Sporty Casual, My Way
A Wardrobe Re-Mix
As promised, I’ll be re-mixing some of my wardrobe favorites to show how they can be worn in multiple ways.
This look was inspired by Lauren Hutton’s Sporty Casual Chic style. I feel great in this outfit; it’s comfortable enough for a day of dog walking and running errands, but pulled-together enough to meet a friend for lunch. True, LH would probably have opted for a more structured topper, but I’m working with what I have on hand. 😉
Earrings | Sweater | Tee (similar) | Bag | Ring | Pants | Shoes
Plus options: Sweater | Tee | Pants
The pants are the same ones I’m wearing here. (The dress-up/dress-down versatility of these pants is why they are so often part of my travel wardrobes.) The sweater coat was included in this outfit, and the shoes were last seen here.
I probably use this bag more than any other on a daily basis. It’s a great size, not too heavy, and adds interest without competing with other accessories. It’s now a couple of years old, and has softened up nicely. It also seems to be very durable and doesn’t readily show scuffs or wear.
The ring is another one from Charlotte Chesnais. After I found the oval ring in Paris, I went online and researched her designs. I spotted this one on sale at Nordstrom, but unfortunately it’s now sold out there.
I haven’t been able to find the ring on sale anywhere else, but there’s a feature in the widget at the top of the post you can use to get a sale alert. Just click on the heart icon, and enter your email address. You’ll receive an email when that item goes on sale!
Putting The “Sporty” In “Sporty Casual…”
I bought these slip-on sneakers a few seasons back when my feet staged a revolt against a pair of wedge pumps I’d worn to dinner. (I recently had another “not having it” moment with my last two comfortable pairs of heels, which I’ll write about tomorrow.) Yes, they’re on the clunky side, but the visual volume helps balance the oversized sweater. And they’re super comfortable!
Shoe care tip: a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works brilliantly to keep those “sidewalls” white.
What are your most versatile wardrobe items?
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Love the look! This style speaks to me. Though the shoe style works, I might pick one with a less noticeable sole.
I’m so done with heels, even the blocky ones I once could wear. I’ll save a few pairs for “out to dinner” but I’m completely happy wearing sneakers most of the time. Love your outfit, and would also look great with white sneakers, or something like white Adidas with black side stripes.
Thanks KSL! Funny you mention the Adidas, was just eyeing a pair of those with the black stripes yesterday.
I love this look. Casual and comfortable. I like the slip on shoes, the clunkier sole makes them look more stylish in my opinion.
My favourite shoes ever were a pair of Josef Seibel Mary Janes – two buckles, with a chunky sole about the same height as cowboy boots. The leather was very soft, yet they were very supportive and I could walk – or cycle – all day in them. Now they are really too worn out to reheel or resole them, but I think I wore them for almost 20 years. My current favourites are actually Doc Martens of all things, but textile and not “stompy”.
Winona model (the site won’t let me copy the link; odd as that would be free publicity). The soles are incredibly comfortable and supportive. Obviously those won’t last as long as the Josef Seibels, but I found two pairs in black have price and am going to buy a cherry red pair as soon as they are available for the Spring. I’d definitely travel in those. I have walked in the rain in them without getting my feet wet, but would take something really waterproof if I’m staying in the Netherlands or another rainy destination.
I am looking for a slightly more dressy – but a bit funky – leather pair with a chunky heel. But must be comfy enough for serious urban walking. No pointy toes – I have duck feet.
I am also currently in love with black and white “skates” and wear them daily. And anticipating that I’m wearing them out pretty fast, I’m about to buy another pair.
However, I am challenged to keep those white edges clean! How do you / y’all EASILY get rid of the daily scuffs and dirt?
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser! Works wonders.
Thank you! 🙂
Is Mr Clean Magic Eraser something that could be bought in the UK? It sounds ideal for my various whitesoled shoes. I currently use either MrMuscle kitchen cleanser, or Mr Muscle glass cleaner – yes, sounds odd but it works reasonably.
If anyone knows of a UK version of the Mr C.M. Eraser, please do let me know as I do like the white soles, but not the grubby off-white.
Mr. Clean magic erasers are white sponge-sized pads impregnated with melamine foam, a mild but extremely effective abrasive.
I see Magic Eraser on Amazon UK, at least….
LOVE this look!! So comfortable but so chic.
I have a similar style,, hair and build as you, but just not the budget, so these choices were spot-on for me, a teacher in LA. Although, Eileen Fisher would be lovely.
This is a nice and flattering outfit (unlike the Cabi one from last week with that long cardigan). I had ordered the Juliette sweater blazer after seeing it in an earlier post but returned it for the Sophie sweater blazer which seemed more in scale to my 5’3” height. I think these J. Crew sweater blazers are wonderful as they can be styled casually or dressed up.
My favorite shoes are from Everlane. They are so stylish as well as comfortable. Thank you for the tip about Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
This is a great outfit on you, and a great idea for posts. The pieces would be a little different, but many of your readers could probably pull together a similar outfit from their wardrobe based on this formula (striped tee, longer neutral cardigan, tan leather bag, black pants, casual shoes or sneakers.) In fact, my outfit for the day is now decided. Thank you for always looking so pulled together – you are an inspiration.
I really love that outfit! The sweater coat is what makes the difference. What a great piece. I have been studying color lately. Your post on neutrals was so helpful. I’m pretty much done with black as its not flattering on me. But you could do the same look with any neutral.
What I’m seeking is a longish denim (or similar) jacket in a style associated with craftworkers, with large patch pockets as well as other pockets. In black, a dark denim wash or ideally, in a rich colour such as forest green or cherry red. I need something a bit more wind-resistant than a sweater knit, and not quite so long as I cycle everywhere, except in the winter. To be worn with trousers and skirts.
I love striped tees as long as the stripes are fine. This is indeed a good wardrobe template for a variety of styles. One key detail in your photos is that the trousers aren’t too long.
Many thanks to Sisty and Kelly. I have bought Mr C M Eraser from Amazon!
I can now pursue my casual look with even better shoes!
The outfit is great. The slip on shoe is something else. That’s all I see, they steal the show!! Perhaps something other than white fat soles may work better!! An elegant sneaker, something a la Gucci, will work better, more refined and not interfere with the rest.
Overall, this is a flattering look for you. I love the handbag but I note that it has a $2,250.00 price tag which is beyond my means. Nevertheless, as a handbag aficionado, I’ll be on the lookout for a budget friendly option.
Sue,
Can you suggest a similar bag that’s less pricey? It does look stylish, comfy & functional.
And I love a shoulder or cross body bag for hands-free errands. Great posts recently; love the diverse topics!
Yes, I’ll be doing a bag “roundup” soon!
Please include some non-leather bags. I always use nylon or microfibre cross body bags
Thank you so much for this post! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for and could not define, so glad to now know the term is sporty casual chic. I know you are influenced by the French/European style but to me this says U.S.A. and I love it!!!
Love this outfit! Love your hair! For what my opinion is worth
I avoided the slip on sneaker thing for so long. It just felt so frumpy to me. And then I found a pair that not only was pretty cute, but so very comfortable. Very reasonably priced…mine are the Dr. Scholls Madison in the metallic snake skin texture. Needing to replace them but they have discontinued this particular color! Many other colors/textures available though.
Thank you for the Mr Clean Magic Eraser tip! I’ll definitely pick one up to use on a couple of pairs of sneakers.