Do you love the laid-back vibe of relaxed clothing but want to elevate your style?
You’re not alone! Many of us appreciate the comfort and ease of casual attire, but we also want to feel confident and stylish. In this post, we’ll explore tips on how to achieve a relaxed yet refined look.
Here’s the question I received from a reader: “I like relaxed clothing and this was confirmed by your Personality Style Quiz yet I’d like to be considered stylish even if it’s a relaxed look outfit how do I do this?”
Key Elements of Relaxed Style:
- Comfort: Opt for soft, breathable fabrics like denim, cotton, and linen. Look for some elastane or lycra in your fabrics too if you like clothes that have stretch which gives you more ease of movement. Avoid any fabrics that are stiff as you find they restrict you and become uncomfortable quickly.
Choose your fabrics wisely linen tees are comfortable on hot summer days
- Fit: While relaxed doesn’t mean baggy, ensure your clothes fit well to avoid looking frumpy. You should be able to insert two fingers into the waistbands of your trousers, jeans and skirts. It’s common for those who are relaxed to want a looser fit, but particularly with jeans and pants which can stretch out easily, make sure they aren’t getting too baggy or looking too loose and large on you.
- Grooming: Maintain good hygiene and grooming habits to enhance your overall appearance. This also includes ironing your clothes (or steaming) so you’re not looking crumpled. Don’t forget to polish your shoes, or give your sneakers a wash to keep them looking smart. Get regular haircuts in a style that is fast and easy for you to do each day, this makes it so much easier to maintain than if you have to blow dry your hair for 30 minutes so you put it off or just never do it and end up looking unkempt. Think about makeup, if you wear it, what’s your quick and easy routine to have you looking polished before you step out the door? It could just be some mascara, or eyebrows or lipstick, you don’t need a 30-step routine to look more together. Quick and easy is your thing so make sure that you let your hairdresser know that you want to spend minimal time doing your hair each day.
- Accessories: Add interest to your outfits with carefully chosen accessories. These should reflect your personality. Before you finish dressing, reach for at least one accessory to complete your look, whether it’s a scarf or a necklace, a belt, maybe it’s some bangles or some fun earrings.
Add an accessory to your relaxed jeans and sweater outfit
Accessories really do provide the finishing touch to your outfit and can elevate a relaxed outfit. You will more likely go for jewellery made from natural materials, such as polished turquoise rather than cut diamonds. Your accessories will still need to be practical to fulfil your needs, make sure your handbag fits what you need, but is one that can be easily carried across your body so you have your hands free. Your shoes will most likely be flat and have a thicker sole, but they don’t have to be sneakers to be comfortable.
Tips for Elevating Relaxed Style:
- Prioritize Quality: Invest in well-made garments that last longer and look better over time. Avoid the cheap tees that stretch out of shape quickly and pill and look worn out. Fabrics that include acrylic fibres should be avoided, they wear poorly and don’t last long.
- Pay Attention to Details: Iron your clothes, keep them clean, and avoid excessive wear and tear. If you don’t need to put a garment in the tumble dryer don’t, as it will wear out faster as the heat damages the fibres. Instead, hang as much as you can to dry. Depill your wool and cashmere regularly to keep them looking fresh.
- Accessorize Mindfully: Choose accessories that complement your relaxed style, such as scarves, hats, or stylish sunglasses. Make them easy to access, so store them somewhere you can see easily so that you’re reminded to put them on before you leave the house. A corkboard with large push pins is a great way to store necklaces, as they won’t get tangled. Hang scarves on a decorative ladder so you can grab one as you’re walking out the door.
- Consider Footwear: Opt for comfortable yet stylish footwear, like dress sneakers or loafers. Find a ballet flat with a supportive inner sole with cushioning to wear with skirts and dresses. Search for sandals that are flat and comfortable but still with some style and detail that elevates their look. Wedges and platforms could also be options.
Consider your footwear flatforms and wedges can elongate legs whilst still being comfortable
- Seek Style Education: Learn about your body shape, colours, and personal style preferences to make informed clothing choices. Even though you may have the Relaxed Personality Dressing Style at your core, you are a complex human and therefore there will be other dressing styles that you need to add to your outfit mix to feel truly at home in your clothing.
Ready to Take Your Relaxed Style to the Next Level?
If you’re looking for personalized style guidance and expert advice, consider joining a style education program where you’ll gain that knowledge. My 7 Steps to Style program can help you:
- Discover your unique style personality.
- Learn how to shop effectively and avoid fashion mistakes.
- Create stylish outfits that make you feel confident.
Remember: Looking stylish doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. By following these tips and investing in quality pieces, you can effortlessly elevate your relaxed style and feel great in your own skin.
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