Everyday elegance

Pairing the luxury with the casual is a firm favourite in the styling stakes. It’s considered, without being try hard. From Dior’s ballgown and trainers to Saint Laurent throwing a leather jacket over a sequinned party dress, or the hoodie worn beneath a tailored jacket at Vetements – fashion is obsessed with looking effortless.

And now, after a year of dodging our wardrobes, we’re relying on this luxe-casual style to blur the lines between our loungewear favourites and the new season heroes we’re dreaming of. These are our favourite pairings…

While we’re more than ready to finally socialise outside a little more, that doesn’t mean we’re prepared for actual trousers. Dress up your jogging bottoms with a butter-soft cashmere jumper and a tailored coat in classic navy or beige.

The secret to pulling this off stylishly is in the fabric. Choose similar materials to keep the outfit cohesive. Don’t forget accessories either. Trainers automatically add a casual spin, while a beanie hat could relax a more sophisticated jumper.

Hit the style sweet spot when it comes to high-low style by remembering the ratio rule: two ‘high’ pieces to one ‘low’ will keep your outfit looking elevated.

The easiest everyday interpretation of this is pairing traditional tailoring (your ‘high’) with casual denim. Try loose-fitting, boyfriend-style jeans with two more formal pieces – think heels and a blazer or a collared shirt and structured jacket.

Once you’ve identified the proportion of high to low in your wardrobe, it’s time to style your outfit. Choose the smarter elements of your look first, and work out how to dress them down, rather than the other way around.

With spring and summer on the horizon, we’re leaning towards free-flowing, ankle-grazing dresses and skirts. Avoid looking too formal by pairing them with box-fresh trainers or tougher biker boots for your next alfresco social in the park.