Casual Style: Features and Must Haves

What makes casual style truly unique? Many people immediately associate this style with a sloppy or unkempt look, but the reality is quite different. When interpreted correctly, casual style represents a balanced mix of practicality and good taste.

In this article we will explore its distinctive features and discover the garments and accessories that allow you to create impeccable casual outfits that are always in step with the latest trends.

What is meant by casual style

The term "casual" comes from the English language and indicates informal and relaxed clothing , suitable for situations in which it is not strictly necessary (or obligatory) to show up in classic and elegant attire. The origin of this concept is closely linked to the social and cultural evolution of the twentieth century : especially starting from the 50s and 60s, a significant change in social customs and clothing occurred.

With growing economic prosperity, people began to look for an alternative to the rigid looks of the past. It is in this context that the casual style was born, characterized by greater freedom of expression and a less rigid attention to social conventions. The concept of casualness in the way of dressing was further promoted by the cultural revolution of the 1960s, which emphasized values ​​such as individual freedom, nonconformity and authenticity. These principles helped spread the idea that clothing should be a manifestation of one's personality and lifestyle, rather than a social obligation or a way to define one's status in an inviolable way. In the following years, the style became increasingly popular until it became an essential component of contemporary fashion.

The characteristics of casual style

Casual style represents that sense of freedom that you breathe when you wear something that makes you feel like yourself , without compromise or ostentation. It is the art of being fashionable without effort, of showing off an impeccable look without sacrificing practicality and comfort. What are the pillars on which this fascinating and casual style is based?

First of all, simplicity. Casual style is not about excess or ostentation, but about essential and minimal pieces. Soft T-shirts, denim jeans, enveloping cardigans, oversized shirts: these are the must-haves of the casual wardrobe. Models that resist passing fashions and prove to be reliable travel companions in any situation. It is not just a question of clothes, but also of colors: neutral, versatile, timeless. White that reflects the sunlight, gray that adapts to every shade of the soul, black that speaks the language of elegance, blue that recalls infinity, khaki that camouflages itself among the autumn leaves, brown that recalls fertile earth. These are the nuances that make up the palette of casual style: shades that combine harmoniously with each other, creating ever new and contemporary symphonies. As for shoes, sneakers are always welcome , ready to accompany you on your daily adventures. Boots and moccasins are also popular models among casual footwear.

Casual style is a manifesto of freedom and authenticity , an invitation to be yourself, a declaration of independence from conformist fashion, a tribute to the beauty of simplicity and practicality.

Variations of the casual style

Can there be variations of the casual style when we are dealing with such essential and minimalist looks? Absolutely yes and this allows us to understand how possible it is, even with extreme simplicity, to express one's personality in an authentic and natural way. In this regard, below we highlight some of the main variations of the casual style.

• Casual chic: combines casual elements with more elegant details, creating a sophisticated but comfortable look. It is characterized by the use of basic items such as jeans and t-shirts, combined with more refined elements, such as blazers, silk scarves or jewelry.
• Urban casual: Inspired by urban and metropolitan life, with a focus on comfortable and functional clothing. Technical clothing is often found, such as windbreakers, cargo pants, and sturdy sneakers.
• Sporty casual: combines sporty elements with casual items for a dynamic and informal look. It is characterized by the use of hoodies, jogging pants and running shoes combined with casual basics for a comfortable but always fashionable look.
• Casual boho: refers to the bohemian and hippy style, with a mix of vintage, ethnic and folk garments. There are light and flowing clothes, such as maxi dresses and long skirts, combined with boho-chic accessories, such as fringes, lace and beads.
• Minimal casual: characterized by the simplicity and elegance of the garments, with a focus on clean lines and minimalist details. It includes basic pieces, such as turtlenecks, cigarette pants and structured jackets, for a sober and refined look.

How does casual style differ from classic style?

Both styles are based on clean lines, neutral colors and a strong minimalism. However, there are some differentiating characteristics that allow us to recognize one and the other more consciously:

• Classic style: first of all, despite the clean lines and neutral colors, generally for classic looks more refined fabrics are used. Lace, silk, cotton, linen, organza and chiffon are the most popular, even in variations with colored prints or particular details. As for accessories, the predominant color is gold. Silver is also welcome, but warm tones are considered more refined. With shoes and bags you can't go wrong. Even in this case the lines must be simple. For women, the main focus is on décolleté, ballet flats and brogues. For men, on the other hand, Derby, Oxford and moccasins.

• Casual style: the main fabrics are jersey, cotton, linen and denim. Prints and embroidery are not particularly appreciated, very simple solid-colored garments are preferred. At most, you can opt for thin striped shirts or the typical oversized checkered shirt. Tracksuit pants and sweatshirts or cargo pants and skirts are welcome.
  Accessories are rarely used and are mostly in silver. Sunglasses with dark lenses, watches and bracelets are omnipresent in the casual style. As for footwear, the emphasis is on comfortable shoes. For both women and men, sneakers or moccasins or low sandals for her and boot models for him.

Casual Style and T-Switch

The T-Switch sneakers adapt perfectly to the casual style thanks to their minimal and clean design . The materials are quality and they have the possibility of being personalized thanks to the change of tongue and strap.

These sneakers, just like the casual style, are an expression of freedom and authenticity: the emblem of a way of life that celebrates versatility. Wear them and let yourself be carried away by the positive energy of a look that is always new at every step.

Outfit tips for casual style

After exploring the various shades of casual style and its many variations, it's time to put into practice what we've learned and create casual looks for men and women. Based on the fundamental characteristics of this style (comfort, versatility and the mix of casual and refined elements) we will create outfits featuring our T-Switches.

Casual look for men

For a Friday night at the movies with friends, opt for a look that perfectly embodies the combination of comfort and style. Wear a pair of dark jeans in a slim fit that suits your figure. Pair with a slightly oversized heather gray t-shirt. To complete your casual outfit, wear our T-Switch with details (strap and tongue) in black or gray to keep in the same tones of the clothing. A light gray cardigan will add a touch of casual elegance while keeping you warm on the humid spring evening.

Casual look for women

Remember that casual style can be highly customized to best reflect your personality, as well as our T-Switch. A color for every shade of identity.

Article by Federica Zingarelli.