6 ways to master the casual luxe look
Style5 February 2024
A new season typically signals a fresh rotation of pieces to update our wardrobes. This spring, stylist Kingsley Tao shares his fashion-insider tips and must-haves for mastering the most polished trend.
Timeless basics

The essence of a low-key luxury look lies in an arsenal of timeless basics. So, when it comes to the building blocks of your wardrobe, opt for well-designed pieces characterised by minimal embellishments. Kingsley assures that these foundational pieces mean “you don't have to think too much about [styling]." Whether it's a classic white button-down shirt with oversized cuffs, or a spring-ready denim midi skirt with a touch of fringing, these pieces effortlessly assert their place in your collection, offering undeniable casual luxe appeal, longevity and versatility.

Embracing minimalism

Village price

£84

Original Retail Price

£120

HR relaxed jeans
Style tip

Less noise, more impact – make simplicity your style statement with these relaxed jeans from Calvin Klein.

Spring staples for her

Village price

£244

Original Retail Price

£365

Ami Paris

ADC crewneck sweater

Village price

£34

Original Retail Price

£70

Pandora

Moments silver bangle with rose clasp

Village price

£118

Original Retail Price

£169

Polo Ralph Lauren

Klaryce blouse

Spring staples for him

Reiss

Andrews wool cardigan

Village price

£128

Original Retail Price

£190

New Balance

Atheletics t-shirt

Village price

£23

Original Retail Price

£45

Reiss

Blackhaller sweater

Village price

£64

Original Retail Price

£96

Jil Sander Tailored sleeveless jacket  from Bicester Village

Village price

£1,152

Original Retail Price

£1,920

JIL SANDER

Tailored sleeveless jacket
Style tip

“Layer up for looks that are functional and fashionable,” suggests Kingsley. A tailored jacket, such as this one from Jil Sander, proves to be an excellent investment for navigating the seasonal transition with ease.

Relaxed tailoring

In the realm of casual luxury, adopting a less rigid approach to tailoring is paramount. “It doesn't have to be overly fitted,” says Kingsley, favouring suiting with a softer, more draped fit. When done right, it should feel effortless. Think generously cut separates, like loose-fitting trousers with a drawcord waist or an unstructured blazer, to create silhouettes that exude elegance. These pieces offer an easy yet sophisticated approach, to elevate your looks for leisurely moments this spring.

Cut the right silhouette
Suiting and separates for her

Village price

£693

Original Retail Price

£1,155

Vivienne Westwood

Graziano trench coat

Village price

£165

Original Retail Price

£239

BOSS

Women's blouse

Village price

£169

Original Retail Price

£249

Sandro

Stripe trousers

Suiting and separates for him

Calvin Klein Underwear

Two tone dad jeans

Village price

£77

Original Retail Price

£110

Tonal separates

Tonal dressing stands as a cornerstone of casual luxury, according to Kingsley. Elevating a relaxed silhouette, he suggests involves “playing with different pieces of a similar tone.” From classic all-white looks to peachy sets to embracing beige from head to toe – tonal dressing offers a refreshing way to pair your spring favourites. Easy on the eyes, this minimal palette instantly delivers a polished and pulled-together style, earning high praise from Kingsley: “It’s incredibly chic,” he says.

Neutral on neutral

Village price

£164

Original Retail Price

£248

Sandro

Tote bag
Style tip

Embrace tonal dressing without forsaking colour. If you prefer more lively hues in spring, inject reds, oranges and yellows into your wardrobe for a refreshing twist. This piece from Sandro would elevate any yellow ensemble.

Head-to-toe favourites

Village price

£327

Original Retail Price

£545

GANNI

Cotton blazer

Village price

£207

Original Retail Price

£345

GANNI

Cotton cargo trousers

Village price

£410

Original Retail Price

£610

Rupert Sanderson

Bedfa patent flat

Head to toe favourites for him

Paul Smith

2 button jacket

Village price

£500

Original Retail Price

£1,000

Paul Smith

Men's trouser

Village price

£144

Original Retail Price

£360

Hackett London

Weekender bag

Village price

£400

Original Retail Price

£625

Playing with different pieces of a similar tone, but in different layers, is incredibly chic and eye-catching.

Kingsley Tao

Fashion Stylist

Village price

£126

Original Retail Price

£180

Lacoste

Logo knitted jumper
Style tip

Add a new dimension to your spring look with this knitted jumper from Lacoste.

Layering fabrics

Transform your everyday staples by layering sumptuous fabrics – a technique perfect for transitioning into the spring season. Choose from materials such as silk, linen, cashmere or fine cotton to achieve a heightened aesthetic. Whether through the allure of a voluminous chiffon midi skirt for special occasions or the casual elegance of a cashmere polo shirt, these textured pieces will elevate your style to something truly refined.

Rich textures
Texture on texture

Village price

£120

Original Retail Price

£180

Axel Arigato

Catch hoodie

Village price

£460

Original Retail Price

£920

Eleventy

Cashmere and alpaca blend hoodie

Village price

£130

Original Retail Price

£195

Padded waistcoat
High-low approach

Take a cue from the high-low approach, a style philosophy that skilfully blends statement and casual pieces. Consider pairing refined separates, such as a polo shirt and relaxed-fit trousers, with sportier elements such as a varsity-style jacket and retro-inspired sneakers. “I really like this relaxed silhouette,” notes Kingsley, “it almost feels like fashionable pyjamas.” Make it your go-to look this spring – perfect for brunch with friends, a weekend getaway or even the office.

Easy elegance for any occasion
Self Portrait Champagne rhinestone clutch bag from Bicester Village

Village price

£260

Original Retail Price

£400

Self-Portrait

Champagne rhinestone clutch bag
Style tip

Reimagine your wardrobe favourites for year-round wearability. Take your tailored waistcoat from a springtime layer to a casual sleeveless summer statement, breathing new life into this classic piece.

High-low staples for her

Village price

£368

Original Retail Price

£565

Monogram slip dress

Village price

£175

Original Retail Price

£290

Axel Arigato

Marathon R-trial sneakers

High-low staples for him

Marni

Sesame coat

Village price

£1,075

Original Retail Price

£1,795

Michael Kors

Cooper tote

Village price

£279

Original Retail Price

£420

Village price

£364

Original Retail Price

£529

Golden Goose

Superstar sneakers
Style tip

Make your move with this season’s most polished pairs. Loafers take a bold stride forward, while sneakers embrace a touch of nostalgia. Our must-have pair? This stylish sneaker from Golden Goose.

Elevated extras

For your accessories, set aside maximalist pieces and lean towards timeless options to refine and perfect your look. This season's minimalist bags, ranging from neat cross-bodies to hobo-style shoulder bags and oversized totes, emphasise quality and design – speaking to the sophisticated simplicity that defines the casual luxe trend. It’s anything but predictable: try catwalk-inspired colourways – “consider porcelain white or cherry red,” Kingsley suggests – to elevate your look for spring.

This season's 'it' bag
Accessories to invest in

Village price

£558

Original Retail Price

£1,550

Maison Margiela

SAC classic mini

Village price

£590

Original Retail Price

£980

Marni

Museo bag

Village price

£130

Original Retail Price

£195

Marc Jacobs

Small tote bag

Spotted in the boutiques

From exclusive pieces to must-have new arrivals, browse the latest drops from your favourite boutiques ahead of your next visit.

Shopper strolling through Bicester Village with guest hands-free shopping service, surrounded by greenery and boutique storefronts on a sunny day.

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