I recently noticed that the term casual is not in my vocabulary. According to one of my best friends, I haven’t dressed casually for a day in over twenty years. Sure, I’ve been backpacking, but I did so with floral accessories in my locks, my tote bag had a matching patent number, and my high school bag of choice was a mini Adidas backpack complete with pink stripes, while most of my peers who from Nike wore. more practical iteration. As I admitted defeat and reflected on this (honest) observation, I began to imagine how I could welcome loose pieces into the fold, the Avalon way.
(Image credit: @monikh)
Despite how it may seem, I am not averse to casual clothes. 2023 was the year I embraced the sweatshirt as an item that would disrupt my knitwear collection and appreciated it as an understated alternative to fluffy knits. True, it is a considered transitional piece that falls somewhere between a T-shirt and the higher wool content of a knit. In fact, last year I bought a cap for the first time and it was a game-changer for morning outings. There comes a time (long winter walks, shopping days and hikes for example) when a dress (unfortunately) is not enough.
I’ve always admired pared-back styling and off-duty looks (Princess Diana was one of my muses during her era of casual dressing), but I’ve come to realize that I’m more comfortable in dresses and skirts. It’s my version of dopamine dressing. With this in mind, and using innovative styling, I have found a way to combine elements of casual and formal. For fellow overdressers, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve created five inspired outfits, including a sweatshirt, for your foray into casual dressing. You can’t say I don’t try!
5 chic sweatshirt outfits for spring 2024
1. Heathered sweatshirt + cargo pants + pointed ankle boots
(Image credit: WHO WEARS WHAT UK)
Shop the look:
QUIET
Bobby relaxed sweatshirt
I scoured the high street and the Bobby sweatshirt from Hush is one of the most premium looking loungewear pieces I’ve found.
Paige
Carly high-rise wide leg cotton blend cargo pants
Look to Paige for a sophisticated take on cargo pants. Wear it from now on and carry it over to spring and summer.
Carry Elizabeth
Thick croissant vintage hoops
With the name croissant you expect nothing less than a charming pair of jewels and these earrings do not disappoint. Graceful and coarse in equal measure.
QUIET
Stevie Magdot leather crossbody bag
A sleek (and practical) crossbody bag made of 100% leather.
Puzzle
Valerie ankle boots with heel
Ankle boots with a pointed silhouette (with kitten heels) appear to be popular for winter 2024.
2. Sweatshirt + full denim skirt + mesh ballet flats
(Image credit: WHO WEARS WHAT UK)
Shop the look:
Comfortable, cozy and very well priced.
Align
Luna volume ankle length skirt
Add some flair in the form of Aligne’s Luna Skirt. The heavy denim and pleats provide extra freedom of movement.
Tory Burch makes some of my favorite accessories. The monogram on this style has a vintage touch.
Like velvet
Black mesh ballet pumps
Alaïa and Le Monde Beryl stole our hearts with the mesh ballet and the high streets followed suit in the run-up to spring 2024. Sunny days couldn’t come soon enough.
& other stories
Relaxed mid-length trench coat
This trench coat remains one of my favorite styles on the high street since its release in 2023. The shape and buttonless feature are reminiscent of designer styles. Invest now before spring.
3. Black sweatshirt + leather jacket + column maxi skirt + sneakers
(Image credit: WHO WEARS WHAT UK)
Shop the look:
TOVE
Rae leather jacket with belt
I didn’t think leather jackets were for me until I saw Tove’s offering. The hardened leather provides an androgynous touch, while the waistband allows you to accentuate the figure if you wish.
TOTEM
Cotton jersey T-shirt
A sophisticated piece that you can style in countless ways. I especially love the slightly batwing sleeves.
COS
Double-sided wool column maxi skirt
This wool-rich skirt will be a considered transitional piece for many aesthetics.
By Alona
Leona 18kt gold plated earrings
By Alone offers statement contemporary jewelry with a unique design.
Manu workshop
Tote Du Jour Black grained
Grained leather, a sleek handle and a strap function. Laptop bags have never looked so chic.
Arket
Adidas Handball Special Trainers
Adidas sneakers have long been a shoe staple, but in recent years they have risen in level.
4. Brown sweatshirt + crew neck T-shirt + Boyfriend Jeans
(Image credit: WHO WEARS WHAT UK)
Shop the look:
OVERSIZED LEATHER JACKET WITH DOUBLE CHEST
A brown, leather coat with double rows of buttons. This piece reflects high fashion!
Arket
Soft sweatshirt made of French terry cloth
Brown has joined the loungewear chat, which is great news for fans of minimalist shades.
Arket
Lyocell mix long sleeve
For a styling tip, wear a crew neck layer under your sweatshirt for contrast.
The 2024 version of the pee pants.
Demellier
Tokyo suede tote bag
Suede rich handbags are one of the biggest trends this year and Demellier offers the perfect chocolatey shade.
Totem
Kitten-Heel 60 suede ankle boots
The same rings apply to shoes and this Toteme style incorporates the pointed shape and flowing fabric we’ve all come to love.
Official Bevza online store
Small egg earrings
Bevza’s egg-shaped studs are guaranteed to take the simplest ensembles to the next level.
5. Knitted sweatshirt + burgundy bag + leather pants
(Image credit: WHO WEARS WHAT UK)
Shop the look:
Arket
Boiled wool sweatshirt
A hybrid of knitwear and sweatshirt with an embroidered hem. Genius!
& other stories
Straight leather pants
When it comes to leather pants, I find that straight legs have the most refined fit.
COS
OVERSIZED TRENCH COAT WITH SCARF DETAIL
COS is one of the first well-known brands to invent the scarf trench. I predict this will be a favorite trend this spring.
Daphine
Thea shell 18kt gold plated earrings
I dare you not to feel empowered by such bold jewelry.
Savette
The Tondo Crescent leather shoulder bag
Burgundy accessories always offset neutral outfits.
Massimo Dutti
Mules with heel and pointed toes
Massimo Dutti’s shoes should not be missing this season. These slippers are guaranteed to fly off the shelves.
Next one: People in London and Paris are trading their ballerinas for this sleek shoe