Dress codes - Leisure and Casual
During this time of uncertainty I wasn’t sure if I should change the subjects I write about or not, but I’ve decided to stick to what I had already planned for the next series of blogs. I will be releasing them weekly so hopefully you can see them as a welcome escape from the news.
This new series is about DRESS CODES so over the next few weeks I want to walk you through some of the main dress codes and explain what they actually mean. Some are more common than others but hopefully by the end of the series you’ll understand what each of them means.
Before I start however I just want to say a little disclaimer; These are just my explanations of how we’re expected to dress under these codes. Everyone is unique and you don’t have to adhere to these rules unless a situation requires them. I am simply translating what these words actually mean. If you want to dress them up or down that is totally up to you.
To start off this course of blogs we’re going to look at -
Leisure and Casual wear
Some people think these 2 dress codes are more or less the same but actually they are quite different.
Leisure wear or lounge wear is designed to be worn for relaxing away from work, school and other necessary activities hence it’s name. Think of what you like to wear when you’re lounging on the sofa, chilling in your garden or at game night with friends. It’s for when there are no expectations to look a certain way and you can be completely relaxed. Think sweatpants, hoodies and trainers.
Some great leisure wear brands include (ranging in price):
Cotton On
Outside In (An amazing brand and charity)
The White company
Pact
In recent years people have said that Justin Beiber’s style has gone down hill but I think he’s just been investing in more leisure wear. (click on images to make them larger)
This can then be translated into “athleisure” which is the infusion of athletic and leisure wear. It holds the 2 together and creates an elevated comfy but sporty style which tends to be worn for running errands, school runs, meeting a friend for a morning coffee or just wanting to look sporty without looking disheveled post gym session. This tends to be comfy clothes in streamlined designs that can sometimes be sewn into your wardrobe without people even noticing it’s leisure. Think smart sweatpants, elevated leggings and smart varsity jackets with trainers.
Some great athleisure brands include (ranging in price):
Patagonia
Lulu Lemon
Ivy Park
Adidas
I personally think Hailey Baldwin/Beiber is the queen of athleisure. She knows the perfect balance between laid back and classy. I’d love to spend a day in her wardrobe! (click on images to make them larger)
This can also be morphed into casual wear
Casual wear is clothing that can be worn for leisure or in casual work environments. It can also be referred to as informal wear. Everyones casual is different according to their own personal style and preferences. The quickest way to elevate athleisure to casual is by adding a jacket such as a bomber jacket, a jean jacket or even a blazer or duffle coat. Using those to accessorise brings to over all look to a whole new level. Casual is your elevated out of office style. Whether you want to opt for the standard jeans and a nice top or slacks and a t-shirt, it’s totally up to you as long as you still have a polished finish. In my opinion balance is the key to classy casual wear. So I’m talking colour balance, fit balance and print balance. This of course depends on your personality as some people want more than others, but find what works for you and go from there. If you want to wear a cute summer dress but want to dress it down then team it with a denim jacket and converse or DM’s, or if you want to elevate a t-shirt and jeans combo then simply add a blazer, just make sure to even it out with casual shoes.
If you want to take casual wear into your work place then check the individual guidelines carefully. Some work places have certain restrictions in place which should be adhered to. Always ensure that whatever casual you are bringing into your workplace is still well presented so whether this means buying specific pieces that you keep good for work or simply ironing a bit more, then those little changes will keep you looking sharp and feeling motivated. (I hate ironing so I use a steamer instead) Also remember that if you work in a communal work space then everyone should get a sense of harmony there, so wearing things that are loud or bright may interfere so be sure to keep this in mind. Again it’s all personal choice so just find what works for you and your work space.
If your work has a smart casual dress code then keep an eye out for next weeks blog in which I’ll delve into what that really means.
Some great casual brands include (ranging in price):
Topshop/Topman (great for denim)
Marks & Spencer
Pretty Green
All Saints
H&M (great for basics)
I think this blog has outed my love of Hailey Beiber’s style but I mean she’s really got it all figured out! (click on images to make them larger)
