Look Stylish, Feel Comfortable: Tips for Effortless Dressing
Let’s face it, most days we want to get dressed with ease and be comfortable all day long. But that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice feeling stylish. Finding that balance between looking put-together and feeling comfortable can take a little experimenting, but it’s totally doable. Keep reading for ideas and tips on how to make comfortable, casual outfits look stylish and put-together.
Stylish and comfortable outfits for everyday
Why make the effort to put outfits together when our lifestyle is a casual one? I firmly believe that style is a way of showing up for ourselves. Getting dressed in an intentional way that reflects our taste and personality sends a message to the brain that we are worth showing up for. We feel more present, positive, and powerful. As Bill Cunningham (the legendary New York Times street style photographer) once said, “fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”
Here are my top easy style tips to elevate comfortable, casual outfits.
1. Add a “third piece”
My sizes: Blazer – Petite S, Jeans – 28
Adding a “third piece” is one of my favorite ways to make simple outfits look finished. A linen jacket is perfect for milder days and fluctuating temperatures. If you prefer a non-blazer style, there’s also this one from Tommy Bahama (available in several colors), a utility style from Caslon, and this cute relaxed chore jacket from Seasalt Cornwall.
If it’s too warm for a jacket, a light cotton poplin or linen shirt works well as a top layer over a tee or tank. Cropped styles are great for for Petite women, or for pairing with wider-leg pants or a fuller skirt. I also like this one from Lands’ End. And J.Crew has a good one.
If you prefer a regular-length shirt, take a look at these:
Rails | Boden | J.Crew | Talbot’s | Alex Mill | Rails | Banana Republic | Marine Layer
2. Details, details
Simple doesn’t have to be boring! Look for pieces with details that add visual interest, such as eyelet/broderie, contrast piping, and textural interest (e.g. open stitch and crochet pieces).
Eyelet tops are everywhere this season, and a fabulous way to stay cool and comfortable while adding a playful element to your summer outfits. Here are a few of my top picks:
J.Crew | Tuckernuck | Vince Camuto | Halogen | Boden | Madewell | Free People
3. Coordinate colors
A monochromatic or tonal color outfit looks unified and polished. You can stick with neutrals, or go bold as I’ve done here. Creating a cohesive wardrobe that includes color is much easier when working from your seasonal color palette!
4. Leverage your accessories
You don’t have to pile on, but a few well-chosen accessories can be the “secret sauce” to add personality and interest to your outfits, as well as making them look more intentional. Sunglasses, hats, straw bags and sandals are all no-brainers, but colorful jewelry and even light scarves also dial up the look. Summer is a great time to get playful and have fun with your accessories!
These are available in multiple colors, and very comfortable!
I’ve collected several of these little bandanas over the years, and wear them often during the warmer months. This color seems to be sold out, but lots of others still available.
And as promised, here’s how I tied it:
Looking stylish, even during the warm summer months, doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Thoughtful touches like adding a third piece, playing with texture and details, and using a tonal color scheme can help your outfits look more put-together. And don’t forget the power of accessories to create points of interest and add personality. What are your favorite ways to strike that perfect balance between comfort and style? I’d love to hear your go-to tips or outfit formulas—share in the comments below!
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I’ve noticed that my mood lifts when I put just a little extra effort into dressing. That alone is worth it.
My most reliable act is to add some interest near my face by way of a necklace, scarf or earrings. With an “apple” shaped body, my goal is to move attention “up” or “down.”
I collect interesting scarves and jewelry when traveling. They are easy to pack souvenirs, and serve as a wonderful reminder of the trip.
Finally, I have the Madewell banana that you feature. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Susan—love all the outfits. I couldn’t get the video to play. Did you ever make a video showing how you tied the cardigan sweater over your shoulder and how that looks in the back? I assume that only works with a thinner soft cardigan rather than a bulkier one.
Absolutely need third pieces for freezing AC even though it gets blazing hot here in the midwest. I have some colorful wraps I add to the mix. That cotton gauze is the secret weapon. While I love my linen, I have to iron it (for work at least). The gauze is no iron and as comfy as linen. I’d add that matching sets are another great outfit formula for summer that you haven’t mentioned.
Another great blog Susan! Thank you so much for these hot weather ideas. Question: if I were to try to ‘mimic’ your top (first) outfit, how would I manage? Would I have to do an olive linen jacket and a rust tee (or striped tee in the Autumn palette) to go with the jeans? I do have a Marine Navy Ponte jacket that I got from EF when she offered 2 ‘warmer palette’ blues this last fall/winter. Would that work? I know Annie is quite bold as she wears her Autumn palette even during warm weather but I’m more timid and would tend to wear more neutral colors. Thanks!
Hi Sally, yes rust + olive, or Marine navy + any Autumn neutral would work.
I have the same question as Rose: how to tie that type of cardigan like you showed so that it looks “neat” and will stay in place. The bandana tie was very helpful. Your outfits look great on you!
What size did you take in the Banana Republic linen pants with the white side stripe? Reviews say they run big so wasn’t sure if a small would be too big.
Hi Cindy, I took a Petite Small.
Layering necklaces and wearing earrings helps to add interest and is not too hot for warmer weather
Susan ,this is the first time I have seen Seasalt Cornwall suggested. While driving through southwest England, I discovered that brand, and managed to find two totes along the way in Chichester and later Salcombe. Living here on coastal BC , they have turned out to be useful choices with their water related themes . Another UK brand I absolutely love is White Stuff, and their light cotton scarves have beautiful designs which , as always, White Stuff coordinates with their seasonal palettes . Pieces all go together making it very easy to pull together fun outfits for my soft Autumn wardrobe. Your first suggestion with the blazer/jacket has me inspired. Actually, it’s time to reacquaint myself with the linens I brought home from a different trip …finding them in their Edinburgh shop on George Street. Summertime is here . And summer solstice is this weekend!
Lovely, Susan!
All these outfits are stellar. I am very enthusiastic about the yellow and white striped shirt you used as a jacket. So cute.
And the monochrome outfit is a winner too for me.
Greetje