Huge thanks to Nordstrom and ShopStyle for sponsoring this post!
Let’s talk dressy casual outfits! I’ve been asked several times during the last week what to wear for things like a brunch for a friend’s birthday, a date, a party at someone’s house, or a girls’ night out celebration. For all those outfits, dressy casual is the way to go!
Dressy casual is what it sounds like–a mix of casual and dressy. It’s perfect for events that are not semi-formal but aren’t super casual either. I LOVE dressy casual style! Anytime someone asks me what to wear for events like these, I can whip out a suggestion in no time thanks to having a few dressy casual outfit formulas in my back pocket. I want you to feel that same confidence in knowing what to wear, so today I’m partnering with Nordstrom to share three go-to dressy casual outfit formulas!
SIZING: I’m 5’6″ with a short torso and usually size S/M or 6 in clothes, 8.5 to 9 in shoes.
White Jeans + Top + Denim Jacket + Statement Necklace + Nude or Tan Shoes
This is my go-to outfit formula for dressy casual daytime events like lunch out with friends or a casual baby shower. White jeans make outfits super crisp and fresh for spring, and pairing them with a top in a fun color brings it all to life. I’m wearing a knotted tee in pinkish lavender here. SUCH a pretty color that’s everywhere this season!
This tee is a step up from a regular t-shirt but just as comfy. The knot is built in. It runs on the short side, so it’s better if you have a short torso or plan to wear it with high waisted jeans. This would also look cute for a casual outfit with jeans and a utility jacket! Comes in lavender, white, and black HERE. I wear size S.
This denim jacket, BTW, is SO comfortable! It’s stretchy and reallyyyy lightweight, and it’s great for all day wear. It’s pricier compared to others but so worth it as it’s the most comfortable denim jacket I’ve worn. The one downside is there are no pockets, but I’m willing to overlook that for how comfortable it is. The exact color I’m wearing is HERE though only available in petites currently, so wait for it to get restocked. (Nordstrom’s carried this jacket for years so I’m hopeful it’ll get restocked in regular sizing.) A medium wash version of this exact jacket is available HERE. It’s pretty fitted and runs small. Some say the arms are a little tight. I’m wearing size M.
You can do this combo with a tee like I did here, or dress it up a little more with a blouse. Any color works, but for this spring, I’m looooving all the lavender, green, and yellow! I’ve rounded up some tops in the widget below. Swipe through to shop them all. And BTW, they all come in TONS of colors!
Shop the Outfit
Top: Nordstrom (exact-size S)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact–size M, exact-slightly darker wash)
Jeans: Nordstrom (similar)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Printed or Colored Skirt + Simple Tee + Denim Jacket + Wedges
This is another dressy casual combo I LOVE. It’s so, so easy! Dress up a simple t-shirt with a skirt that’s a little fancy, like a printed one or one with pleats in a fun color like this one. Finish it off with a denim jacket and wedges. The skirt and wedges are a little dressier, but the tee and denim jacket keep it casual.
I do this combo most often with a striped tee or white tee. This white tee drapes well, has a really flattering scoop v-neck, and a heather texture that makes it not as see-through when wearing a nude bra. Comes in a million colors HERE. Wearing size S.
Last, definitely gotta mention these wedges! A nude wedge is one of my spring shoe staples! This pair has a fairly low heel plus a platform, so they’re easy to walk in and don’t feel that high! The strap around the toe is soft and flexible. They come in TONS of colors! I got this nude pair called Tavertine and the yellow ones which you can see in THIS post from last week. Check out all the colors HERE! I wear size 9.
Shop the Outfit
Top: Nordstrom (exact-size S)
Jacket: Nordstrom (exact–size M, exact, exact-slightly darker wash)
Skirt: Nordstrom (exact– size S)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
Bag: Nordstrom (exact)
Lace Top + Jeans + Heels
This is my go-to combo during the evening or anytime I’m nervous about wearing jeans. 😀 I love to “toughen” up lace with metal accessories and a moto jacket! For shoes, add your own twist. I went with leopard print pumps, but a colorful shoe would add a fun pop.
If you’ve been following PMT for a while you know lace tops are staples in my closet! If the ones I’ve shown in the past have been too short for you, this one might be better at 24.5″ in length. The lace is on the front and the back, and while it doesn’t have lining, wearing a camisole underneath does the trick. Great go-to piece for all dressy casual occasions! Find this top in black, pink, navy, and red HERE. Wearing size S.
Shop the Outfit
Top: Nordstrom (exact-size S)
Jeans: Nordstrom (exact– size 4)
Shoes: Nordstrom (similar)
With these three outfit formulas in mind, you should always have an option for those dressy casual events! Will you be wearing one of these soon?
Nordstrom’s Spring Sale!
BTW, Nordstrom’s Spring Sale started today! Get up to 50% off on cute spring items that you can also carry into summer! Below are some of my favorites:
