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The Power Casual Report: May, 2023
Seven outfit formulas that take the work out of getting dressed.
This just in: The May edition of the Power Casual Report, also known as your monthly dose of outfit inspiration. Not familiar with the term “Power Casual?” You must be new here—welcome! To sum it up, Power Casual is the clothing equivalent of work-life balance. It’s what you get when you mix elevated styles with casual pieces. It eliminates the need for separate “on-duty” and “off-duty” wardrobes. It’s the way we’re dressing now.
Ready to give it a whirl? Scroll to see seven fresh outfit formulas we put together for the month of May. Test them out now; then, rely on your favorite combinations throughout the coming summer months.
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Shift Dress + Cropped Jacket
Thanks to its relaxed shape, shorter hemline, airy cotton fabric, and—best of all—pockets, the shift-style Maaza dress will be a welcome addition to your warm-weather rotation. It’s appropriate for a wide variety of settings, but we love to sharpen it up for the office with a cropped layer like the Jolie jardigan. This knit jacket hits around your waist, adding definition to your silhouette, and the classic lapels incorporate a dash of formality. Keep the focus on your dress by sticking with neutral accessories like black slides and ivory-and-gold earrings.
Textured Pullover + Sleek Pant
On days when you wish you could slip on a sweatshirt and jeans, you’ll be glad you have this combination in your (Better Than Denim) back pocket. A thoughtfully crafted knit like the Jo sweater is just as cozy as a sweatshirt but looks more sophisticated, while the Hockley jeans have a sleeker appearance (and, let’s be honest, a much higher comfort level) than conventional denim. Bookend your polished, relaxed look with coordinating camel accessories like the statement Yuna earrings and the low-heeled Carter slides.
Twill Set + Knit Underpinning
Lightweight, buttery, and cut with the perfect amount of slouch, our Everyday Twill Hyo jacket and Shane pant combine to create one of the best summer-ready Power Casual suits we’ve ever laid eyes on. To balance out the easy silhouette, we recommend an underpinning that fits closer to the body—preferably in a serotonin-boosting hue. The Liana top is made from our 365Knit, a machine-washable blend that strikes that perfect balance between stretch and structure. We particularly love the Amalfi blue hue, which brightly complements the rich acorn suit. Finish off this fun suiting look with the bejeweled Ivy earrings and white sneakers.
Striped Top + Navy Pant
A nautical palette is like a cheat code for looking chic in the summer. For a Power Casual take on navy and white, go with a striped T-shirt in polished pima cotton and the trouser-like Milo jeans in ink. Each of these elevated essentials channels a degree of nonchalance, and together, they make for a crisp, covered look that you might spot on an afternoon stroll in Paris. If you want to stand apart in a sea of stripes, just add an unexpected pop of color with the turmeric Rowan flats.
Bright Dress + Gingham Jacket
A fiery red dress like the Ashley can certainly stand on its own, but it also likes to mingle with pattern every now and then. Try it with the Dolly jacket, which features a small-scale gingham check that won’t overwhelm your already-bold look. Bonus points: Both gingham linen and Recycled WonderTex are crafted from eco-conscious materials. For your accessories, keep things simple with silver hoops and neutral, solid-colored shoes that tie back to your jacket.
Slouchy Cardigan + Straight-Leg Jean
Power Casual is all about balance, which can come in the form of laid-back silhouettes in luxurious fabrics. For instance, a pima cotton tank combined with a drift knit cardigan, Better Than Denim jeans, and leather sneakers creates an outfit that feels casual but looks incredibly put-together. Brace yourself: This is one of those ultra-easy formulas you’ll probably end up repeating multiple days a week.
Breezy Shirt + Better Than Denim Pant
Summer is an opportunity to lean into a more playful side of your style. No need to go too crazy (unless you want to), but we do endorse trying something new—whatever that means for you. Not usually one for pattern? Try out our new Livingston shirt in rhythm print, which features a beige base and colorful geometric design. Tend to stick to the same straight-leg pant silhouette? Switch it up with the Archie jeans, which have a subtle kick-crop flare. Heeled slingbacks and luminous earrings are all you need to complete this charismatic outfit.
