Staff Photo by Meghan Brown
A lightweight dress, by Kensie Pretty, $98, is ideal for fall when paired with boots and lightweight sweater. Fashion courtesy of Belk; modeled by Ayesha Meriweather. The Erica Lyons jewelry, including earrings, $15, necklace, $28, and bracelet, $30, are courtesy of Dillard’s.

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Staff Photo by Meghan Brown
Dressing down with a professional touch can be done in Nautica’s True Khaki shirt, $59.50, Nautica pants, $69.50, and Nautica belt, $34. Fashions, modeled by Ed Harrison, are courtesy of Belk.

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Staff Photo by Meghan Brown
Printed tees are a fashion must for teens and young adults. Jena Abbott wears a Lucky Brand tee, $38, under a cropped, shortsleeved, hooded Lucky Brand sweatshirt, $68, with jeans, $10, purchased at T.J. Maxx. Other fashions courtesy of Belk.

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Shelve the baggy britches and oversized shirts. The casual look has been cleaned up for fall and winter. “I’m calling it clean casual,” said Ralph Ray, manager of Belk at Hamilton Place. “Sloppy is definitely out. Women are relaxing in wide-legged jeans with print tops and a cardigan, or leggings with a skirt and top or tunic/dress. It’s a very comfortable casual that happens to look good at the same time.”

Baggy for boys is out too, he said.

“Khakis are it,” he said. “Guys are dressing down in khakis or jeans paired with a print tee, checks or plaid shirt, topped with a cardigan — button-up or pullover.”

Ed Harrison, with Artech in Chattanooga, said casual dress for the workplace means wearing properly fitting khakis and an oxford shirt.

Projecting an image is important, Mr. Harrison said. “Always be prepared for who you might encounter.”

According to youlookfab.com, the casual micro-check pants are ideal for women wanting an alternative to jeans. Micro-check is a monochromatic, subtle, plaid (also big this season). Micro-checks can be casual or business casual depending on the integrity of the fabric. For this look to stay casual, look for pants in a cottonrich fabrication. Purchase the pants in a rayon or viscose wool blend, and they’re instantly dressy.

For women, a new casual piece to hit the market is the convertible skirt, said Karen Grubb, ladies sale manager at Dillard’s.

“Women love the look,” she said, explaining that the skirt can be pulled up to the chest and converted into a dress. “It’s a very casual piece that can be easily dressed up. Wear it as a skirt with a turtleneck, or pull it up and pair it with a swing jacket for a dressed-up look. It’s a versatile piece that offers many options.”

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