The Lazy Girl's Guide To Casual Dressing

If you love to dress down anytime you have the chance and happen to own more than a couple pairs of cropped yoga pants for Sunday activities, you're not alone: It's an unwritten rule of the Millennial generation that less formal is better in terms of fashion. Dress codes are changing, and so are the norms of what one can and should wear outside the comfort of their home. Somehow, instead of even wearing a loose pair of jeans and a sweatshirt on a lazy weekend afternoon, we have regressed to tossing on workout gear instead. Granted, the athletic clothing offered today can be quite fashionable, but somehow, a pair of stretchy lycra pants and a old tee just seem too effortless.

However, weekend and off-duty dressing should be easy and relaxed; it is your time to unwind, after all. Believe it or not, there is an incredibly chic middle ground between yoga pants and a three piece suit, and it requires the same amount of effort as throwing on your favorite hoodie and sweats. Fit, fabric, and pattern are the key ingredients when looking for a simple weekend ensemble, because no one on earth will believe you put in an effort for brunch if you're clad in three quarter length pants or anything so skin-tight it highlights your rib cage. Choose slim silhouettes and lightweight fabrics, or select synthetics which mimic the look of more elegant materials. And leave anything that too closely resembles a neon sports bra at home. When you're looking for something fuss-free and cozy to throw on, here are seven styles that are just as comfy as your workout gear--but just a bit more put-together.

1. SLEEK LEGGINGS

Zella Live in Leggings, $52, Nordstrom

Leggings can be accepted casual wear if they are opaque instead of threadbare, and are worn with a slightly oversized blouse or sweater. Wearing a pair of fitted black leggings with a loose white button-down, cashmere pullover, and heeled boots is an ideal ensemble for a chilly Sunday morning. Zella's Live In Leggings are perhaps the most flattering leggings known to womankind thanks to their durability and ultra-formfitting construction. I have a 3-year-old pair which are have yet to show their age.

2. COMFORTABLE JEANS

Current/Elliot's The Straight Leg High-Rise Jeans,

Skinny jeans may be complementary to most figures, but make no mistake: loose-fitting denim tends to be much more appealing in terms of comfort. Get the best of both worlds with a pair of straight-leg, boyfriend-style jeans rolled at the ankle. Pair with low heels or chic flats, a tee and a blazer for a put-together look which doesn't take all that long to put together. Current/Elliott's The Straight Leg High-Rise Jeans are the perfect mix of fitted and relaxed.

3. STYLISH SNEAKERS

Volley Australia High Leap Print Top Sneakers, $45, Shop Bop

Put down your workout sneaks when you're headed out the door Saturday morning; gym shoes have their place, and outside your home or your sports club is not it. Instead, select a pair of luxe sneakers dedicated for walking or chilling when you're looking to kick back. Volley Australia's High Leap Print High Top Sneakers have an eye-catching optical print and comfortable rubber soles to satisfy your fashionable and functional sides.

4. LUXE TEE-SHIRT

Rag & Bone Pocket Tee Jersey T-Shirt, $57, Net-A-Porter

If you love wearing tee-shirts on the weekend (and who doesn't?) try one with a fit flattering to your shape, and a few key details like a deep v-neck or an embroidered breast pocket. Rag & Bone's The Pocket Tee Jersey T-Shirt drapes just right, and looks perfect with jeans or a leather pencil skirt.

5. PERFECTLY WORN-IN BUTTON DOWN

If you picture a well-pressed, perfectly ironed shirt when you hear the term "blouse", perhaps it's time to expand your fashion horizons. Lightly rumpled button down blouses like Frank & Eileen's Barry Plaid Button-Front Blouse are the new solution to perennially crumpled shirts, and the label provides a number of innovative patterns.

6. CASUAL SHIRTDRESS

If you love the idea of dressing to impress without appearing high maintenance, look no further than the humble shirtdress. This easy piece will take you from work to dinner to lounging beachside in the sun, and all that needs to change is your accessories. Vince's Drawstring-Waist Easy Shirtdress offers a clean palette for a few gold bangles, a swipe of your favorite lip stain, and espadrilles.

7. SEMI-FORMAL JOGGING PANTS

Try a pair of luxe sweatpants in lieu of your favorite grey, college-branded workout pair. When matched with a silk tee or printed blouse and flats, your sweatpants are suddenly very, very chic indeed. MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela's Wool Twill Sweatpants offer a flattering cut for those who love the idea of combining luxury and ease.

Images: Zella Live In Leggings, $52, shop.nordstrom.com; Current/Elliott The Straight Leg High-Rise Jeans, $102.60, theoutnet.com; Volley Australia High Leap Print High Top Sneakers, $45, shopbop.com; Rag & Bone The Pocket Tee Jersey T-Shirt, $115, net-a-porter.com; Frank & Eileen Barry Plaid Button-Front Blouse, $198, neimanmarcus.com; Vince Drawstring-Waist Easy Shirtdress, $275, neimanmarcus.com; MM6 by Maison Martin Margiela Wool Twill Sweatpants, $390, lagarconne.com