I'm a Shopping Editor Who Likes Casual Outfits—6 Easy Items I'm Backing
I dress up from time to time when it makes sense for the occasion, but I typically live in casual outfits for my day-to-day life. But as a shopping editor who writes about fashion daily, I’m a firm believer that casual doesn’t mean boring. In fact, there are actually a few specific easy summer items I’m currently wearing and/or recommending to others to create chic casual looks.
Below, I’m showcasing the pieces in question that also seem to be front-runners for some of my favorite fashion follows on Instagram. If you keep scrolling, you’ll uncover everything from an of-the-moment shoe silhouette to my go-to shirting style. There’s also a range of shopping inspiration for each category in case you too want to add one of the items to your own wardrobe.
Denim Shorts/Cutoffs
I basically live in denim shorts and cutoffs all summer long. They're just casual and cool. The good news is that you can find your ideal style at basically any retailer from Zara to Shopbop to MyTheresa.
Retro-Inspired Sneakers
When it comes to sneakers, retro-inspired styles complete most of my casual 'fits. The brand P448 makes great styles and is launching its new Limitless Collection that features sizes EU35 through EU50. I also hit up Nordstrom and Italist (great Golden Goose options at A+ prices). Oh, and sneaker subscription service Kyx as well.
Cargo Pants
Yep, I, like just about every other fashion person I know this season, am backing cargo pants as an easy and chic silhouette to wear with tees, button-down shirts, and so on.
Relaxed Shirts
I include oversize button-down shirts in many of my stories because they're true wardrobe staples for me right now. I love the idea of leaving one unbuttoned like this with a tank or tee underneath for a great casual ensemble. I've actually been shopping The Outnet more (the retailer just launched a men's section), and there are so many strong shirting options.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are totally having a moment and are absolutely adorable with a range of outfits. Sure, you could dress them up, but I think they work fantastically with an outfit like this featuring loose jeans and a tucked-in white tee.
Miniskirts
Similar to ballet flats, a miniskirt is another option that can feel dressy when styled in a certain way. But if you team one with relaxed shirting and either sneakers or yes ballet flats, the outcome is the perfectly casual-chic look.
Next, check out more outfit ideas to consider for the season.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
-
32 No-Fuss, Elevated Items That Ooze Capricorn Vibes
From classic blazers to designer pieces.
By Ana Escalante
-
I Styled 5 Nordstrom Outfits for Under $400 to Wear in 2025
Easy and elevated looks.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
8 European-Girl Sneaker Outfits That Look Undeniably Rich
All courtesy of European girls.
By Allyson Payer
-
No One in NYC Wears This Anti-Elegant Basic During Winter, But One It Girl Just Changed That
Suki Waterhouse says you can.
By Allyson Payer
-
I'm a Fashion Editor—I Reach For This Effortless Wardrobe Essential When I Don't Know What to Wear
Here are nine easy ways to style the piece.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
My Style Is Thoughtful and Tasteful—30 Must-Have Luxe Pieces I'm Shopping for This Winter
A+ finds.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
I'm Doing No-Spend January—These 5 Winter Outfit Ideas Don't Require a CC Swipe
You probably already own these pieces.
By Nikki Chwatt
-
10 Wardrobe-Improving Things to Buy in January
Your monthly shopping list.
By Allyson Payer