I recently had a request to style comfortable at-home outfits. This person was looking for non-jean outfits that look polished and can be worn both around the house and out to run errands. As a work-from-home mom, this style of outfit is sort of my specialty. That’s why today I want to show you how to elevate your casual outfits and take them from plain to polished.
My Method for Elevating Casual Outfits
My life isn’t overly exciting. It’s rare that I have a fun event to really get dressed up for, so my daily style is usually what I like to call elevated casual. I’m definitely a jeans girl, but some days I like to ditch my jeans and stay in my comfy pants all day.
I have a simple standard that I set for myself when I leave the house: I don’t wear my pajamas in public, and I try to look put together. Comfy clothes, especially loungewear, can often look like pajamas. So my goal is to elevate my comfy clothes so I still feel put together while staying comfortable.
I used to do a series on TWHL called How to Make Your Momiform Feel More Stylish. All of those outfit upgrades followed the same formula. So, for this post, I decided to break down that formula to help you elevate your casual outfits.
Step 1: Start with a comfy base
The comfortable base is usually the pants, but it can also be a matching set.
Step 2: Create balance
This means breaking up your outfit visually to create balanced proportions.
Step 3: Pick a polished shoe
Shoes are such an important part of your outfit, and they can completely make or break your look. To help elevate your casual clothes, choose a comfortable, polished shoe that feels like an intentional choice, rather than just throwing on any comfy pair of shoes.
Step 4: Add a structured layer
Layers are key to elevating your comfy style. A layer adds structure and style to your outfit, helping the whole look feel more pulled together.
Step 5: Add intentional accessories
Completing your look with accessories will make your outfit feel polished. Baseball caps, jewelry, a cute purse, and sunglasses are all great ways to finish your look.
Here are some ways I applied that formula to a few comfy everyday outfits.
How to Elevate a Matching Lounge Set
This matching lounge set is such an easy comfy base because the top and pants already go together, but it can also look a lot like pajamas. That’s why I like to add a few styling details to make it feel more like an elevated, comfortable outfit. For this look, I’m keeping my burgundy set and adding pieces around it to make it feel more styled for everyday wear.
I added balance by tucking my sweatshirt into my pants. This helps break up the outfit and defines my waist. These lounge pants are a little long on me, so I also rolled the waistband a bit to adjust the length.
I switched out my New Balance sneakers for my adidas Gazelles. There’s nothing wrong with the New Balance shoes, but for this outfit, I wanted a sneaker that looked more suited to everyday styling than a workout or a long walk. That simple swap makes the outfit feel a little more polished.
I added a denim chore jacket to bring structure to the soft sweatshirt and wide-leg pants. The collar and seams give the outfit more shape, and the denim brings in a different texture. This is a good example of how even a casual jacket can elevate a lounge set.
Then I finished with a baseball cap, a woven crossbody bag, and simple jewelry. The cap keeps the look relaxed, while the bag and jewelry make it feel finished.
This is an easy way to take a set I could wear around the house and turn it into an outfit for errands or a casual day out.
Shop this look:
- Burgundy sweatshirt (xsmall)
- Burgundy lounge pants (xsmall)
- Denim chore jacket (xsmall)
- Adidas Gazelles (7- size down half size)
- Baseball cap
- Woven crossbody bag
- Canvas purse strap
- Necklace
- Earrings
How to Elevate Barrel-Leg Sweatpants
These barrel-leg sweatpants are super cozy and perfect for wearing around the house, making dinner, or just getting comfortable. When I wear them out, I like to follow my styling formula to make the outfit feel more polished and pulled together.
The sweatpants are my comfy base. To add balance, I swap the sweatshirt for a sweater. This cardigan brings a more polished feel to the outfit while keeping it just as comfortable. It’s one of my favorite ways to elevate a sweatpants outfit!
For shoes, I again switch out my New Balance sneakers for my adidas sneakers. They still feel relaxed but give the outfit a less athletic look. Then I add my structured layer: a trench coat. I love how the collar and shape of a trench make a casual outfit feel more stylish and put together.
To finish the look, I add a crossbody bag, sunglasses, and simple jewelry. With a few easy changes, these cozy sweatpants become part of an outfit I feel good wearing out of the house.
Shop This Look
- Barrel-leg sweatpants (xsmall/short)
- Cardigan sweater (small)
- Adida Gazelle sneakers (7-size down half size)
- Trench coat (small)
- Woven crossbody bag
- Sunglasses
- Necklace
- Earrings
How to Elevate Tapered Leisure Pants
For this next look, I’m starting with these comfortable tapered leisure pants from Amazon. To add balance, I swap the oversized stretchy shirt for a sweater T-shirt. The knit texture gives the outfit a little more polish while keeping it comfortable and easy to wear.
For shoes, I trade my everyday slip-ons for a comfortable pair of flats. Whether your go-to shoes are Birkenstocks, clogs, or Crocs, this simple swap can change the feel of the outfit. These Mary Jane flats from Dream Pairs are extremely comfortable, and I love how they make the pants look almost like part of a workwear outfit.
For my layer, I drape a Quince cardigan around my shoulders. It adds a finished look, and it’s one of my favorite ways to keep a sweater close by when I’m working at my computer and the temperature keeps changing. I can easily put it on when I get chilly, and it looks cute when I leave the house, too.
This is one of my favorite outfit formulas for working from home. The pants keep me comfortable, while the sweater T-shirt, Mary Jane flats, and cardigan make the whole look feel more pulled together.
Shop This Look
- Tapered leisure pants (xsmall)
- Sweater T-shirt (small)
- Mary Jane flats (7.5)
- Cardigan (xsmall)
- Necklace
- Earrings
How to Elevate Trouser Leggings
Trouser leggings are a great option if you’re looking to refresh your everyday leggings outfits. I love that these come in petite lengths and have a more polished shape while still feeling comfortable.
Graphic tees are an easy top to throw on with comfortable pants, but I like to choose something a little more elevated for a polished look. For me, there’s no better option than a button-down shirt. Button-downs look so put together, even when you’re wearing loungewear on the bottom. I love how this chambray button-down pairs with these trouser leggings, and I tuck it in to add balance to the look.
For shoes, I start with my Crocs sandals. These are my garage shoes, and I love wearing them throughout the summer, but they don’t feel like an intentional styling choice for this outfit. For a more polished look, I switch them out for my adidas Sambas. They’re still comfortable and casual, but their sleeker shape gives the outfit a more finished feel.
For my layer, I drape a navy-and-white striped sweater over my shoulders. I love styling sweaters this way for fall because it adds interest and keeps an extra layer close by. You could also wear the sweater over the button-down with the collar showing for another cute way to style this outfit.
To finish, I add a baseball cap and my woven leather purse. The cap keeps the look relaxed, while the bag adds texture and ties everything together.
Shop This Look
- Trouser leggings (xsmall/ 29″ inseam)
- Chambray button-down shirt (similar)
- Adidas Sambas (7- size down half size)
- Navy-and-white striped sweater (small)
- Baseball cap
- Woven leather purse
- Necklace
- Earrings
I hope that this formula and these examples will help you elevate your casual outfit! Let me know in the comments which outfit you will be recreating this fall?
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