How to Coordinate Casual Clothing

As you stand in front of your closet, you aren't sure how to coordinate the casual clothes that are spilling out the door. It can be especially hard to coordinate your clothing when the casual stuff is mixed with the clothes you wear to work. Once you fill up your closet with the staples of a casual wardrobe and have several colors of each important item, it becomes much easier to coordinate an outfit.

Analyzing Your Existing Wardrobe

Go through the clothing you already own. Separate your casual clothing with work or dressy clothes so it's easier to find what you're looking for. Lay everything so you can see exactly what you own.

Write down any important casual items that you don't already own. For instance, a tank top and cardigan set is a must have for cooler days. Buying two of each will help you mix up the colors so you aren't matching too much. Make sure you have boot-cut, dark wash jeans, plain t-shirts in various colors, a comfortable t-shirt dress and various lengths of shorts. Skirts and collared shirts are also a must if you want to have variety.

Adding Missing Components

Purchase missing items from your list of essentials. When picking out colors, reserve colorful prints for your tops. Leave pants, skirts and shorts in neutral colors like brown, black or khaki. If you want a skirt in a graphic print, choose prints in neutral tones like black and white or tan and white.

Building Casual Outfits

Build outfits based on the neutral components first. Pick khaki shorts first, then find a casual top that goes well with this item. Since the basis of your wardrobe is neutral, you won't need to worry about coordinating colors with the vibrant tops.

Pair solid colors with complicated prints. If your skirt has a black and white print, choose a vibrant top in a solid color such as wine, navy or yellow. Only wear tops with complicated prints if your pants or skirts are of a solid color.

Wear accessories that complement the color and design of the casual outfit you chose. Choose a chunky gold bracelet for a soft navy shirt since yellow is blue's complementary color. Since you're going casual, only choose one piece of jewelry for your outfit, whether it's a bracelet, a thin necklace, or a jaunty set of colorful earrings.