Struggling to strike that perfect balance between looking polished and feeling comfortable?
You’re not alone – achieving a classy casual style is one of the most common challenges modern men face.
Looking classy while staying casual isn’t just about mixing suits with sneakers – it requires understanding how to develop your personal style and combine quality pieces that work for your lifestyle.
In today’s guide, we’ll explore proven techniques for elevating your casual wear, from choosing the right tailoring to mastering smart outfit combinations that feel natural, not forced.
In this article, you’ll learn exactly which pieces to invest in, how they should fit, and how to build a versatile wardrobe for a refined yet relaxed appearance that works for any occasion.
Choose Premium Cotton Oxford Shirts Over Synthetic Blends
Select high-quality Oxford cloth button-down shirts made from 100% cotton to ensure breathability and natural drape.
Cotton Oxford cloth develops a subtle patina over time, enhancing the casual yet refined appearance.
Avoid synthetic blends, which can appear shiny and cheap, particularly after multiple washes.
Ralph Lauren’s Oxford shirts exemplify the perfect balance, featuring a 120s thread count that maintains structure while feeling soft against the skin.
For a more accessible option, Charles Tyrwhitt’s Oxford shirts offer similar quality with 100% cotton construction.
Brunello Cucinelli’s Oxford shirts demonstrate the ideal texture and weight for casual elegance, while Spier & Mackay’s Oxford shirts provide comparable quality at a fraction of the price.
Invest in Dark Raw Denim Instead of Pre-Distressed Jeans
Select raw denim in a deep indigo shade to create a foundation for versatile casual outfits.
For a complete guide on pairing denim with dressy elements, check out our guide on how to style dress shoes with jeans.
Raw denim ages naturally, creating unique wear patterns that tell a personal style story.
Avoid pre-distressed or artificially faded jeans, which can appear contrived and diminish outfit sophistication.
Acne Studios’ North fit in raw indigo offers the perfect straight-leg silhouette for a refined casual look.
For a quality budget option, Uniqlo’s Selvedge Denim provides excellent construction and a similar aesthetic.
Japanese denim maker Pure Blue Japan’s XX-019 model demonstrates the ideal weight at 14oz, while Naked & Famous Denim’s Left Hand Twill offers comparable Japanese denim quality at a more accessible price point.
Layer with Unstructured Blazers Rather Than Formal Suit Jackets
Select deconstructed blazers in cotton or lightweight wool for versatile layering options.
Learn more about how to style blazers for different occasions.
Navy blazers maintain a relaxed silhouette while adding polish to casual ensembles.
Avoid heavily padded or formal suit jackets, which create an incongruous mix with casual pieces.
For a modern approach, consider trying a double-breasted blazer in a casual style.
Boglioli’s K-Jacket represents the pinnacle of casual blazer design, featuring minimal structure and natural shoulders.
For a similar unstructured look, SuitSupply’s Havana jacket offers excellent value with half-canvas construction.
Drake’s unlined games blazer in wool hopsack exemplifies the perfect weight and texture for year-round wear, while Spier & Mackay’s Neapolitan-style jacket provides comparable construction at a more moderate price point.
Opt for Minimalist Leather Sneakers Over Athletic Trainers
Select clean-lined leather sneakers in white or neutral tones for versatile footwear options.
Explore our guide on finding quality dress sneakers on a budget.
Minimalist sneakers bridge the gap between formal dress shoes and casual trainers.
Avoid heavily branded athletic sneakers, which can overwhelm refined casual outfits.
Common Projects’ Original Achilles Low remains the benchmark for minimal leather sneakers.
For a similar aesthetic, Axel Arigato Clean 90 offers quality construction at half the price.
John Lobb’s Levah sneaker demonstrates how luxury shoemaking principles can elevate casual footwear, while KOIO’s Capri provides comparable Italian craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.
Select Merino Wool Knitwear Instead of Heavy Cable Knits
Choose fine merino wool knits for lightweight layering possibilities throughout the year.
Discover more about styling sweaters for different occasions.
Merino wool naturally regulates temperature while maintaining a refined appearance.
For luxury options, explore why Loro Piana is considered special in the world of fine knitwear.
Avoid chunky cable knits, which can appear overly casual or rustic.
John Smedley’s standard-fit merino wool jumpers offer the perfect weight for year-round wear.
For similar quality, Uniqlo’s Extra Fine Merino crew neck provides excellent value.
Choose the Fit That Matches Your Body Type
Understanding and dressing for your body shape is crucial for a refined casual look.
Let’s explore how to style each body type with premium and accessible options.
If you have a triangle body shape (wider lower body), Focus on creating balance by drawing attention upward with well-structured shoulders and a defined upper body.
If you are an inverted triangle (broader upper body), balance your proportions by choosing pieces that de-emphasise shoulders while creating harmony through the lower body.
If you have a rectangular body shape (straight up and down), create visual interest and the illusion of shape through strategic layering and structured pieces.
If you have an apple/oval body (fuller midsection), choose pieces that create clean lines and provide comfort through the midsection without adding bulk.
If you have a trapezoid body (athletic build), embrace your balanced proportions with well-fitted clothing that highlights your natural shape.
If you have an hourglass body shape (proportionate with a defined waist), choose pieces that either emphasise or de-emphasise your natural curves based on your preference.
Create Occasion-Specific Outfit Combinations; Not All Casual Occasions Are The Same
Learn about dressing appropriately for different occasions and times of day.
For weekend brunch – Raw denim jeans (Pure Blue Japan), oxford shirt (Drake’s), unstructured blazer (Ring Jacket), suede loafers (Edward Green).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Uniqlo selvedge jeans, Spier & Mackay oxford, Suitsupply blazer, Meermin suede loafers.
For the smart casual office – Cotton-twill trousers (Incotex), merino polo (John Smedley), sports coat (Boglioli), leather derbies (Crockett & Jones).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Asket chinos, Uniqlo merino polo, Spier & Mackay blazer, Loake derbies.
For evening drinks – Grey wool trousers (Rota), a cashmere sweater (Loro Piana), a suede jacket (Valstar), and Chelsea boots (Saint Crispin’s).
Budget-Friendly Alternative: Berg & Berg trousers, Asket cashmere sweater, Suede Bomber (Stoffa), Carmina Chelsea boots.
Related Questions
How can I make casual wear look expensive?
First, focus on precise measurements – your shirts should have high armholes with sleeves ending exactly at your wrist bone, trousers should break once on your shoes, and jacket sleeves should reveal 1/4 inch of shirt cuff.
Second, choose premium materials, including 100% cotton Oxford cloth (120s thread count or higher) for shirts, Japanese selvedge denim (13-15oz weight) for jeans, and Italian merino wool (120s-150s) for knitwear.
Third, pay attention to construction details such as hand-rolled edges on pocket squares, working buttonholes on jacket sleeves, split yokes on shirts, and hand-stitched buttonholes.
For example, a perfectly fitted white Oxford cloth button-down shirt from Mercer & Sons, paired with well-tailored raw selvedge denim from The Real McCoy’s and completed with Edward Green suede loafers, demonstrates these principles.
What specific colour combinations work best for a casual yet classy look?
The most versatile combinations begin with navy chinos paired with light blue Oxford shirts and brown suede loafers for a foolproof combination.
For sophisticated contrast, match grey wool trousers with white shirts and burgundy knits.
To add textural interest, combine raw indigo jeans with cream cable-knit jumpers and tan Chelsea boots.
A real-life example is a light blue Brooks Brothers Oxford cloth button-down shirt worn with navy Incotex chinos, Crockett & Jones brown suede loafers, and a cream cable-knit sweater from Drake’s, creating a refined casual ensemble.
However, to choose the right shades, you have to know your seasonal colour – here is a simple quiz to find your seasonal colour.
What makes jeans look classy rather than casual?
A straight or slight taper fit with a mid-rise that sits at your natural waist is a good example of sophisticated jeans.
Select jeans weighing between 13-15oz in dark indigo without any artificial fading or distressing.
The leg opening should measure between 7-7.5 inches for a clean line over shoes.
For example, The Real McCoy’s Lot. 001 raw selvedge jeans in their original indigo shade, hemmed with a 7.25-inch leg opening, paired with a white Oxford shirt and brown suede chukka boots.
Which specific shoe styles elevate casual outfits?
For everyday wear, a pair of high-quality minimalist leather sneakers form the foundation of a sophisticated casual shoe collection.
Smart leather loafers, particularly in suede, bridge the gap between casual and formal occasions.
Leather or suede boots, especially Chelsea or chukka styles, add versatility to any wardrobe.
The key is selecting shoes with clean lines, quality construction, and minimal embellishments.
Here are some good examples:
- Common Projects Original Achilles Low in white leather for versatile minimalist trainers
- Edward Green Unlined Dover split-toe derbies in dark oak calf for smart casual occasions
- Crockett & Jones Chiltern chukka boots in snuff suede for year-round versatility
What are the essential pieces for a casual yet classy wardrobe?
A foundational wardrobe should include two Oxford cloth button-down shirts, white and light blue (Mercer & Sons), one pair of raw selvedge jeans (The Real McCoy’s), one unstructured navy blazer (Ring Jacket), two merino wool crew neck jumpers, navy and grey (John Smedley), and one pair each of minimalist sneakers, suede loafers, and leather boots (Common Projects, Edward Green, Crockett & Jones).
Which specific construction details should I look for when investing in casual wear?
Quality construction reveals itself in shirt details like single-needle stitching (1/4 inch seams) and split shoulder yokes.
For denim, look for chain-stitched hems and selvedge outseams.
On unstructured blazers, check for full canvas construction and pick stitching.
How do I make casual outfits appropriate for a business casual office?
Replace t-shirts with long-sleeve polo shirts in merino wool (from Fedeli).
Swap jeans for cotton-twill trousers (from Incotex) in navy or grey.
Layer with unstructured blazers in lightweight wool (from Ring Jacket).
Which specific accessories best elevate casual outfits?
A well-chosen watch should be understated yet sophisticated, with a case size proportional to your wrist – 36mm Nomos Tangente watch is a good example.
A quality leather bag in a classic style, like Frank Clegg’s leather briefcase, adds refinement to any outfit.
Sunglasses should feature timeless shapes and premium materials; Persol 714 sunglasses are perfect.
Remember, all accessories should prioritise subtle elegance over flashy statement pieces.
Final Thoughts
Mastering classic style requires thoughtful curation rather than constant consumption.
Consider exploring slow fashion principles for a more sustainable approach.
Build a wardrobe gradually, focusing on versatile pieces that work together seamlessly.
For an elevated look, explore our guide on achieving quiet luxury style.
Remember that true style lies in the confidence of wearing clothes that feel natural and appropriate.
Invest in quality over quantity, choosing pieces that will improve with age and wear.
Consider each purchase as part of a larger sartorial narrative rather than isolated items.
Style Like A True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste –Â the first styling assessment is on us!