“CASUAL CHIC”: WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THAT?
1. CASUAL?
“Casual” refers to the casual wardrobe as a whole . Summer Bermudas, gabardine chinos , flannel joggers or low canvas sneakers: anything that comes out of a formal register generally finds its place under the casual label.
What defines this type of clothing is therefore not linked to its aesthetics, to its manufacture, or even to its quality, but almost exclusively to its destination, its use.
2. CHIC?
“Chic” is a little more difficult to define. What is chic for some may not be for others, although its proximity to the notion of elegance, more consensual, makes it relatively objective. For example: you can hardly do more chic than the costume … and hardly wear it better than Jon Hamm.
Jon Hamm Tuxedo White Bow Tie Black Pouch Black Man Beard
(Photo by Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic)
If the costume tends to make everyone agree, the notion of chic is subject to change depending on trends and fashion, as we said above.
The costume of the 80s certainly does not have the same cut as that of the 2010s, for example.
Versace pub 80s man dressed in black and white
End of the 80’s: this campaign clearly shows the proportions required at the time. Credit: Versace
If we go a little further in this exploration of chic, we note that rare pieces cross the ages by invariably embodying it. This is the case, for example, with the Chanel jacket for women.
As far as we are concerned, the tuxedo or the three-piece suit remain essential, although the bending and the padding follow fashions and evolve … I am also thinking of the polo shirt , the cuts of which have changed very little unlike the T-shirts and to shirts, but still retains a certain allure.1
White vintage René Lacoste tennis polo shirt
The 1930s polo shirt has not aged a bit … Credits: Lacoste.
This little digression allows us to set the scene for the casual chic style, and it is also interesting to share our visions on this type of subject. Do not hesitate to react in the “comments” section!
But now let’s get to the heart of the matter: we’ll see what casual chic in essence is before we see how to build it up from basics and slightly stronger pieces.
THE EASY STYLE PAR EXCELLENCE?
1. MANY ADVANTAGES …
Hybrid in essence, casual chic has many advantages:
It will be accepted and recognized in your entourage , even by novices. You’re more likely to receive compliments from your mother-in-law wearing a blazer / jeans set than ninja techwear wearing black (even performing the look in the best possible way)
It is a style which is very reassuring for beginners , as there is little risk of “negative bias”. It is therefore a good way to understand the garment without losing self-confidence.
Its balance is very clear , both masculine AND elegant AND relaxed. There is therefore a certain flexibility: you can push the cursor towards the elegant or the relaxed, by playing on the shoes for example. It is also one of the strings on which Alessandro Michele plays at Gucci with his “mules”.
Gucci mules casual chic beige chinos
(Photo by Walter McBride / WireImage)
Because casual chic leaves a lot of freedom of choice in terms of shoes: sneakers, derby, desert boots, chelsea boots … The possibilities are numerous (go wear a pair of derby in a streetwear style, it will be complicated).
Ben Jonhnson black tuxedo spiked athletic shoes
(Photo by Gilbert Iundt; Jean-Yves Ruszniewski / TempSport / Corbis / VCG via Getty Images)
Unless you’re Ben Johnson, try to remain reasonable!
As a general rule, the basis of this trend is casual, which is embellished with dressy pieces. The reverse, which would consist of a formal outfit to integrate informal elements, is rarer because far from the basic spirit. Even if it is not impossible!
man blazer blue chino beige velo in town
Replacing the pants with chinos and the shoes with sueded derby offers a neat balance.
2. POINT OF VIGILANCE: BEWARE OF THE PITFALL OF AN OUTFIT THAT IS TOO BLAND!
Its simplicity can also be a source of drawbacks and errors that I must address:
The most common mistake, already discussed on BonneGueule: the outfit too bland . A gray jacket, a white shirt, raw jeans and black shoes, that does not make you dream. It is even rather austere. In this specific case, it is in your interest to put on accessories (clutch, bracelet) and to wear shoes that are a little more worked. In short, be careful with the outfit too serious, too clean!
Men’s jewelry casual chic outfit bracelet rings
(Photo by Edward Berthelot / Getty Images)
It’s such a comfortable style that you might never go beyond the basics. That’s not a problem in itself, it’s just a shame to miss out on the incredible richness of men’s clothing, that part of the journey where you really start to have fun.
Are you also interested in your motivation: do you choose this style for safety (quite normal at the beginning ) or really out of envy?
3. A MATTER OF BALANCE
The most important thing when it comes to building an outfit is the balance between the formal and the casual. It is this basic contrast that you must remember. The more you push the two sliders on each side, the stronger the look will be.
