A Time for Casual Fashion

BY MEGAN SIMONS

What is casual? In so many ways, the coronavirus crisis has transformed our lives and our needs have shifted in many diverse ways. I can say that my values, my emphasis on what is imperative and essential, my appreciation for things that were so obvious prior to the new reality, changed too. Human relations are not the same, we’re closer with families and more careful with strangers. As much as I love a good movie, I’d rather build a vegetable garden, or a colorful kite with my young grandson, than sit in a front of any screen.

Our way of dressing refl ects on all the changes. Casual gained new, broader meaning. But the simple description of casual hides many possibilities. Is your casual smart casual? Business casual? Sportswear casual? Over-washed jeans and old grey T-shirt casual, or maybe bright, neon or colorful fl oral summer dress casual? Let us fi nd the Golden Meaning for our casual attire.

In Western culture, casual means relaxed, comfortable, suitable for everyday use, made from fabrics that are easy to take care of, denims, cottons, jerseys. You can hold onto your taff eta and brocade for greater occasions of the future, but please save your overused shorts and stretched grey T-shirt for your housework or gardening -- the world really does not want to see it. Casual never means indolent or dull -- it is fun, exciting, stylish, and trendy.

In your casual attire you are still sending the message of who you are.

A great way to keep basic casual style current and unique is the beloved t-shirt decorated with striking silver stripes along the sleeves and fun front graphics. You can wear it with matching grey jeans with the same side stripes and crystals enhancing the look. There is no need to sacrifi ce comfort for style, I love to create an edgy and ontrend outfi t by styling adorable sweatpants featuring an eyecatching fi gurine embroidery with a lovely top complemented by a matching theme.

Amazing tops will amp up the impact of any outfit. They can also be conversation pieces as they are wearable art. Dolcezza is the innovative brand using a unique printing process where prints are created from original works of art around the world. Each collection brings the character and individuality of the artist to garments that are unparalleled, like no others.

Slip-and-go dresses fit the image of casual clothing. Effortless styles that will hug your body in a soft manner, that will off er a casual chic on the streets and at home. Front, full length zipper, or slimming side black panels may be just enough for exceptional details, combined with a truly exclusive print.

Today, women have more options than ever select a wardrobe in simplistic laid-back fashion. Dressing casually, and applying casual wear to more and more settings, is as easy as it seems. When you look good, you feel good -- and it can quite literally change your day.

Fashion by Dolcezza/Available at Pippa Pelure

Megan Simons is the owner of Pippa Pelure, a fi ne fashion boutique in downtown St. Petersburg. Contact her at pippapelure@tampabay.rr.com