Take Your Wardrobe From Formal to Casual With This Style Guide

5 Materials
5 Minutes
Easy

If you’re a working woman, I’m sure you have a closet full of formal clothes. However, what happens to those clothes when you aren’t in the office? I’ll show you how to take seven different outfits from formal to casual with just a few changes. It’s always great to get some extra use out of your favorite pieces, and just because you’re dressing down doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style! If you like what I do here, check out my YouTube channel for more great ideas to help you find your personal style!


How to Style a Striped Shirt
How to Style a Striped Shirt


Stripes are a classic print that works in so many different places. For the workplace, I’ve styled this striped shirt with a statement necklace and some classy pointed-toe shoes. A classic pair of black pants and a handbag round out the look. Now check out how I styled her for outside the office!

Style a Striped Shirt

To take this outfit out of the workplace I made a few changes. Striped shirts and white shorts are a beautiful and simple combination perfect for summer. I also removed the statement necklace and added marine style deck shoes to enhance this beachy outfit. A straw purse is all that was needed to complete the look!

How to Style a Button-Down Shirt
How to Style a Button-Down Shirt


This formal look consists of khaki capris, a blue button-down, and some cute flats. Perfect for a summer day in the office. Let’s see how I converted this look to fit mom-life!

Style a Button-Down Shirt

I only actually changed one piece of clothing here, her shoes. Everything else was just styled differently to make it more casual. I changed her shoes from flats to sneakers to allow her to be more active. I also opened up the button-down shirt about halfway down the front and tied the bottom pieces together. Then I rolled up the sleeves to just above the elbow. Just two simple steps and it almost looks like she has an entirely new outfit!

How to Style a Patterned Blouse
How to Style a Patterned Blouse


Here is a classic office outfit. A beautiful patterned blouse paired with a black skirt and pumps. Classic and sophisticated! Keep scrolling to see how I turned this outfit into something a little more kid-friendly!

Style a Patterned Blouse

I replaced the skirt with a beautiful pair of silky shorts. This allows her to chase after her kids without compromising on style and femininity! Of course, I also replaced the pumps with flats because, let’s face it, after a long day at the office the first thing we all want to do is kick off our heels!

How to Style Jeans
How to Style Jeans


I know that many offices have Casual Fridays, so this outfit is perfect for that! I’ve styled these jeans with flats, a white button-down, and a black blazer. Now of course you can just swap out the flats for sneakers and go about your day, but I want to show you how you can transform this outfit into something more appropriate for a hot summer day!

Style Jeans

I removed the blazer, unbuttoned the shirt, and swapped out the flats for a fun pair of chunky platform sandals. I also added a cross-body bag to complete the look. These simple swaps and changes make for the perfect summer outfit!

How to Style a Striped Button-Down Shirt
How to Style a Striped Button-Down Shirt


Once again we’re working with a button-down shirt. Button-down shirts are great because they can be worn in so many different ways. This button-down shirt is made of cotton, which makes it extra versatile. Let’s see how I changed this outfit to fit her everyday needs.

Style a Striped Button-Down Shirt

I started by swapping out her heels for a pair of deck shoes which are both more practical and more comfortable. I added a white v-neck underneath the button-down shirt and also styled it with a French tuck.


Tip:

French tucks can easily change up how formal or casual your outfit is. Simply tuck in the front bit of the shirt while leaving the rest of it out!

I added a belt and rolled up the sleeves of the button-down shirt as well as the pant legs to complete the look.

How to Style a Pinstripe Blazer
How to Style a Pinstripe Blazer


A pinstripe blazer is an absolute wardrobe staple! It is super versatile, and this blazer is hiding a fun secret, a bright, beautiful lining! Paired with a simple, white blouse and heels, this outfit is perfect for work. Take a look at how I styled this pinstripe blazer for Mama duty!

Style a Pinstripe Blazer

The only piece I kept for this outfit was the blazer. I changed the shoes into sneakers, the dress pants into jeans, and the white blouse into a white t-shirt, but the real showstopper is what I did with the blazer. Because this blazer had a bright, colorful lining, I was able to roll up the sleeves for a fun pop of color and style. Blazers are so versatile, so make sure you always have at least one in your wardrobe!

How to Style Jeans and a Basic Shirt
How to Style Jeans and a Basic Shirt


This semi-formal outfit is perfect for a day in the office. The blazer is made of cotton, which already makes it a little less formal, and allows it to pair beautifully with a nice pair of jeans. Now I’ll show you how I only changed a few things to take this outfit from business to casual.

Style Jeans and a Basic Shirt

I removed the blazer and added a lightweight kimono-style jacket instead. This instantly took the outfit from business to boho. I also added to the boho vibe with a straw purse and ankle-strap sandals. By using heels, she seems taller and looks less like she’s drowning in the fabric of her jacket.


I had a lot of fun showing you how styling your clothes doesn’t take too long, and that your sense of style and fashion doesn’t have to be affected by becoming a mom! What are your wardrobe staples? Let me know in the comments below!

Suggested materials:
  • Jeans
  • Button-down shirt
  • Blazer
See all materials

The author may collect a small share of sales from the links on this page.

Comments
Join the conversation
Next