Ladies Touch – Casual Formality

I love dichotomies and contradictions; life would be so lame and lacking without them. From an aesthetic standpoint, contradictions are a source of intrigue, holding the power to turn heads and even inspire fashion revolutions (think gender ambiguity and trying ever so hard to look like you didn’t try at all). This week, let’s explore the art of incorporating two divergent stylistic philosophies into one killer look, because nothing should ever be slotted into the musty, derivative categories of black and white… except maybe your dinner jacket.

Outfit 1: Slacks and blazers are reliable pieces that carry a formal ethos without abandoning everyday functionality. When worn with a laidback approach – a basic white tee, no socks, and casually pushed-up sleeves – jackets and tailored pants evince a kind of quiet, mundane elegance. Add a pocket square and a functional tote bag, and you’ve reached the sort of well-balanced complexity that will have onlookers lusting after your style sense.

Outfit 2: This gentleman is a true visionary. His torso evokes an Italian version of James Bond, yet from the waist down he’s supremely casual and comfortable – just think of him as a fashionable Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde type, sans manic mood swings. The unconventional coupling of a sleek dinner jacket with summer slacks is shocking, but refreshing. He appears poised without taking himself too seriously, and his outfit retains none of the stuffiness associated with black tie affairs. His chocolate loafers are classy, but understated and charmingly unmatched to his black-clad upper body. The key to rolling casual and high-brow dress into one neat package is, primarily, attitude – if you’re a walking contradiction with a muted sense of irony and a pinch of swagger, even the most seemingly disjointed elements will appear cohesive when paired.

Outfit 1 was sourced from Street Style Aesthetic, Outfit 2 was sourced from the fashionist.

This week’s Ladies Touch is written by Sarah Parniak, a freelance writer and style enthusiast.