Summery Comfortable Casual

Nice: 

We want to be comfortable and we are most comfortable when we dress casually. The question is, what clothing does it take to bring this about in our fashion sense? "Comfortable casual" is too wide a topic to tell you what it is or what it is not. This category is definitely in the eyes of the beholder.

Even comfortable casual changes with where you are and what you are doing. Comfortable casual at a seaside restaurant in France may be different than one in Clear Lake, Manitoba, and different than one on a cruise ship. Yes, what we wear is always "event" or "place" inspired. Appropriateness is important whether at work or at play.

The ultimate in comfortable casual is something that is trans-cultural and can be worn anywhere. The linen pants and top you see in this photo were purchased on a student tour of Italy many many years ago. When I saw it in a shop window in Sorrento, I envisioned myself sitting on a yacht (I've never been on one and it's unlikely I ever will be) sipping a glass of rosé wine. The yacht location has not yet materialized but I've sipped a fair number of glasses of rosé in that linen outfit over the past 20 years. It is one of the most cost-effective outfits I have ever owned since I am still wearing it. It is also one of the most comfortable outfits I have ever owned — pajama-like in feel and cool to wear on the hottest most humid days of the summer. This one definitely has the ability to be worn at a seaside restaurant in France, at an ice-cream parlour in Clear Lake, Manitoba, or in a dining room on a cruise ship.

Noteworthy: 

Accessories can be used to adapt the same outfit to many different situations and locations. Plain as in the first photo makes it beachwear after a swim. Add a statement necklace to take it into an outdoor evening party. Put on a sunhat and there you are on that yacht (if not in real life, in your dreams). 

Necessary:

The one item that is necessary in my life is my favourite everyday casual shirt for the summer — a cotton, white and blue stripe, that can be worn alone, or over a t-shirt or as a bathing suit cover-up. I wear it with shorts, jeans or wide-leg linen pants. 

Also needed a few short-sleeve white t-shirts along with the shirt.

Another Necessary:

Timeless white pants or capris. Jackie Kennedy wore them in the 1960s and we're still wearing them. Everyone needs a great pair of white summer pants. Whether you choose wide-leg or narrow leg, regular pant length, ankle length, capris or walking shorts, it only matters that you are comfortable. Make sure they are a natural fabric such as linen or cotton and you are good to go.

Need:

What are your most adaptable, wear everywhere and feel comfortable outfits? 

And what do you need to complete your summery comfortable casual wardrobe?