The Ultimate Guide: How to Make a Dress Look More Casual or More Formal (UK & USA)

Author: Tellar Styling Team

Date: July 2025

Disclaimer: This post is honest, unbiased, and always free. No sponsorships or paid placements.

Whether you're getting the most out of your wardrobe or shopping more sustainably, knowing how to dress an outfit up or down is a styling superpower. A single dress can take you from the school run to a wedding reception, a beach walk to a business lunch—if styled correctly.

This guide breaks down how to make any dress look more casual or more formal using professional techniques used by stylists at Tellar.co.uk. From high street to designer brands, we cover it all.

How to Make a Dress Look More Casual

1. Add Everyday Layers

One of the simplest ways to tone down a dress is to pair it with a casual layer:

• Denim jackets instantly neutralise anything too polished.

• Chunky cardigans or slouchy knits break the silhouette and relax formal lines.

• Oversized shackets or utility jackets work well for bodycon, satin, or midi styles.

Style tip: Stick to light-wash denim, oversized fits, or tactile textures like boucle or fleece for a laid-back finish.

2. Swap Shoes for Flats or Trainers

Shoes change everything.

• White trainers, dad sneakers, or plimsolls work with almost every dress silhouette.

• Leather sandals or espadrilles soften evening or fitted styles.

• Avoid heels and pointed flats unless you're blending smart-casual intentionally.

Explore more casual shoe pairings in our Jeans for Petite Women post—many of the same flats and trainers suit dresses too.

3. Use Textured Accessories

Casual bags, belts and hats immediately make a dress feel more day-ready:

• Try canvas totes, straw bags, rattan crossbodies, or woven leather for summer.

• Use chunky belts or braided styles instead of skinny polished belts.

• Add baseball caps, bucket hats, or beanies to de-glam.

4. Layer Over T-Shirts or Long-Sleeves

This 90s trick works best with strappy dresses:

• A plain white tee under a slip dress makes it instantly wearable for daytime.

• A striped or ribbed long-sleeve under a midi adds contrast and structure.

Tip: Keep the base layer snug to avoid bulk.

5. Opt for Minimal Makeup and Loose Hair

Your beauty look also contributes:

• Think fresh skin, minimal eye makeup, and air-dried or tied-back hair.

• The looser and more undone the finish, the more relaxed the overall outfit feels.

How to Make a Dress Look More Formal

1. Tailor the Fit

Structured = formal.

• Ensure the bust, waist and hip areas fit correctly, or have them tailored.

• Cinch with a slim belt, or pin back any excess with hidden tailoring tape or clips.

• High-end fabric finishes like crepe, satin or structured cotton instantly elevate.

Tip: Use Tellar.co.uk to get your precise sizing for 1,500+ brands using your bust, waist and hip measurements.

2. Add Smart Blazers or Coats

A sharp layer instantly shifts the tone.

• Cropped blazers with A-line or midi dresses create hourglass structure.

• Longline blazers with bodycon or wrap dresses give a sleek finish.

• Classic trench coats or tailored wool coats also signal smart intent.

Explore brands with great formal outerwear in The Smart Casual Blazer Guide.

3. Elevate with Heels or Statement Flats

The right shoes formalise the whole look:

• Court shoes, mules or block heels for elegance and comfort.

• Heeled boots or sock boots for structured silhouettes.

• Pointed or metallic flats as a polished alternative.

Brands like Reiss, Everlane, and Whistles offer perfect options for transitional styling.

4. Go Luxe on Accessories

Subtle but premium touches:

• Swap a tote for a small leather shoulder bag or clutch.

• Add jewellery (gold, pearl, or sculptural silver).

• Try an elegant watch, silk scarf or narrow belt.

5. Hair and Makeup Finish the Look

A polished hairstyle and refined makeup elevate even simple dresses:

• Opt for a blow dry, sleek bun, or defined waves.

• Keep skin radiant and defined with matte lips or a classic eye.

Best Dresses to Style Up or Down

Some dresses are more versatile than others. These styles work best for both directions:

For help choosing the right dress for your shape, explore:

📌 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

📌 Finding Your Clothes Size: The Ultimate Guide

Why Fit Matters More Than Style

Most styling success comes down to proportion and fit—not the price tag or label. That's where Tellar.co.uk helps you win.

Tellar.co.uk: Your Body Matched to 1,500+ Brands Instantly

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading free sizing tool that eliminates guesswork. Using your body measurements—bust, waist, and hips—or a known brand size, it calculates your perfect fit in over 1,500 brands, from COS and Reiss to Arket and Everlane.

How It Works

1. Create your free Tellar profile

2. Use the Store Size Lookup to instantly find your exact size in any brand

3. Get personalised sizing, tailored to your body

4. Download your free measuring tape, or use a brand you already wear as a baseline

It’s always honest, unbiased, and independent—no affiliate pressure, no sales push.

Shop smarter:

• No more size charts.

• No more guessing.

• Fewer returns.

• Better fit from the start.

Explore the Free Tellar Fashion Hub

Once you’ve nailed your sizing, dig into thousands of free posts from professional stylists.

• Honest reviews

• Body shape advice

• Smart fashion decisions

• Best brands to shop for every look, shape, and budget

Explore more free resources:

📍 UK vs USA vs European Sizes

📍 Next Sizing Explained

📍 Jeans for Every Shape

Follow Tellar.co.uk for Daily Styling Insights

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Word

Knowing how to make a dress look more casual or more formal empowers you to wear what you already own, with confidence and creativity. With the right layers, footwear, and finishing touches, any dress can be transformed.

And with Tellar.co.uk, you’re never left guessing on size, shape, or styling again.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.