This post might as well have been titled “how to dress down your tea dress” or “how to dress up your sneakers”, but I thought I would talk a bit about my personal style and why I love casual looks instead!
As a self-declared lover of casual chic outfits, my style relies heavily on every day staples that can be easily dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I am not particularly fond of dressy or smart attires because I almost never get to wear them –I already told you I’ve always worked in an office without smart dress code– but most importantly, I don’t feel comfortable when wearing that sort of clothes. Like most politicians nowadays, they don’t represent me… 😉
While nobody can deny the force of a power suit or the dramatic effect of a silky maxi dress with a side slit, I prefer to admire other women rocking these kind of pieces.
I will be honest, guys, even if I have been pushing the limits of my own style very actively since I started blogging, the truth is that you can find me wearing sneakers and high-waist jeans 5 days out of 7 and I don’t have a problem with that
Long gone are the days when I felt that I had to dress up to impress people. As I have mentioned a few times already, glam is a state of mind, not a reflection of what you wear, so now when I dress up is because I want to.
And even though I feel most me when I am wearing comfortable but flattering clothes, I have a couple of fail-proof tricks that help me get ready for date night in a matter of minutes. Here’s what works for me:
1. High-waist bottoms: I have a narrow waist line and rounder hip area, so this cut normally fits me like a glove and also makes me look taller elongating my petite legs, I prefer jeans, but plaited pants are my second choice. Add a pair of black pumps or ankle-strap shoes and I am ready to rock any dance floor, babe. Find your body shape and maximise your strong points.
1. Comfy shoes: have you ever seen that girl walking as if on a hanging rope? That’s a clear sign of your shoes hating your feet and to be honest, I don’t think it’s worth the pain. But don’t be mistaken, comfy doesn’t mean frumpy! Since casual is the new chic, the options for finding comfortable but stylish footwear are plenty. I just mentioned two above, but what about ballerinas, loafers, mules, brogues, pointy flats and of course, sneakers! Comfy and fashionable? I’ll take two, thanks!
2. Red lips: I have always thought a bold lip ties any outfit together and instantly elevates your look without much effort. If you are not a fan of red lips, you can always make your eyes stand out. Go for a subtle smokey eye or a killer eyeliner wing and mascara, so trendy and ever so chic!
Funnily enough, after writing this post about how much I love casual outfits, I realised I have a wedding next week for which I will have to bring the big guns and step into my recently purchased occasionwear (as the call it in England) to dress up to the nines. But hey, at least I know my shoes won’t be out to kill my feet and will carry me throughout a whole evening of not-so-slow dancing 🙂
Are you a casual wear lover or do you enjoy dressing up to feel your better self?
Happy Sunday and week, glamistas!
Peace&Love
Saida
Rina
23rd September 2017 at 10:09 pmI am definitely a fan of a mix of casual and dressy. I do generally like to dress up if I’m going out and even in the office I tend to dress up. We are only allowed to wear jeans on casual Friday so for most of the week I’m wearing a variety of office clothes. Like you, I prefer high-waist denim because I have a smaller waist and bigger thighs so this fit is the most flattering on me. If I could wear flats everyday I would but I just find that I look too short if I don’t have some sort of heel. But it must be a comfy height! I was totally one of those girls at NYFW that was walking as if they were on a rope because I bought new boots that were too tight and ended up killing my feet after an hour of wearing. What’s more is I wore them a day where I had to do A LOT of standing lol. Not a very smart choice for me but you live and learn =P
xoxo
Rina Samantha
http://www.andshedressed.com
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:39 amI really don’t know how I would do it if I had to dress smartly for an office tbh, but I guess uniforms make all the “I don’t have anything to wear” business a bit easier. I love heels as well, but my poor feet cannot stand them, so I now go for comfortable height and wide fit if possible (I am such a grandma really!). I am sure you looked stunning at usual during NYFW and we learn from experience indeed! Sending you lots of love, my dearest Rina Samantha
TheOneThatTravels
22nd September 2017 at 11:39 pmLove the dress.
So cool.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_zn7IqrAY1I44bRuN6dH-Q
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:41 amThanks a lot for reading
ANGELEBABY
21st September 2017 at 8:41 pmlove this look! really good lip color as well
x
http://angelebaby.com
Rachel
21st September 2017 at 5:21 pmSuch a lovely look! Beautiful dress!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Saida
1st October 2017 at 12:24 pmThank you Rachel
gabbybustos
21st September 2017 at 4:07 pmLove this look!!
-Gabby
http://www.orcuttfamilydentistry.com
Siffat Haider
20th September 2017 at 11:28 pmHonestly, I am so glad for the sneaker trend, it has been a lifesaver! Love how you put this outfit together!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
Saida
1st October 2017 at 12:00 pmMe too, Siff! My feet will be forever grateful that pointed shoes no longer hold the monopoly of style 🙂
Amy
20th September 2017 at 7:39 pmGreat post babe! Agree that casual is chic and “effortless style” (which we all know more often than not isn’t effortless) is in!
xx, Amy
https://www.theluxilook.com
Saida
1st October 2017 at 12:27 pmTotally! I just spent two hours doing my hair in a way that looks like I just rolled off my bed like that, hahaha. But in any case, that’s my jam so I embrace it and pair my kicks with everything ♥
Ashley
20th September 2017 at 2:00 pmBabe!! dress and sneakers all day everyday! I loveeee your hair!!
xxx
Ashley
http://www.missgunner.com
Benita James
19th September 2017 at 10:39 pmSneakers and dresses are such a comfortable and casual look. Loving yours.
Bernie, xx
The Style Fanatic
Saida
1st October 2017 at 12:31 pmThank you gorgeous Bernie, you are very kind
Amy Arnold
19th September 2017 at 10:31 pmI love the mix of dresses with sneakers and a more casual look myself. My style has definitely gotten more casual since I became a mom and now just work part-time though I do have to admit to loving to dress up.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Saida
1st October 2017 at 12:36 pmYou always look gorgeous on your dressy attires, Amy Ann, and I wish I was better at dressing up myself but more often than not I feel uncomfortable and restricted. I guess practice makes perfect and I can learn from all those babes out there sharing inspiration and tips 🙂
Lifestyle-Tale by Esther
19th September 2017 at 3:49 pmI love to combine sneakers and dresses too.
Your look is so adorable. Have a great week.
Love, Esther
https://lifestyle-tale.com/en/random-facts-lets-get-personal/
titritmode
19th September 2017 at 11:44 amLove how you paired this cute dress with sneakers ! Great styling !
Have a great day !
Nina
xox
http://www.thecrispylipstick.com
FROM LUXE WITH LOVE
19th September 2017 at 11:34 amBeautiful styling babe! xx
http://www.fromluxewithlove.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/from-luxe-with-love-14590195
The Style Contour
18th September 2017 at 6:44 pmI love the way the sneakers look paired with the dress, so cute, fun, and flirty! I, too, have pieces I gravitate more towards in my closet that are more of a uniform, especially since becoming a mom! It’s so important to know what works for you, knowing what you can always turn to when you don’t know what to wear or just want to feel confident in. Thanks for sharing, beauty, and I hope you have a great week!
XO,
Jalisa
THE STYLE CONTOUR
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:45 amYou are so right Jalisa, I love to dress down my outfits but every once in a while also feel like going full on glam, hehehe. I think you totally rock your style and always find the most flattering pieces. Much love Xx
The Fashion Folks
18th September 2017 at 5:41 pmRed lips and winged liners might be the best detail to an outfit sometimes though! Just love the glam pop it adds. And yes to that dress, it’s adorable with the sneakers babe! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Demilade
18th September 2017 at 2:16 pmI love simple pieces that can be worn casually or dressed up. Ultimately, I like to look chic but very simple. High waist bottoms are a dream and I’m a fan of a good red lip too. I love this outfit, you look great! xx
PS: Loved the joke about politicians.
Coco Bella Blog
notjessfashion1
18th September 2017 at 2:01 pmCute polka dot dress, so simple yet chic. Love how you paired it with those sneakers for a chic casual look.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Nistha Saraf
18th September 2017 at 11:41 amYou look chic in this polka number. Love your hair!
Nistha
https://www.fashionistha.com/summer-closure-in-floral-romper/
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:34 amAww you are the sweetest Nistha, thanks so much for stopping by hun!
violettedaily
18th September 2017 at 11:29 amI love how you dressed down this dress but actually you still look so chic and both titles worked perfectly! Thank you for these tips and your so supportive comment!
http://violettedaily.com
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:28 amYou are very welcome sweetie. I am happy that you liked the look and I know you are also the queen of casual outfits 😉
didieryhc
18th September 2017 at 5:33 amYou look so chic!
-Didier
http://www.didieryhc.com
mywendee
17th September 2017 at 6:59 pmcute dress
The Glossychic
Saida
1st October 2017 at 11:26 amThank you!