casual but never basic with American Eagle Outfitters.

Jeans. Shirt. Bralette. Sunglasses. similar sandals. similar bag here and here.

While I love getting dressed up as much as the next person, I’m a total denim girl at heart,  especially as a mom.  Nothing is a wardrobe workhorse like a good pair of jeans, am I right?  While I love my jeans and all I’m able to do in them, (and maybe you other moms can relate) sometimes I feel like I live in casual clothes.  Since I’m mom 24/7 and I work from home (i.e. I don’t have to get dressed up to go into an office) it’s easy for all those casual outfits to start feeling a little boring.

Today, I’m teaming up with American Eagle Outfitters to show you how to put together those casual outfits without being basic, and I’m even including some tips that will take you into fall.

1.Try distressed denim.  I know that your grandmother will probably never understand the virtue of jeans that come with holes in them, but distressed denim is just a lot more interesting and fun.  And I think it elevates the style on most outfits, especially casual ones.  Distressed denim takes it from being just a pair of jeans, so something that says casual/cool.  There are lots of fun ways to play with and pair distressed denim that are interesting and surprising.  I love shopping AEO for denim because the fit and denim quality is really good (I love the artist crops for petites) and they have so many awesome distressed options in every pant style.

2.Perfect the half tuck.  I get a lot of questions about how to make casual shirts, like t-shirts and button-ups not look sloppy and boring.  My number one suggestion: try a half tuck.  An oversized boyfriend shirt immediately goes from looking like your mom on a camping trip to casual but chic mom-on-the-go.  I love casual button-ups (especially plaid ones), I wear them all through the fall, and I’ve always got them half-tucked.  Blush is going to be huge again this fall so naturally I’m obsessed with this pink button up.  A good alternative is tying the fronts as well.  It’s not just what you wear, it’s also how you wear it…

3.Accessorize.  A little accessorizing goes a long way.  Seriously, you would be surprised how much, just adding a pair of sunglasses makes an outfit feel complete.  I paired these pink mirrored aviators with my blush button down and I love how simple but chic they made the outfit feel.  Necklaces, the right bag, a scarf or just a cool watch are all simple accessories to add and can totally elevate any outfit.  Shoes are also a great way to step-up an outfit, so try well-chosen sandals with your basics in the summer and switch it up to some great booties in the fall.  AEO carries so many gorgeous shoe options and brands, I really love these and these for now, and these for later.

4. Try a bralette.  I was on the fence about bralettes for awhile, because I’m pretty flat-chested and didn’t know if they would do anything for me, but I went and tried a few on and Aerie a couple weeks ago and now I am hooked.  I love that they are pretty and feminine and solve the low-cut shirt problem.  I’ve started wearing this one under my v-necks and button-ups and I like the fun little extra layer it adds to the outfit.  Plus they make me feel feminine and pretty.  Win, win.

Speaking of winning!  Right now you can buy 1 Get 1 50% off Jeans, Joggers & Shorts, plus FREE shipping & returns on jeans at AE.com. (ends 8/29)

And this is a semi-exclusive, just for you deal! Take 25% off your AEO purchase only at AE.com

Use code YAY25 (ends 8/28)

So there you have it!  What are some of the things you do to keep your casual outfits from feeling basic and boring?

Jeans. Shirt. Bralette. Sunglasses. similar sandals. similar bag here and here.