Keeping It Casual

I thought a Friday would be the perfect day to talk about relaxed clothing—Casual Fridays, ya know? As some of you may know from my work wear post a few months ago, last semester I took an econ class at my school. In order to earn extra credit, you had to dress “professionally” every day, which meant either an appropriate skirt, dress, or pair of slacks (I definitely bent the rules every now and again). That class was only a semester long, so now I’m free to wear whatever I want again, and let me tell you—I never thought I’d miss casual clothing so much.

**As a side note, this post is an Ernest Exposed post, and it’s been a while since I’ve done one of those. Basically, it’s like the game I Spy. In one picture of this post, I placed a small plastic elephant named Ernest—he’s super cute! If you spot him, leave me a comment below letting me know where he is. 🙂 I’ll reveal his location on Monday!**

When my teacher told us about this dress-up extra credit option, I immediately knew I would participate. After all, I basically wore professional dress everyday anyway—I love dressing fancy and wearing put-together outfits, and I hardly ever just throw on a school sweatshirt and tennies.

However, about halfway through the semester, I got sick, and all I wanted to do was throw on my favorite green cargo pants, a sweatshirt, and fuzzy socks. Instead, I had to find some lingering motivation to put together a somewhat “work appropriate” outfit. It was actually pretty tough. And of course there were those Mondays where I just didn’t want to do anything, let alone get dressed… Respect to all those corporate workers out there!

On the first day of the new semester, I wore those green cargo pants for the first time in months (because if we’re being honest, I don’t really get dressed on the weekends). Man, did it feel good! I never thought I would rejoice so much in an old t-shirt and baggy pants. Being over-the-top stylish is fun for me, most of the time, but sometimes I just need a day to feel lazy and 100% comfy.

These pants, for example, have not been worn since last spring. When I put them on on Monday, it was like I went shopping in my own closet. I had totally forgotten about my love for these grey floral pants! Lately at school, I have been embracing the in-between of outfits—casual, but also cuter and more put together than that old oversized t-shirt you usually wear to bed. Who says casual can’t still be moderately stylish??

How ‘bout you—do you prefer dressing up, or dressing down? Do you have to wear a uniform or certain attire to school/work and rejoice in the freedom of a casual outfit? I’d love to know in the comments below! Have an awesome weekend. 🙂 Oh and also, what do y’all think of my weird feather hair cuff?

Miles of smiles,

Grace

Where Worn: I wore this outfit to run errands on Monday and to take my driver’s test.

Light Pink Sweater: JCPenney, $18 // Grey Floral Jeans: JCPenney, $40 // Blush Quilted Sneakers: Steve Madden via DSW, $60 // Aviator Sunglasses: Icing, $16 // Grey Crossbody Purse: Charming Charlie, $16