12 Dressy-Casual Outfits That Are Easy to Put Together

Whether you’re headed to a museum date, attending a friend’s daytime brunch, or adventuring in a new city, a dressy-casual outfit will strike the perfect balance between refined and relaxed. The dress code invites you to feel comfortable, but not so much that you show up to an office party in jeans, a T-shirt, and flats. When in doubt, one-piece outfits are an easy way to achieve the dressy-casual vibe because they don’t require much effort. A printed knit dress or midi slip design paired with knee-high boots are the kinds of looks that give the impression you spent more time getting dressed than you really did.

Some popular trends lend themselves to the dressy-casual theme. The soft-girl aesthetic, for example, takes a pastel approach to a wide range of dress codes. A lavender knit dress paired with wedges or a yellow pearl-button-front cardigan worn with black jeans are ideal dressy-casual outfits. Elsewhere, with the pearlcore trend still going strong, glam up a regular blouse or denim jacket by sewing strings of pearls onto it to deliver a more elegant look.

The secret to dressy casual is balancing the fancier pieces with more laid-back items and accessories. Your favorite pair of kitten heels or your go-to beaded clutch will always help you reach new levels of chic. Ballerina flats, alternatively, can pare back a dressy combo of tailored trousers and a satin blouse.

Read on to find out how to master the dressy-casual way of dressing.

What Is Dressy Casual?

Also called smart casual, dressy-casual attire combines relaxed, everyday wardrobe essentials with more formal, office-ready items. Think wearing a silky blouse with your favorite pair of jeans, styling a long dress with flats, or wearing tailored trousers with a linen shirt. Depending on your office dress code, you can get away with dressy-casual looks every day. They are usually a step above jeans and graphic tees, but they aren’t as formal as tweed suits or glamorous dresses.

How Can I Style Dressy-Casual Outfits?

The key to achieving the dressy-casual look? Balancing the more refined piece with an item or accessory that has a more laid-back vibe. For example, match a linen shorts set with strappy heels and a designer bag. Or try pairing a chunky gold necklace with a standard cami to dress up dark denim jeans. Another brunch-ready look: a satin slip dress with slingbacks and colorful bangles. If you need more guidance, scroll on for our curated picks.

– Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak