Reader Request: Easy Throw-on Outfits

So! We’ve covered guidelines to crafting a top-notch weekend casual look, but how about some concrete outfit suggestions? Cal requested some easy ensembles that she can throw on when she’s headed to the grocery store, because when she’s TOO dressed down, she inevitably runs into an eligible hottie, or even worse, an ex … and ladies, we’ve all been there, haven’t we?

So here are some of my personal faves, many of which can be customized both to your personal taste/resources AND to your current season.

Key pieces:
Fitted, solid-colored sweater
Printed scarf
Jeans
Heels

Take away the scarf and heels, and you’ve got a totally boring, lifeless getup. But adding a vibrant print around your face creates interest, and dressing up your jeans with pumps or heeled boots makes this outfit both ladylike and fun.

Seasonal tweaks: For summer, replace the sweater with a fitted, solid-colored tee or tank. Swap pumps or boots for heeled sandals.

Key pieces:
Solid-colored blazer or hoodie
Fitted graphic tee
Denim miniskirt
Knee-high boots

A denim mini is a fantastically versatile casual piece to have in your wardrobe, and I wear mine as often as the feisty MN weather allows. Pairing a decidedly girly, sexy piece with an übercasual graphic tee creates great balance.And while the blazer adds polish to this outfit, a black hoodie works equally well if you want to keep it more casual.

Seasonal tweaks: Add tights for fall and winter. For summer, replace the blazer/hoodie with a light cardi, and replace boots with heeled sandals.

Key pieces:
Colored cardi
Contrasting colored tee or tank
Long necklace
Jeans
Contrasting colored shoes

Obviously, color is the thing here. So long as you’re working with solids, and you’ve got those nice, neutral jeans breaking things up, you can throw three punchy colors into the mix. The long necklace creates a flatteringly long line and adds some texture to those bright washes of color.

Seasonal tweaks: Replace the cardi with a brightly colored corduroy or velvet blazer for winter.

Key pieces:
Fitted graphic tee
Solid colored pencil or short A-line skirt
Pumps or heeled Mary Janes

This is one of my summer favorites. Why bother with shorts when a pencil skirt is just as breezy and considerably more sleek? Adding a heeled shoe gives it even more girly-ness, which I just love. Easy-peasy, but such a cute combo.

Seasonal tweaks: Throw a hoodie or blazer over the graphic tee and add tights for fall and winter. You can also swap the heels for boots, but then you’ve basically got easy throw-on outfit #2 all over again!

Key pieces:
Solid colored short-sleeved cardi or sweater
Long-sleeved fitted crew-neck tee
Funky necklace
Jeans
Contrasting colored shoes

Warm and cozy without being bulky, this is a great way to layer on some color. Make sure your crew neck is nice and high, and that your necklace falls below the collar.

Seasonal tweaks: Replace the jeans with a pencil skirt or miniskirt for fall or spring.

Key pieces:
Fitted solid-colored tee
Cropped cargoes
Tall heeled boots
Pile of necklaces

I love a necklace pile, as it adds instant glamor to any outfit. I’ve got four separate pieces on here, covering three distinct lengths. All are black or black-and-silver – I find that this look works best if you stick to a single color. I’ve got my granny boots on here, but any tall heeled boot will work. And I definitely prefer this outfit with actual cargoes as opposed to clean crops – it helps maintain a laid-back, casual feel.

Seasonal tweaks: Try a long-sleeved tee or fitted solid-colored sweater for fall and winter.

WHEW. That was a lot of outfits and outfit explanations. Hope you made it this far, kittens. If you did, did you happen to notice these recurring themes as you read?

Accessorization: Simple, comfy outfits are made instantly more stylish by funky or dressy jewelry, belts, scarves, and other accoutrement. If you dress sparingly, feel free to accessorize lavishly.

Shoes: Try to steer clear of sneakers and clunky casual shoes altogether … unless you’ve taken care to balance them out with other more feminine pieces elsewhere in your outfit. Mary Janes or low-heeled pumps paired with your jeans-and-tee elevate the entire outfit, whereas beat-up flats or Uggs just drag it down.

Color: As always, color is the quickest route to Chicsville. Black and heather gray may be easy and classic, but tossing a bright or rich shade into the mix adds interest, personality, and LIFE. Fear not the color, ladies. Fear not.

Throwing on one of these outfits takes the same amount of time as throwing on a sweatsuit. And if you pull up at the gas station and spy your catty next-door-neighbor or current crush, wouldn’t you rather be decked out in some chic, easy, casual finery?

(Big ups to Husband Mike for setting up the seamless, taking endless photos of me, letting me approve them all mid-shoot, and cropping them carefully on his considerably faster Mac. Bless.)