One of the most common requests I hear from clients is that they want to look more polished without feeling dressed up.

They want clothes that work for lunch with friends, running errands, a casual business meeting, or dinner out. They want to look current and put together, but they don't necessarily need a closet full of business suits or separate wardrobes for every part of their lives.

That's where elevated casual style comes in.

To me, elevated casual means combining comfortable, everyday clothing with pieces that have a little more polish. It's less about following a particular dress code and more about choosing clothes that fit beautifully, work together, and reflect your personal style.

And you may already own much of what you need.

Here are six pieces I frequently look for when helping clients build a more versatile wardrobe.

1.  A Great Pair of Dark-Wash Jeans

Not all jeans serve the same purpose.

I love a great pair of casual jeans, but when I want denim that can move into dressier settings, I'm looking for a darker rinse without rips or distressing.

Dark-wash jeans can look beautiful with a blouse and heels, a blazer and loafers, or a polished sweater and boots. They're often appropriate for casual business settings where denim is acceptable, especially here in Colorado.

That doesn't mean lighter-wash jeans can't look polished. They absolutely can, particularly when paired with a great jacket. But when you want to err on the dressier side, a dark rinse is hard to beat.

And of course, fit matters with every pair of jeans, regardless of the wash.

2.  A Button-Down Shirt You'll Wear More Than One Way

A simple button-down is one of the most versatile pieces you can own.

A beautiful white shirt can look quite polished tucked into trousers or dark jeans. Wear that same shirt untucked with casual denim, and it takes on a completely different feel.

The key is finding the right shirt for you.

Some women look wonderful in a crisp, structured cotton shirt. Others need something with a softer drape. The cut, length, color and fabric should work with your body shape, coloring, lifestyle and personal style.

Don't underestimate what a good button-down can do for your wardrobe. It's a piece that can be styled in so many different ways.

3.  A Beautiful Sweater or Cardigan

Especially this time of year, a great sweater earns its place in your closet.

I'm paying close attention to fabric when shopping for sweaters. A well-made cotton or cashmere sweater can hold up beautifully over time, while some lower-quality synthetic knits begin to look tired after relatively few wears.

I also want versatility.

I'm particularly loving cardigans right now because they can be worn open as a layering piece or buttoned up and worn as a top. One cardigan can work with jeans on the weekend and trousers during the workweek.

The best neckline, color and silhouette will depend on the individual, but fabric quality and versatility are where I start.

4.  A Blouse That Works for More Than One Occasion

This is one of my favorite pieces to find for a client.

I'm looking for a blouse she can wear with trousers to a business meeting, dress up for date night, or pair with jeans for lunch with a friend.

It might have an interesting print, a beautiful color, a flattering neckline or some other detail that reflects her personality.

This is also one of the pieces I personalize most carefully. A blouse that looks wonderful on one woman may not be right for another, even if they're the same size.

When we find the right one, though, it can make getting dressed so much easier. She has something she feels good wearing, and she knows it works for several different occasions.

5.  A Great Third Piece

If you've worked with me, you've probably heard me talk about the importance of a third piece.

It's often what makes an outfit feel finished.

Think about jeans and a simple top. Add a beautiful blazer, an interesting jacket or a structured cardigan, and you've changed the entire look.

A third piece can add color, texture, structure or personality. It can also help bridge the gap between casual and business casual.

This doesn't mean every outfit needs a blazer. A denim jacket, leather jacket, interesting knit layer or casual tailored jacket might be a better fit for your lifestyle.

The point is to have a few options that work with the clothes you wear most often.

6.  Accessories That Make the Outfit Yours

I don't want to leave accessories out of this conversation because they make such a difference.

You can start with very simple pieces, perhaps dark jeans and a cream sweater, and create an interesting outfit with a beautiful belt, jewelry, a great handbag and the right shoes.

Accessories are also one of the easiest ways to express your personal style.

Some women love a statement necklace or colorful scarf. Others prefer beautiful, understated jewelry and a structured handbag. Neither approach is better. It's about finding what feels like you.

Before deciding an outfit is too plain, try changing the accessories. You may not need another top at all.

Finding Pieces That Work Together

One of my favorite places to shop for these kinds of pieces is Evereve.

I shop there regularly for clients because I can find such a good mix of casual and polished clothing. Their styles feel modern and wearable, and it's often possible to put together outfits for several different parts of a woman's life in one store.

I especially appreciate their denim selection. When clients can shop in person, having knowledgeable sales associates to help navigate different fits is a real advantage.

To give you some outfit inspiration, I'm sharing my Built to Wear digital style catalog, featuring pieces from Evereve. You'll find ideas for dressing up denim, adding jackets and third layers, creating polished work outfits, and putting together elevated casual looks for the weekend.

I've linked the catalog below so you can see how these pieces can work together.

But before you shop, take a look at your own closet. Do you already have a great blouse you only wear to work? Could you try it with jeans? Is there a jacket you love that might work with more outfits than you realize?

You may find that you're only missing one or two pieces to make the rest of your wardrobe much more useful.

And that's always a better place to start than buying an entirely new wardrobe.‍

Explore the Built to Wear Digital Style Catalog Featuring Evereve