights - there are a lot of thick wooly tights around at the moemtn, cute but also practical for the chilly weather., and there's no upper age limit on dresses and tights IMO. To dress a dress down a little, try some pumps or pixie boots rather than heels, and a chunky cardigan layered over it, with some opaque tights and a belt over the top?

pink_warrior

Hi,

When I think casual the first thing to pop into my head is a pair of jeans, but since you dont feel comfortable I wont suggest that. However, I dont think anyone could go wrong with jeans. Its all about the fit.

Besides jeans there are many other outfits that an be casual. A pair of tailored trousers, full length or cropped can be casual if you team them with the right things. What kind of things do you wear at the moment?

cattkitt

Long floaty dress paired with a natty jumper or cardigan. Hides the upper arms as well, which the French recommend for women over a certain age.

glowgirl_2

I dont do sophisticated or smart unless I have to and I agree with the above post, dresses and thick tights can be worn by anyone:)

Loads of inspiration in the high street shops atm, best of the bunch imo is H&M, they have a mag out too thats free in store and River Island has some lovely bits and of course dont forget Primark, steal the ideas from elesewhere and buy it super cheap;)My top tip is get a few mags and have a look at some sites (boohoo.com and ASOS are a good start) and copy any styles you like, you'll soon get a feel for building an outfit and develop your own style.

Think layers and accessories, especially scarves, they look good and make you feel fashionable and comfortable, larger ones can even hide bits if you tie it right:D

Lots of posters on here really rate New Look jeans if you fancy a trying on session, personally I like Top Shop or Primark, flat boots look great with most things and give a funky feel to an outfit.

Nikkisun

What sort of dresses are you all wearing with thick tights? I love the idea but the only dresses I seem to be able to find are summer, maxi or 'dressy' dresses!!

VK-2008

im the other way i am always too casual and stuggle to be smart

took me 4 days to find a dress for a wedding a few weeks ago and that was four days constant shopping

if you dont like jeans why not try linen trousers. i got a few pairs and they can be dressed up and down.#
rather than wear heels go for flatties or trainers.

i am in love with my trainers!! i need to draw myself away from them lol

Fuzzy_Duck

Nikkisun, my favourites for casual but pretty dresses are Yumi, Apricot, New Look and Culture Clothing. My favourite is a woolly feel Yumi dress which I can wear as a dress or a long top.

OP, just had another thought for trousers. I have a pair of comfy but fitted black cords that are suitable for every day wear, but are flattering and less formal than standard black trousers. They might be a good idea if they're your cup of tea.

whitelillies

Do try leggings. Yes ive been told if you wore them the 1st time round you shouldnt be wearing them this time. But i totally disagree. Ive got 3 pairs, 1black. 1brown and 1grey. Ive teamed them up with them jersey tops, dont know what there called but theve got a lot of material at the back and are floaty and fit below the bottom, they are similar to the new style cardigans out now. I wore that today with a pair of knee length heeled black boots. Casual but trendy too. Its what you wear with them rather than what they are. As long as your bottom is covered they can look good.

lilmiss

I seem to have no sence of style ever!. I just live in trousers and tshirts. And leggings i remember wearing when I was little. I don't think I'm too old to wear them again but I think they only suit slim people. How about just wearing anything?. Maybe you just have office clothes because that's all you ever buy and not realise it . Maybe it's your shoes too?. If you wear heels maybe you could buy something else. People here in my town are still wearing sandals or those pump things, here is training shoes or the things that look like training shoes but with no tops on just a strap. Or Wellington boots (joke) :- D. Also try to break away from black, black will look officey too. Have you asked your husband? He was the one to bring it too your attention. Anyway some good suggestions above .