The Secret to Making Any Outfit Work
I recently had my client Shelley ask me:
“How do I know if a piece is good for casual wear, and when it’s appropriate for dressier or special occasions?”
Her question inspired me to write today’s blog post because it's something so many people wonder about, and the answer isn’t always obvious.
I truly believe that a piece is just a piece. What really defines its purpose is how you style it. When you combine it with the right shoes, accessories, hair, and makeup, you create a feeling. You set the tone. That’s what makes an outfit feel casual, dressy, or somewhere in between. Styling has so much power.
That said, some clothes naturally lean toward everyday wear, while others are better suited for special occasions. If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet wondering which is which, this post is for you.
What Makes a Piece Feel Casual
Example (base outfit): pants | white shirt
Casual pieces are usually designed to feel relaxed, comfortable, and easy to wear. They often feature:
• Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, jersey, linen, or denim
• Looser or more relaxed fits
• Matte finishes without shine
• Minimal detailing or embellishments
• Comfortable shoes like sneakers, flats, or sandals
These are the pieces you reach for on a regular day—when you're out and about, working from home, or grabbing coffee with a friend.
Adding tailoring, texture and refined accessories, we can create a polished sophisticated vibe around the base.
What Feels More Like a Special Occasion
Special pieces usually have a little more intention behind them. They’re made to feel elevated or expressive. These kinds of pieces often include:
• Luxurious fabrics such as satin, silk, lace, or velvet
• Structure or tailored shapes that feel polished
• Eye-catching details like embroidery, sequins, or beading
• Standout accessories or shoes
• A refined, more dramatic overall look
These are the items that make you feel a little extra—perfect for weddings, formal events, or any moment where you want to feel dressed up and confident.
Same here creating a professional vibe. Note that we are still working with the same base.
Now swapping the sharp tailoring for relaxed and functional pieces we can create a completely different vibe and bring our base to a very casual everyday look.
Here’s the Best Part
Most pieces can live in both worlds. It’s all about how you wear them.
A satin skirt with a basic tee and sneakers? Effortless daytime look.
The same skirt with heels and a statement blouse? Instantly evening-ready.
A blazer over jeans and a t-shirt? Casual cool.
That same blazer over a dress with elegant jewelry? Beautiful for a night out.
Lastly, this look is somewhere in the middle: a mix of relaxed fabrics with polished accessories.
That’s why I always encourage my clients to experiment. Styling gives you options. It’s not about having more clothes, it’s about making the most of what you already have.
If you’ve ever questioned whether something in your closet feels "too dressy" or "not dressy enough," you’re not alone. These kinds of questions are so common, and they’re part of why I love doing what I do.
Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh set of eyes to show you how a piece can work in more ways than you imagined.
With love,
Ana
P.S. If this was helpful for you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a friend. Every share helps more people find my blog—and it truly means a lot to me. Thank you for being here. 🤍
Ana Harris - Personal Stylist
Color Analysis - Wardrobe Styling
Studio in Fall River, MA - Serving clients from Rhode Island, Boston, and beyond.
