What is Casual? Explanation from Dress to Codes

Casual style is the basis of fashion.

Many people are familiar with the term "casual," but may be wondering what kind of clothes it actually refers to and what items to combine with it.

In this article, we will explain in detail from the basics of casual to its applications, with specific coordination examples.

What is casual? Basic Meaning and Characteristics

Casual wear is casual, relaxed clothing that can be worn casually as everyday wear. It is characterized by its emphasis on comfort and lack of formality, and can be used in a variety of situations in daily life.

The word "casual" itself includes the meanings of "casual" and "informal," and in the context of fashion, it is recognized as a clothing category that is the opposite of formal wear.

The greatest feature of casual wear is that it allows the wearer to freely express his or her individuality and preferences. For example, the same combination of a T-shirt and jeans can be made to look sporty, street-style, or even beautifully casual, depending on the size, color, and accessories used.

In recent years, as lifestyles have become more diverse, the concept of casual wear has expanded to include office casual, smart casual, and many other variations.

Differences between casual and formal, and comparison with other types of clothing

 

An important part of understanding casual wear is to distinguish it from formal wear and from intermediate attire such as smart casual and business casual. Let's compare the characteristics of each in the table below.

 

Style	Characteristics	Suitable Situations	Typical items
Casual	Casual and free dress	Holidays, shopping, going out with friends	T-shirt, jeans, sneakers
Smart Casual	Clean and sophisticated attire	Dinner parties, dates, museums	Shirts, chinos, loafers
Business Casual	Appropriate attire for the workplace	Office, business meeting, business lunch	Polo shirt, slacks, leather shoes
Formal	Formal attire	Weddings, funerals, entrance ceremonies	Suits, Dresses, Pumps

 

In recent fashion trends, these boundaries are gradually becoming blurred, and people are expected to dress flexibly according to TPO.

For example, in the case of smart casual, while based on casual items, materials andCOLORand silhouettes can create a more sophisticated impression.

Basic items for casual coordination

Here are some basic items you should keep in mind when putting together a casual coordinate.

These items can be combined in a variety of ways and are versatile enough to be used depending on the scene and season.

Tops (T-shirts, blouses, knits, etc.)

Tops are the cornerstone of casual coordination and are characterized by comfort and freedom of expression. Basic items include the following

• Basic items
  • Plain T-shirts (white, black, and gray are essential)
  • Striped cut and sewn
  • Denim shirts
  • Oversized Knits

Plain T-shirts, in particular, are the foundation of a casual coordinate. As for material selection, choose fabrics that feel good against the skin, such as 100% cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester.

 

The size can be selected according to preference, from a clean silhouette that follows the lines of the body to a trendy look by choosing an oversized item.

Bottoms (denim, chinos, skirts, etc.)

The choice of bottoms greatly influences the impression of a casual coordinate. We recommend choosing from the following items according to your body shape and style:

• Standard items
  • Straight denim (versatile item with a variety of washes to choose from)
  • Wide chinos (standard for beautiful casual wear)
  • Pleated skirts (for a feminine look)

The key to choosing denim is to first find a silhouette that suits your body shape. For example, straight denim is a basic silhouette that suits many people, but if you are concerned about your leg line, you can choose a wide silhouette to cover your body shape.

You can also create a lighter look by wearing them rolled up.

Chinos are an excellent item that can give a more beautiful impression than denim. In particular, basic colors such as beige and navy go well with a variety of tops and can be used as office casual wear.

Outerwear (jackets, cardigans, coats, etc.)

Outerwear is an important item that completes a coordinated look. By using different types of outerwear depending on the season and occasion, you can create a more sophisticated outfit.

Recommended outerwear by season

• Spring: Denim jackets, light blousons
• Summer: Linen jackets, light cardigans
• Autumn: leather jackets, trench coats
• Winter: wool coats, down jackets

Denim jackets, in particular, have long been loved as a staple item for casual coordinates. It can be styled in a variety of ways, such as with a hoodie as an inner layer for a street look, or with a shirt or blouse for a beautiful look.

Shoes (sneakers, sandals, boots, etc.)

The choice of footwear can make a big difference in the overall impression of a coordinated outfit. In particularWhite sneakersare easy to match with any coordination and can give a clean impression.

Recommended shoes by scene

• Daily use: Canvas sneakers
• Going Out: Leather Sneakers
• Office: Loafers
• Date: Heeled sandals

The key to choosing sneakers is to emphasize comfort as well as design. Especially if you plan to walk for a long time, such as on a holiday or on a trip, choose a pair with good cushioning.

Bags

For bags to go with casual coordinates, it is important to strike a balance between functionality and design. Use a tote bag, backpack, or shoulder bag depending on the occasion.

Recommended bags by scene

• Commuting to work or school: A tote bag that can hold an A4-size bag
• Going out on a holiday: Mini shoulder bag
• Outdoor activities: Backpacks
• A short trip: crossbody bag

The key to choosing the right bag is to match it to your lifestyle. For example, if you need to carry a lot of luggage to work, a tote bag with a lot of storage space is recommended. If you are going on a holiday, a compact shoulder bag that allows you to carry only the minimum necessary luggage is convenient.

Accessories

Adding accessories to a casual outfit will give it a more sophisticated look. A simple casual coordinate is the most effective way to show the effect of accessories.

Recommended accessory selection

• Necklaces: Simple chains or pendants
• Earrings: small hoop or stud earrings
• Bracelets: slender bangles or leather bracelets
• Rings: Simple metal material

It is important to coordinate accessories,Balance in layeringThe key to coordinating accessories is the balance of layering. For example, when layering necklaces, combining two or three necklaces of different lengths creates a three-dimensional look.

Also, mixing and matching gold and silver is a trend that is attracting attention this year.

How to Wear Casual Cordage

Now that you have the basic items for casual wear, let's look at how to dress them up. Even simple items can be dressed up a notch depending on how they are combined.

 

How to combine items

The key to a successful casual coordinate lies in a sense of balance. Consider the following combination rules:

Basic combination rules

• Loose tops × Tight bottoms
• Tight Tops x Wide Bottoms
• Casual Items x Pretty Items
• Basic color x Accent color

For example, if you wear an oversized knit, pair it with skinny denim or a tight skirt to balance the overall look. Conversely, if you choose to wear wide pants, pair them with a compact T-shirt or knit for a stylish look.

COLORMatching Points

The basics of color coordination are,Base colorandAccent coloris the balance between the two. Especially for beginners, the following color schemeCOLORThe following rules should be used as a reference:

Recommended DealCOLORPatterns

• Monotone patternCOLOR: White, black, and gray-based dressing.
• One-tone schemeCOLOROne-tone: same color schemeCOLORUnified outfit with
• contrasting color schemeCOLORComplementaryCOLORStriking outfits using

For example, a calm arrangement of a white T-shirt and beige chinosCOLORwith a blue denim jacket.COLORThe use of a blue denim jacket in a more effective way enhances the attractiveness of the coordinate. For example, a blue denim jacket with a white T-shirt and beige chinos.COLORUse brighter colors in spring and summer, and use deeper colors in fall and winter.COLORUse of bright colors is recommended for spring and summer, and use of deep colors for fall and winter.

Use of small items will raise the level of your work.

Even a basic casual outfit can look very different with the right accessories. Try using the following items:

Use of accessories to elevate your coordination

• Belt: Accent a simple outfit
• Scarf: Wrap around the neck or around a bag to accentuate an outfit.
• Hats: Caps and hats add a touch of seasonality and sophistication
• Sunglasses: A great addition to your summer look

Casual Codes for Different Occasions

Casual wear requires different outfits depending on the scene. Here, we will explain in detail the coordination for each typical scene.

Date Codes

For casual date wear, we recommend a clean, casual look. Be conscious of your femininity, but try to dress in a way that allows you to remain natural.

Recommended Coordinates for Different Dating Scenes

• Café date:
  • White blouse × High-waisted denim × Loafers
  • Flared Skirt × Lightweight Knit × Pumps
• Outdoor date:
  • Casual dress × Sneakers × Denim jacket
  • Wide Pants x T-Shirt x Sneakers
• Movie & Museum:
  • Pleated skirt × Knitwear × Loafers
  • Skinny Pants × Oversized Shirt × Flat Shoes

Girls' Party Coordinate

Trendy outfits are appreciated at girls' parties. Here are some stylish and functional coordinates that are appropriate for a fun time with friends.

Codes for different types of girls' parties

• Lunch girls' party:
  • Flared skirt x Blouse x Mini bag
  • Wide Pants x Cut & Sewn x Shoulder Bag
• Tour of cafes:
  • Dress × Cardigan × Sneakers
  • Denim × Loose Knit × Loafers
• Dinner girls' party:
  • Pleated Skirt × Blouse × Heels
  • Center Press Pants x Blouse x Pumps

Travel Coordinate

When traveling, it is important to strike a balance between functionality and appearance. While emphasizing ease of movement, be sure to coordinate your outfit in a way that also looks good in photos.

Travel Coordinates by Type of Trip

• Sightseeing while walking around town:
  • Dress × Sneakers × Backpack
  • Wide Pants x T-Shirt x Cross Body Bag
• Resort trip:
  • Maxi dress × Sandals × Basket bag
  • Linen Pants × Cut & Sewn × Straw Hat
• Theme park:
  • Shorts × T-shirt × Sneakers
  • Skirt Pants × Polo Shirt × Sports Sandals

Office Casual Coordinate

Office casual attire should be classy and appropriate for business situations. Try to find the perfect balance between not too casual and not too formal.

Office Casual by Occupation

• Creative jobs:
  • Oversized shirt x Slacks x Loafers
  • Knit dress × Leather sneakers
• Sales position:
  • Linen jacket × Slim pants × Pumps
  • Blouse × Tight skirt × Heels
• Desk Work:
  • Knitwear × chinos × flat shoes
  • Shirt dress × Leggings × Ballet shoes

Wedding Invitation (if casual wear is OK)

For casual OK weddings, be sure to dress with flair and make a clear distinction from your everyday attire. However, remember to complement the bride and try not to be too flashy in your choices.

Recommended Coordinates by Venue

• Restaurant weddings:
  • Fishtail Skirt x Blouse x Pumps
  • Dress x Bolero x Heels
• Garden Wedding:
  • Flared Dress × Cardigan × Wedge Sole Sandals
  • Pleated Skirt × Blouse × Strappy Pumps

Casual Coordinate by Season

By keeping in mind the basics of casual coordination according to the season, you can dress comfortably and stylishly throughout the year.

Spring Codes

In spring, lightweight materials and brightCOLORmaterials and the use of bright colors. Enjoy layering clothes and try to dress in a way that is easy to adjust to the temperature.

Recommended Spring Codes

• March:
  • Trench coat × Knit × Denim
  • Shirt Dress × Leggings × Sneakers
• April:
  • Denim Jacket x Flared Skirt x Loafers
  • Linen Shirt × Wide Pants × Slip-Ons
• May:
  • Cardigan × T-shirt × Chinos
  • Blouse × Pleated skirt × Pumps

Summer Coordinate

For casual summer coordination, it is important to choose the right material. This is because it is the season of sweating,100% cotton T-shirtsorWide pants made of linenChoose items with good breathability, such as

Recommended summer coordinates

• June (rainy season):
  • Water-repellent blouson × T-shirt × Denim
  • Shirt Dress × Rain Boots
• July:
  • Linen shirt x Shorts x Sandals
  • Sleeveless dress x Sports sandals
• August:
  • Cut & Sewn x Maxi Skirt x Sandals
  • Tank top × Wide pants × Sneakers

Key Points for Choosing Materials for Summer

• Cotton: Absorbs sweat and feels good against the skin
• Linen: Highly breathable and comfortable to wear
• Rayon: Silky luster and coolness
• Linen-blend: Resists losing its shape and feels cool and refreshing

Autumn Cordage

Autumn is the season for enjoying layered styles. We recommend layering a thin knit with a jacket, for example, for easy temperature control.

Recommended Fall Codes

• September:
  • Shirt × Knit vest × Denim
  • Dress × Leather jacket
• OCT:
  • Turtleneck × Pleated skirt × Boots
  • Knitwear × Wide Pants × Sneakers
• November:
  • Sweater × Plaid skirt × Short boots
  • Knit dress × Leggings × Long boots

Winter Coordinate

For casual winter coordination, it is important to be both warm and stylish. Make use of layering techniques to create a warm and stylish look.

Recommended Winter Codes

• December:
  • Knitwear × Denim × Mouton boots
  • Dress × Turtleneck × Long boots
• Jan:
  • Down jacket × Knit × Skinny pants
  • Coat × Dress × Knee-high boots
• Feb:
  • Fur coat × Sweater × Slacks
  • Chester coat × Knit dress × Short boots

Casual Codes for Different Body Types

By choosing a casual coordinate that matches your body type, you will be able to dress in a way that is more personal to you.

Codes for short people

For short people, we recommend coordinating with an awareness of vertical lines.

Key Points for Style Enhancement

• Tops:
  • In with high-waisted bottoms for a leg-lengthening effect
  • Vertical stripes lead the eye up and down
• Bottoms:
  • Choose a high-waist design
  • Skinny, straight, or other sleek silhouettes
• One-piece:
  • Designs with waist marks
  • Choose mini-length or mimolé length to create a vertical effect

NG points

• Voluminous maxi-length skirts
• Horizontal striped patterns
• Outerwear that is too long

Codes for chubby people

Enjoy a trendy look while being conscious of covering up your body shape.

Styling points

• Tops:
  • Moderately roomy silhouette
  • Tucks and drapes create a three-dimensional effect
• Bottoms:
  • Straight or wide silhouettes
  • Deep inseam design
• Outerwear:
  • Vertical design
  • Sleek collar

Recommended Coordinates

• Casual:
  • Loose-fitting T-shirt × Wide denim × Sneakers
  • Shirt Dress × Leggings × Flat Shoes
• Pretty:
  • Blouse × Wide pants × Pumps
  • Wrap Dress × Heels

Casual Coordinate for 30s

For casual coordination in your 30s, it is important to find a balance between a moderately mature and playful look.

Spring Codes for 30s

How to incorporate spring trends

• Basic items:
  • Trench coats
  • Striped shirt
  • Tapered pants
• Accent items:
  • Colored bag
  • Printed scarves
  • Statement Jewelry

Summer Codes for 30s

For casual summer wear in your thirties, it is important to strike a balance between coolness and elegance.

Key points of summer adult casual wear

• Material selection:
  • High-quality linen-blend fabric
  • Silken fabric with a glossy finish
  • High-quality cut and sewn fabric made of 100% cotton
• Silhouette:
  • Moderate, roomy fit
  • Sleek vertical line
  • Exquisite size that does not pick up body lines too much

Recommended Coordinates

• For the office:
  • Linen-blend shirt and tapered pants
  • Jersey Dress × Lightweight Cardigan
• For holidays:
  • Boat Neck Cut & Sewn × Wide Denim
  • Maxi Dress × Leather Sandals

Casual Coordinate for Moms

For mothers raising children, it is important to coordinate a look that is both easy to move in and clean.

Spring Codes for Moms

Points of spring fashion for moms

• Emphasis on functionality:
  • Water-repellent materials
  • Stretchy fabrics
  • Selection of materials that are resistant to washing
• Wearing tips:
  • Mainly basic items
  • Change it up with accessories
  • Adjust temperature by layering

Recommended coordinates by scene

• Playing in the park:
  • Sweatshirt × Stretch Denim × Sneakers
  • Cut and Sewn Dress × Leggings
• Pick up from and drop off at daycare:
  • Hoodie × Ankle pants × Slip-ons
  • Knit Dress × Short Boots
• Lunch with moms:
  • Blouse × Tapered pants × Flat shoes
  • Knitwear x Pleated skirt x Sneakers

Must-have items for moms

• A bag that can be slung over the shoulder
• Loose-fitting tops that cover the body
• Stretch pants for easy movement
• Stain resistanceCOLORTasteful items

Trend-inspired casual coordinates

Incorporating the latest trends can make your casual coordinate look more seasonal.

Spring/Summer 2025 Trends

• Color Trends:
  • Pale tones
  • earth color
  • Use of vivid color accents
• Silhouette trend:
  • Oversized
  • Asymmetry
  • Cropped Length

How to incorporate trends

• For beginners:
  • From accessories in trendy colors
  • Combine with basic items
  • One trend item at a time
• For advanced users:
  • Combination of several trends
  • BoldCOLORuse
  • Challenge to a new silhouette

Recommended Trend Codes

• Casual:
  • Oversized shirts and cropped pants
  • Balloon Sleeve Blouse × Tapered Denim
• Clean type:
  • Asymmetrical Blouse × Wide Pants
  • Pale Tone Setup

Conclusion

Casual fashion is an outfit that allows you the freedom to express your personality while keeping to the basic rules.

Important Points

• Choices that are appropriate for your body shape and age
• Coordination with TPO in mind
• Seasonal dressing
• Appropriate incorporation of trends

The key to success in casual coordination lies in having a firm grasp of the basic items and then adding your own personal twist. Please refer to the various coordinates and points introduced in this article to find your own unique style.

There is no correct answer to fashion. It is important to have fun while building a coordinated look that matches your tastes and lifestyle.

If you update your style little by little as the seasons and trends change, you will be able to lead a more fulfilling life of casual fashion.