Tips for Choosing the Perfect Casual Dress | A Friendly Guide to Casual Style
Ever stood in front of your wardrobe thinking, “I have nothing to wear”?
You’re not alone, especially when it comes to casual dressing that still looks stylish and put together. Be it a brunch with friends, a work-from-home day, or a casual dinner date, picking the right casual dress can be surprisingly tricky.
Here’s your ultimate guide to casual dresses, with simple dos and don’ts, helpful tips, and everything you need to know about smart casual style, with a whole lot of fashion love.
So, let’s break it down together.
What is Casual Dress Attire?
Let’s start with the basics: what actually is a casual dress, anyway?
In simple terms, it’s all about outfits that are relaxed but still look stylish. It’s the perfect middle ground. Less formal than office wear but more elevated than your loungewear. Think casual dress wear that feels comfy but still gets compliments.
A cute sundress, a flowy midi dress, or a flattering wrap dress can all count as part of your trendy casual wear wardrobe. You don’t need sequins or stilettos. Just effortless, easygoing chic.
If you’re building a wardrobe that works for real life, casual dresses are your best friend. Here’s why:
- They’re easy to style. Just throw one on and go.
- They suit every body type and age.
- They’re perfect for casual summer dresses when the heat hits.
- One dress = one outfit (no need to match tops and bottoms).
- They transition from day to night with a quick shoe or accessory swap. Wow!
Dos: 9 Tips for Choosing the Right Casual Dress
Now that we know what casual dressing really means, let’s talk about how to pick a casual dress that suits your style, body shape, and the occasion.
The key is to feel confident, comfortable, and look effortlessly stylish.
Here are some important tips to help you make the right choice.
1. Always Match Your Dress to the Occasion
Before picking a dress, think about where you’ll be wearing it. Casual dresses can be styled for many different events, but not every dress fits every moment. A garden party has a different vibe than a trip to the supermarket, and your outfit should reflect that.
Here’s a simple guide to help you:
Occasion | Dress Suggestions |
Garden Party | Light, flowy dresses like wrap or midi styles with floral prints |
Brunch with Friends | Simple cotton dresses, A-line styles, or shirt dresses with soft prints |
Running Errands | Comfortable t-shirt dresses or tunic dresses with sneakers or slip-ons |
Weekend Market Visit | Easy-going midi dresses made of linen or cotton, paired with flats or sandals |
At Les Trois, the “Christina Green Floral Maxi Dress” is perfect for a garden picnic or outdoor lunch. It’s comfy, stylish, and the nature-inspired print makes it feel fresh and playful.
Explore more about > How to Dress for Every Occasion
2. Pick a Style That Flatters Your Body Shape
Dresses come in many different shapes and styles. Like A-line, wrap, shirt, maxi, or body-skimming cuts. But not every style suits everybody — and that’s okay! The trick is to find a silhouette that highlights your best features and feels good to wear.
- If you’re petite (small), pick shorter dresses (above the knee) or wrap styles. They can help you look taller.
- If you prefer a relaxed fit, try a shift or shirt dress. They’re loose and perfect for all-day wear.
- If you want something elegant but easy, a wrap dress gives a flattering shape. It works for most body types.
Try the “Rossane Silk Dress.” It has a lovely drape, a cute print, and the relaxed shape flatters most figures. Great for brunches or casual meetups.
Need a bit more shape? Go for this fit-and-flare favourite at Les Trois. The Sheana Dress – Green Heart Print cinches at the waist and flares out in the skirt — perfect for highlighting your curves while staying casual and chic.
3. Choose a Length That Feels Right for You
Casual dresses come in different lengths – mini, midi, and maxi. And each one has its moment. Picking the right length is about comfort, the weather, and what you’re doing that day.
- Mini dresses (above the knee) are great for warm days and playful outings.
- Midi dresses (mid-calf) offer a good balance. Not too short, not too long. Work well for day trips or lunch dates.
- Maxi dresses (below knee / ankle length) are flowy, feminine, and great for evening walks, relaxed dinners, or beachside strolls.
They these chic and comfy mini & maxi dresses at Les Trois:
They are perfect if you want a dress that flows beautifully and gives you an elegant yet laid-back look for the evening or a day out.
4. Pick the Right Fabric for the Season
The fabric of your dress makes a big difference, not just for style, but for comfort too. If you choose the wrong fabric for the weather, you’ll either be too hot, too cold, or just uncomfortable.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Summer: Light fabrics like cotton, linen, or jersey keep you cool. They’re breathable, soft, and ideal for hot days.
- Spring or Fall: Go for denim, light wool blends, or rayon. These give you a bit more warmth without feeling heavy.
- Winter: Thicker materials like knit, velvet, or heavier cotton will keep you cozy. Pair them with boots and a coat for that winter casual look.
The “Sam Linen Casual Dress – White” is a great choice for warmer days. It’s breathable, simple, and looks effortlessly chic with white flats.
Pro Tip: Fall is here, and winter’s just around the corner. Why not pair a stylish trench coat with any of our chic casual dresses to stay warm & stylish? Check out these 5 trendy trench coat outfit ideas to try this fall.
5. Don’t Ignore Colours and Patterns
The colour and print of a dress can change the whole vibe. So, when you’re picking a casual dress, think about what kind of mood you want to create.
- Neutral tones like beige, white, black, or grey are timeless and easy to match with anything.
- Solid colours like olive green, navy, mustard, or coral add a pop of colour while still looking clean.
- Prints such as florals, stripes, and polka dots add fun and flair. They’re perfect if you want something more playful and eye-catching.
Just make sure to keep accessories simple when wearing bold prints. You shouldn’t overpower the outfit.
The “Ellen Dress – Blue and White Porcelain Print” at Les Trois is a standout choice for this style. It has personality thanks to its print and still feels relaxed and wearable for casual outings.
6. Choose a Dress You Can Wear from Day to Night
Your dress should be as flexible as your plans. Whether you’re heading from the market to dinner or coffee to cocktails, a good casual dress should easily transition with just a few tweaks. Look for styles that are neutral, bright, polished, and easy to dress up or down.
For example, at Les Trois, the Emma Puff Sleeve Dress – Green is light and floaty for daytime, but can instantly turn into a classy evening look with heels, bold earrings, and a swipe of lipstick.
7. Accessorise Like a Pro
Once you’ve got the dress, it’s time to style it.
Accessories are the easiest way to change up your look without buying a whole new outfit. The trick is to keep it balanced. Not too much, but just enough to feel put-together.
Here’s a helpful table to guide your casual dress styling:
Accessory | How to Style It | Dress Options at Les Trois |
Footwear | For a casual day, go with white sneakers, espadrilles, or comfy flats. Ankle boots or strappy sandals can further uplift the whole look. | Lee Linen Dress – Black looks fab with strappy sandals. |
Jewellery | Simple studs or a dainty necklace are great for a soft finish. Add a layered chain or a bold bracelet to spice it up. | Try with the Emily Dress – Turquoise Spring Flower for an elegant touch. |
Bags | Totes and crossbody bags are perfect for everyday wear. For dinner dates or evening plans, swap to a mini shoulder bag or a sleek clutch. | Emma Puff Sleeve Dress – Cream pairs beautifully with a tan crossbody or a mini clutch. |
8. Always Dress for Comfort
Let’s be honest. If you’re not comfortable, you’re not going to enjoy your day. Casual dresses should feel as good as they look. That means choosing fabrics that breathe, cuts that don’t cling (unless you want them to), and styles that allow you to move freely.
We recommend the Caterina Cotton Hollow Fabric Dress – White for those long summer days. It’s light, breathable, and the cotton fabric keeps you feeling fresh even when it’s warm outside. Its relaxed fit ensures that you’re not restricted. Plus, the hollow fabric design adds a bit of texture and interest to your look.
9. Build a Capsule Wardrobe with Your Casual Dresses
Want to make getting dressed in the morning easier?
Focus on building a capsule wardrobe with a few key casual dress pieces. Stick with neutral tones for everyday wear. Add a couple of statement pieces more like party wears for the days when you want to stand out. With the right selection, you’ll always have something chic to wear, no matter what the day holds.
A great starter for your capsule wardrobe could be a timeless dress like the Sarah Wrinkle Cotton Dip Dye Dress. It’s versatile, can be dressed up or down, transitions from day to night, shifts from casual to party wear effortlessly.
Don’ts: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wearing too tight or too loose dress – ruins the vibe.
- Going for heavy stiff fabrics
- Overdoing the makeup or heels. It’s casual, remember?
- Choosing super-tight or overly flashy dresses
- Forget checking if the dress works for the occasion
- Sacrificing comfort for style (you can have both!)
Read more about > Women’s Summer Fashion Tips for 2025
Conclusion: Casual, But Make It Stylish
So, how do you pick the perfect casual dress? Focus on comfort, fit, fabric, and versatility. Don’t be afraid to try different casual dressing styles and see what feels best. With the right choices, you’ll never have to stress about what to wear again.
Now, Where to Find the Best Casual Dresses in Australia?
If you’re on the lookout for stunning, comfortable, and fashionable casual wear, Les Trois has you covered. Whether you’re dressing for errands, dates, or lazy Sundays, let your casual dress speak for you—soft, stylish, and totally you.
From soft midi dresses to dreamy casual summer dresses, our pieces are made to fit your life and your style—flawlessly.
Shop Casual Dresses Online from Les Trois
With collections that blend casual dressing with chic cuts and high-quality fabrics, we bring you everyday essentials that still feel special.
