Your Guide to Relaxed Style
The Relaxed Style has an essence that is at ease whether you’re in sunny California, the busy streets of New York City, or anywhere in between. And that is exactly its allure: a perception of cool and calm no matter where you are. The Relaxed Style is casual yet effortlessly put-together, prioritizing comfort for the modern woman who is always on the go.
While she is famous for portraying the Alluring Rachel Green on Friends and the Urban Chic Alex Levy on The Morning Show, Jennifer Aniston inadvertently became the poster girl for Relaxed Style and in her personal life has never swayed from her laidback, no frills roots. While Aniston exudes femininity through her Relaxed Style, Halle Berry uses the same Relaxed Style as a vehicle to showcase her more adventurous spirit. There is no one “Relaxed Woman” - this archetype isthe perfect backdrop for every woman’s unique personality to come through.
Relaxed Style is commonly misunderstood as having a very laid back approach to fashion - almost an “anti-fashion” archetype - but in reality it is a curated image of effortlessness. The key word is curated - what appears to be thrown together, is actually thoughtfully styled - and there is no better way to do it than with the Indyx app. A tee shirt and jeans outfit is casual, but when we add a polished belt, an oversized watch and some clean white sneakers, the look has been upgraded to Relaxed. The Style’s secret lies in its accessories and the appearance of its items, which is why you should think of your wardrobe pieces as investments whose quality will not degrade over just a few wears.
All of the style archetypes seek to present a certain image - a statement of shared identity - and the Relaxed Style is no exception. And so, if you’re seeking more clarity on which archetype (or mix of archetypes!) fits you the best, it can be helpful as one input to consider how you aspire to be perceived. The Relaxed Style may be a good fit for you if you would like to be perceived as:
Practical. You prioritize feeling comfortable and consequently always look the part. You do everything with purpose, always focusing on effectiveness.
Effortless. Whether you’re giving a pitch at work or organizing a school bake sale, you ace the test without even studying for it (or at least that’s what you tell people).
Calm. You have a million things to cross off your to do list but nonetheless you appear relaxed and unbothered. You’re the personification of a meditative ‘Om’.
Not sure about how to describe your style? We can help with that! Our in-app Style Quiz can help you take the first step towards defining your three style words. Download for free for on iOS and Android.
Relaxed Capsule Wardrobe
The Relaxed capsule wardrobe consists of simple items in neutral and muted colors that give its down to earth appearance. However, this Archetype also mixes in prints, particularly plaid and stripes. The style counts on a mix of loose and perfect fit items, but the key is balancing both within one look. One quick styling tip: If the bottom half has a looser fit, opt for a tighter upper half fit and vice versa. Fabric is essential to achieve the comfort the Relaxed Style evolved for, but as with fit, it’s all about balance - mix soft fabrics like cotton with sturdier denim pieces.
We find that presenting a capsule wardrobe can be helpful to bring our style archetypes to life and to give you inspiration on how to confidently mix-and-match basic pieces that you may already own in new ways. But, as always, we want to emphasize that there is no one ‘perfect’ capsule wardrobe for everyone. Style is intensely personal, and what is ‘essential’ for one person is completely unimportant for another. You shouldn’t feel the need to rush out and buy all of these items like you’re ticking off a shopping list - that is the opposite of what Indyx is about! Rather, our hope is that this capsule wardrobe list is simply an illuminating tool on your own journey to build a practical, versatile wardrobe that feels uniquely yours.
Learn more about how to create a personalized capsule wardrobe that actually fits your needs..
Without further ado, here are the 16 items that compose our Relaxed capsule wardrobe:
1. Plaid button up shirt
While the plaid button up has also been adopted by grunge and country aesthetics, it owes its timeless appeal to its versatility. Wear it buttoned up by itself or unbuttoned over a tank or tee all year long.
2. Colored cotton tee shirts
You can never go wrong with a white tee shirt, or a black one, or a gray one, or a dark green one. Cotton tees are comfortable and versatile, but the key here is to find one that has a perfect pulled-together fit for you. If you can, we recommend opting for a shirt that is GOTS certified organic cotton to lessen its environmental impact.
3. White tank top
A white tank top is infinitely versatile, it can be paired with skirts, shorts, jeans and even under dresses. Its functionality and comfort have made it a Relaxed summer staple, even further cemented by the recent re-release of the Prada tank.
4. Denim jacket
A quality denim jacket has never gone out of style. Denim is naturally one of the sturdiest fabrics available, and seemingly shapeshifts to match almost any outfit.
5. Knit cardigan
When building a Relaxed wardrobe, you can never go wrong with knits. The soft and cozy look (and more importantly feel!) of a knit cardigan is a no-brainer choice with jeans and a chunky scarf. A cardigan in particular has some versatility:it can be styled traditionally as an open third layer over a tee or tank, or buttoned up on its own for something a little more sensual.
6. Long unstructured coat
Practicality is key - the long unstructured coat is the ideal outerwear to brave different types of weather. Its length also helps elevate any casual leaning outfit to a more styled look, so consider investing in a gorgeous Brunello Cucinelli version for life.
7. Striped crewneck
A striped crewneck in a striped print is versatile, comfortable, and classically stylish. We particularly love it in the summer with shorts, wedges and wayfarer sunglasses for a nautical-inspired look.
8. Fitted chinos
The 9-to-5 of pants, fitted chinos can take you from the workplace, paired with a crewneck sweater, to after work drinks, paired with a white tank top. While beige chinos are a classic, navy blue or muted pink chinos are equally as versatile but add a little more personality.
9. Denim jeans
While jeans have a reputation for being constraining, there is a pair of functional jeans for every body shape. Straight and wide-leg silhouettes are currently on trend, but the most important thing is finding a fit that works best for you.
10. Denim shorts
For the summer months - that only seem to get warmer - opt for denim shorts. They are ideal for a day at the beach, running errands or tending the garden. And if Daisy Dukes are not your thing, you’ll be happy to know that jorts, i.e. longer shorts, have made a comeback. Trust me all the cool kids are wearing them, even Bella Hadid.
11. T-shirt dress
The t-shirt dress is the perfect sporty look for your off-duty day-to-day, whether you’re relaxing by the lake or going grocery shopping. You can also layer it with a denim jacket and put on wedge sandals for dinner with friends.
12. Sneakers
Sneakers can truly go with everything, which is great news for anyone prioritizing comfort. And with new advances in technology, you no longer need to choose between high comfort and good design: there are now a wide variety of stylish pairs all vying for the title of ‘the world’s most comfortable sneakers’.
13. Wedge sandals
If you choose to wear heels, wedges are undoubtedly your most stable and comfortable option. They’re laid back enough to be worn with jeans to the grocery store and elevated enough to pair with a dress for dinner.
14. Wayfarer sunglasses
Sunglasses are a year-round accessory, and the wayfarer design is another classic that has never gone out of style. You’ll look just as cool as Tom Cruise dancing in his underwear in Risky Business.
15. Chunky scarf
Relaxed Style is all about comfort, in the winter months that means keeping warm with a chunky scarf. The accessory epitomizes the phrase “I just threw this on” which is exactly what we are going for with the Relaxed Style.
16. Crossbody bag
The crossbody bag has become a wardrobe staple because it is super cool, yet hassle free. Choose a neutral tone so you can wear it with everything, or this is a great opportunity to add in a smaller pop of color to your outfit.
Relaxed Outfit Formulas
There are many possible outfits to pull together with the capsule Relaxed wardrobe - and even more if you take advantageof our Indyx styling services! - but to give you some inspiration, here are two outfit formulas: one for Spring/Summer andanother for Fall/Winter.
Fall/Winter
Sneakers + Jeans + Striped crewneck + Chunky scarf + Crossbody bag
The main consideration for the Relaxed Style during the colder months, is well, the cold. Cozy up with a chunky scarf and a striped crewneck, the print will bring structure to your outfit while keeping you warm.
Spring/Summer
Wedges + Denim shorts + Plaid Button up shirt + Tank Top + Wayfarer sunglasses
On the other hand, in the summer months, the top priority is beating the heat. You can never go wrong with a white tank top and denim shorts. A Plaid button up, wayfarer sunglasses and wedges make for the ideal accessories to create the Relaxed aesthetic.
Relaxed Style Inspiration
Creators to follow
Steph Lam, Matilda Djerf, Amaka Hamelijnck, Kate Ogata, Stephanie Nguyen, Ashley Kane Harper, Sally Hyunji Kim and Zaynaro
Celebrity muses
Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry, Jennifer Garner and Joanna Gaines
Brands to shop
$$$: Fabiana Filippi, Brunello Cucinelli
$$: Alex Mill, Eileen Fisher, Rails $: Levi’s, Gap, Djerf Avenue
Want help developing your Relaxed style?
Check out our affordable digital styling services to get 1:1 help from a real personal stylist, all starting at just $15.
Rebecca is a fashion stylist and writer, recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, and currently living in London. She enjoys reading, skiing and having people cook for her.
