From first dates and business lunches to nights out and holiday dinners with the in-laws; elevated casual is a style that can have you looking classy in almost any situation.

It’s an oxymoronic term like business casual, semi-formal, and dressy casual that haunts RSVPs and office dress codes. You might be tempted just to pull out the tuxedo t-shirt and call it a day. 

Fear not. We’re here to not only define this phrase but also to help you find pieces and outfits that are in the Goldilocks zone between formal and relaxed, so you can nail that elevated casual look and be the best dressed guest no matter the occasion. 

So now we know what we’re after: refined but approachable, casual with a touch of sophistication. Here are some pointers for putting each part of your casual dressy outfits together.

Women’s Elevated Casual Tops

Let’s start from the top with some dressier blouses and shirts you can pair with more casual bottoms. A flowy, satin blouse, or a form-fitting bodysuit are a couple of routes you can take. 

When it comes to dressy casual looks, it often just takes one piece to elevate your outfit. That means these tops can still get you a sophisticated look when paired with jeans and corduroy, or even some styles of joggers and leggings.

While the satin tops work as a stand-alone piece, look for the opportunity to layer it with a trench coat or a longline jacket for that extra warmth that can also add a classy edge.

Women’s Elevated Casual Pants

From a mid-rise pair of jeans, to a high rise boot cut, you have a lot of options, but it’s all about how the outfit comes together as a whole. Try juxtaposing jeans with a more elevated top, while dressier pants you could pair with more casual shirts. 

Jeans tend to look dressier in darker colours, though this isn’t a hard and fast rule. You can also experiment with more eclectic pants like corduroy or pleather. 

Corduroy and ponte pants are already elevated casual, but they can be dressed up with a lacy top or silk blouse, or dressed down with a t-shirt or sweater.

For guys, the equation to land a dressy casual look has fewer variables. It can be as easy as adding a collared shirt, blazer, or dressy pants to an outfit. This simplicity is a double-edged sword however, making it easier to get dressed but with fewer options to express yourself. 

Here are a few ideas for each part of your outfit. 

Men’s Elevated Casual Tops

A simple crewneck sweater or a collared button-up shirt (whether it’s a poplin shirt, oxford, or overshirt) can offer a lot of flexibility when going for an elevated casual look.

You will usually want to pair a dressier piece, like a collared shirt, with something more casual, like jeans. Same goes for the other way around, for example, you might want to pair chinos with a sweater or t-shirt to avoid looking too dressy.

Men’s Elevated Casual Pants

For bottoms, denim can be a go-to for elevated casual looks, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Black or darker washes with minimal to no distressing tend to look more elevated. So pairing sleeker jeans with a simple collared shirt or even a cable knit sweater will look a little more sophisticated. If you still want to wear lighter denim, that's okay, just pair it with a collared shirt or blazer.

Another great option for elevated casual looks is chinos. They can almost look like dress pants but still have a more casual vibe. They also look great with sneakers and boots alike. 

If you’re looking to be the best dressed guest at your next event, whether it’s for holidays or beyond, check out our best dress guess collection. We offer elevated casual and dressy casual styles that are super versatile from office hours to after-hours. Check out our collection online or visit us in person at one of our locations across Canada.