What attributes define today's casual look for men?

It might seem simple to say 'masculine casual look,' but understanding its origin and the defining traits in 2023 provides a clearer picture.

For many, the masculine casual look is now considered the new frontier of contemporary elegance. However, there is only one definition that can encapsulate these two contrasting concepts: 'casual chic.' This emerges from the gentleman's wardrobe that chose to introduce informal elements into everyday wear. What elevates this style are not just a sweatshirt or a pair of sneakers, but rather the attitude—the way certain pieces are combined, accessories are worn, or colors are chosen.

The birth of the masculine casual look

This style's genesis lies within the English aristocracy of the 1800s when men began distinctly separating their everyday wardrobe from leisure attire, such as for hunting or polo. Trousers became wider and more practical in fabric, while outerwear was borrowed from military uniforms designed to withstand cold weather. However, a significant evolution occurred with the young elites attending colleges, marking the introduction of the first everyday-accepted masculine casual look into society.

One could argue that it all started with the preppy aesthetic. Soft cardigans and less structured jackets paired with trousers, loafers, or derby shoes (considered casual at the time, now regarded as classic pieces). Added to this was the use of college-identified colors, sharply contrasting the bourgeois and aristocratic world of the 1800s, which predominantly embraced black, blue, and gray tones (London fog). In the 1900s, denim, sneakers (for sporty students), and eventually bombers were introduced, defining the quintessential masculine casual look of that era.

Defining traits of today's masculine casual look

Let's start with a concept: there's no longer a single casual aesthetic. This is because the trends of the 2000s have reshuffled styles and aesthetics, defining highly personalized outfits aligned with individual habits. Thus, one doesn't have to dress preppy to be casual. Instead, distancing oneself from a potential uniform is the recipe for subverting norms and self-expression. What used to be considered casual, like wearing loafers with a suit, may not hold that connotation today. Being casual means breaking norms while maintaining one's charm. It's the trends that define the contemporary casual wear, where rules or current trends are disrupted.

For instance, a relaxed pink suit is casual, as is a well-ironed shirt worn untucked or a pair of suede sneakers. Even sporty elements define this style, such as a short puffer jacket or a hiking fleece. A tracksuit is street if it's branded, but it's casual if it's a plain neutral color. Lastly, the color choice cannot be arbitrary; it must consider the year's trends: a blue pullover is classy, a mustard one is vintage, a burgundy one is casual. Each choice contributes to defining the masculine casual look, from Monday to Sunday. It's all about attitude.