3 x looks to easily upgrade your casual outfits
When I took someone shopping recently, we put together an outfit which was an upgrade to his usual polo shirts and jeans - there's nothing wrong with those I hasten to add - but sometimes you just want something different to go out in that makes you feel good and is just a touch more polished than normal.
It occurred to me that's something I'm frequently doing with clients. Most people tend to think I take people shopping for occasions, or business suits, but more often than not it's just making tweaks to their everyday casual outfits. Giving them a bit of a shake up and providing ideas that are still comfortable and practical but levelled up.
If you always wear hoodies and track pants.......
This is an outfit I dressed another client in - I came across the picture I took of him the other day, and was reminded just how much it suited him!
The trousers are a version of tracksuit pants.......same stretch fabric so they're super comfy, but with a more elegant look to them. The cardigan / jacket looks smart but retains that level of ease with the knitted fabric and lack of structure. A great replacement for a hoody when you need a slightly smarter outfit.
I've added a Sunspel t-shirt here.......they're like the Rolls Royce of t-shirts, and feel amazing!
White trainers are still going strong and these have an added bit of texture to them. Finish off your outfit with a pair of multi coloured socks from my favourite sock brand, Anonymous Ism, to bring it all together.
Camel knitted jacket - Sandro - £230.30
White t-shirt - Sunspel - £90
'Terrance' navy jogger - Theory - £225
5 colour mix crew socks - Anonymous Ism at End Clothing - £29
White leather trainers - Sandro - £149.40
If you're a jeans and fleece sort of guy......
This top (along with this one) was an instant hit with my client! It felt familiar and very similar to the zip sport tops and fleeces he usually wore and knew looked good on him, but was a few notches up in terms of how chic it looked. Still super practical and comfortable though, so it was a hard 'yes' when it came to buying.
When shopping with clients, I like to think laterally and sometimes all you need to switch things up, is a different colour or fabric in a familiar shape. So instead of blue denim jeans, these off white cord jeans I was looking at the other day ring the changes, and hit the spot perfectly.
I like this contrasting colour t-shirt with this outfit - 3 colours tend to work well in an outfit - though you could wear a navy one instead.
These navy suede trainers were bought by another client last week and balance well with the dark blue top.The belt is a nice addition to bring all the blues together and add a point of interest....even if you leave your t-shirt untucked, you'll still get a little flash of it when you move around.
Textured zip through jacket - Reiss - £98
'Duke' off white cord jeans - Trunk - £175
'Bless' soft blue t-shirt - Reiss - £28
Blue woven belt - John Lewis - £25
Dark blue suede trainers - Slowear - £405
If you always wear polo shirts and jeans......
And here's an outfit which upgrades the regular short sleeved sporty polo shirt / denim jeans combo and makes it more relevant for the coming Autumn season too.
Another concept my client liked was layering, so instead of wearing this top on its own, it looks great over a t-shirt in a toning colour. The colour of the long sleeved top will look great on you if you have cool colouring.......and if you don't know what colours suit you, then you need to book in for a Colour & Style Consultation!
The trousers are a really nice dark navy, with no contrast stitching or detailing so they're very smart. A lot of my clients prefer to wear this type of thing to work now, rather than chinos.
If you've got every colour of plain leather trainers going and want to move on from those next time you get a new pair, try some like these multi coloured ones as an alternative.
And if you've got a backpack that's seen better days, hotfoot it over to Soho (or the website) to get a stylish and smart Troubadour one to replace it.
'Raffi' navy 5 pocket twill trousers - Theory - £185
Pine green flex wool polo shirt - Slowear - £400
Smoke green t-shirt - Sunspel - £90
Navy backpack - Troubadour - £225
'Astor' trainers - Reiss - £168
Here's my latest 5 star Google review from a recent client, who had his casual wardrobe upgraded:
"What a brilliant experience!
I had an idea what I liked and what suited me, but over the years my wardrobe became more and more like a uniform with little variety.
Sarah helped me look beyond my usual buys, and together we explored different things.
I would never have known where to go without her, and would simply be overwhelmed and give up, or just end up buying more of what I already have.
I now have a real range of clothes, different combinations, and from different shops.
I would never have managed this alone. Thank you Sarah!"
Want to switch up your regular uniform and get some variety in your wardrobe too? Click here to book in.
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