How To Style Casual Shirts For Formal Occasions?

by Muneeb Khan on May 21, 2024

Casual shirts are more often than not associated with relaxed and informal settings, but with the right kind of styling, they can transition into formal occasions and become much better than an online formal shirt and add a touch of personal versatility to the wardrobe. Whether it is for a business meeting, a semiformal gathering, or a dinner party, knowing the intricacies of styling casual shirts can make the wearer stand out elegantly. In this article, we will take a look at the best ways to style casual shirts for formal events and explore why shirts may be an excellent option for such occasions.

Understanding Casual Shirts

Casual shirts are extremely versatile as they come in various styles, fabrics and offer a wide range of choices for different kinds of occasions. The most popular kind of fabric for casual shirts has to be cotton as it is not only breathable, but also extremely comfortable. Oxford shirts have a slightly heavier fabric and button-down collars, which makes them a classic choice for both casual and formal occasions. Linen shirts are extremely lightweight and have an airy feel, which makes them perfect for daytime or outdoor formal events.

Style Combinations For Different Formal Occasions

Let us explore the different style combinations for a casual shirt:

1. Business Meeting: 

  • Shirt: Light blue casual shirt.
  • Bottoms: Charcoal gray tailored trousers.
  • Footwear: Black leather Oxford shoes.
  • Accessories: Navy silk tie, black leather belt, and a silver wristwatch.
  • Styling Tips: Tuck in the shirt neatly, button it up fully, and layer on a blazer for a professional touch.

2. Cocktail Party: 

  • Shirt: White casual shirt with a subtle microprint.
  • Bottoms: Navy blue tailored chinos.
  • Footwear: Brown leather loafers.
  • Accessories: Patterned silk pocket square, woven leather belt, and a statement watch.
  • Styling Tips: Roll up the sleeves slightly for a relaxed yet sophisticated look. Leave the shirt untucked for a more casual vibe.

 3. Wedding Reception:

  • Shirt: Light pink casual shirt.
  • Bottoms: Beige or light gray dress trousers.
  • Footwear: Tan leather brogues.
  • Accessories: Floral print silk tie, brown leather belt with a matching buckle, and a formal wristwatch.
  • Styling Tips: Tuck in the shirt for a formal appearance. Add a lightweight linen blazer in a complementary color for an extra layer of elegance.

 4. Date Night Dinner:

  • Shirt: Burgundy casual shirt.
  • Bottoms: Dark denim jeans.
  • Footwear: Black leather Chelsea boots.
  • Accessories: Knit tie in a coordinating color, black leather belt, and a sleek leather bracelet.
  • Styling Tips: Keep the shirt untucked for a more casual and stylish look. Roll up the jeans slightly and add a tailored blazer for a touch of refinement.

 5. Outdoor Event (Daytime):

  • Shirt: Light green casual short-sleeve shirt.
  • Bottoms: Beige cotton shorts.
  • Footwear: White canvas sneakers.
  • Accessories: Patterned woven belt, aviator sunglasses, and a casual wristwatch.
  • Styling Tips: Leave the shirt untucked for a laid-back vibe. Roll up the sleeves and the shorts for a relaxed, summer-appropriate look.

Each of these combinations are capable of showing the versatility that a simple casual shirt holds, and it shows how it can be styled for multiple occasions, from casual outings to slightly more formal occasions. Simply adjusting accessories, footwear, and layering, a completely different look can be created, which can be adapted to different seasons and personal preferences. Chester Bernard's collection of casual shirts is capable of offering a blend of style, quality, and grace, which cannot be paralleled by any other casual shirt. Invest in formal shirts from Chester Bernard and elevate your formal outfit with a lot of casual sophistication.