What is a 'Relaxed' Style Personality? How to Dress for a Relaxed Wardrobe
Updated May 2026
Re·laxed /rəˈlakst/ (adjective) : prioritizes comfort over "fashion."
You are fast-moving, cheerful, and fun to be around by definition of the BU Style Six™.
Whether it is a casual or dressy function, it is important for you to feel at ease and able to move about in your clothing—so you don’t have to fuss and can focus on enjoying the occasion and engaging happily with the crowd.
Someone who is highly Relaxed is not the person who wants to spend twenty minutes adjusting a complicated outfit or wearing shoes that hurt “for the look.” Even when you dress up, there is usually still an element of ease to your style. You want to look like yourself, just elevated for the occasion.
Every Relaxed Style Personality Looks Different . . . and That Is What Makes Personal Style Interesting!
The evolution of Relaxed style!
Before we get into the specifics of the Relaxed style personality, remember that one of the most important things to understand about the BU Style Six™ is that everyone is a combination of multiple—or all. Very few (if any) individuals are purely Relaxed. You may be Relaxed and Creative, which can show up through oversized silhouettes, utility details, or more playful styling choices. You may be highly Relaxed and Magnetic where you want to come across playful with cheerful colors while commanding the room in a strong tailored silhouette. You may be Relaxed and Soft, gravitating toward soft fabrics and lighter colors. Your spread of the style personalities is unique and will likely change as your move through different chapters in life. That is also why “Relaxed” does not automatically mean sweatpants and hoodies. It is more about the feeling your clothing creates and the message it communicates.
The combination matters because it changes how the Relaxed personality actually appears in your wardrobe. Take Natalie, for example. She was born highly Relaxed (with a healthy dose of Magnetic), Midwest jeans-and-T-shirt through and through. Comfort and ease were always strong priorities, and she was certainly everyone’s biggest cheerleader . . . literally, she made signs and T-shirts for everything to support her friends and school! But after moving to New York and starting BU Style, her Magnetic personality started coming through more strongly. Then, as her life evolved creatively through speaking, producing, branding, and entrepreneurship, Creative began scoring higher too.
So yes, jeans and T-shirts have absolutely stayed part of her core’drobe. But the way they show up has changed. The silhouettes became more intentional. The styling became more expressive. The colors, layering, accessories, proportions, and combinations shifted from purely Relaxed into a blend of Relaxed, Magnetic, and Creative.
That is what makes style personalities so interesting. They ground you in an approachable style language, so you can understand how your clothing connects to who you are and then decide how you want to use them to support your life, your environment, your communication, and your evolution.
That is where style starts becoming much bigger than clothing. Because once you begin understanding why certain things feel “like you” and others do not, it can unexpectedly become part of your self-discovery, too. (And keep you from doomscrolling and trying to repeat every influencer’s outfit.)
How cool is that?!
📚 Read more about the BU Style Six and the importance of your unique style spread here.
How the Relaxed Style Personality Shows Up in Clothing
Relaxed personalities tend to want clothing that feels approachable, functional, low-maintenance, and easy to wear. You likely gravitate toward pieces that allow movement and do not require constant fussing.
Stretch fabrics, cotton, denim, utility details, soft knits, relaxed tailoring, sporty sneakers, oversized button-downs, easy jackets, and casual layers are often part of the mix. Your wardrobe usually gives off an unpretentious, approachable air.
Relaxed personalities are often the people everyone wants around. You are the cheerleader of the group, the person making introductions, the one who can make a room feel less intimidating within five minutes. There is usually a warmth and openness to your energy, and clothing naturally becomes part of that communication.
Now, we’ll break down how Relaxed could show up in your personal style through:
Fabric
Colors & Patterns
Clothing function
Styling
Clothing care
Relaxed Style Personality Fabrics, Colors, and Patterns
One of the easiest ways to know if you are a highly Relaxed style personality is through how your body viscerally responds to clothing.
Let’s break that down!
Fabrics
Relaxed personalities are usually not reaching for fabrics that feel overly precious, stiff, itchy, restrictive, or high-maintenance. Even when they buy elevated pieces, there is often still softness, stretch, movement, or practicality built into the garment. (Think: a formal dress with pockets.)
You are probably drawn to fabrics that feel easy to wear, easy to live in, and easy to care for. You are NOT about to separate out your laundry or hand wash everything.
That might look like:
cotton
soft denim
canvas
knit fabrics
stretchy suiting
washed linen
fleece
performance blends
soft wool blends instead of rigid suiting fabrics
You may notice yourself instinctively touching fabrics while shopping because comfort is part of your decision-making process. If something looks beautiful but feels uncomfortable—like that itchy sweater—immediately, many Relaxed personalities will move on quickly. Basically, you are allergic to discomfort!
Colors & PATTERNS
Relaxed personalities frequently gravitate toward grounded neutrals and cheery pops of colors like:
navy
olive
khaki
white
blue
earthy neutrals
Vibrant shades of red, blues, or greens
Patterns also tend to feel casual, timeless, and approachable rather than overly formal or ornate. Stripes, gingham, washed textures, utility influences, and your favorite purchased merch is known to be worn on repeat . . . like your favorite sports team hoodie or maybe a concert T-shirt.
Again, this does not mean every Relaxed person dresses the same. A Relaxed + Creative personality may bring in brighter colors mixed in unique ways or oversized patterns, while a Relaxed + Classic personality may stay rooted in timeless basics and clean combinations.
The throughline is usually that the clothing feels wearable, approachable, and unfussy.
How the Relaxed Personality Makes Clothing Decisions
One thing that stands out about Relaxed personalities is that they are often realistic dressers almost unintentionally. They are not usually overanalyzing “fashion.” They naturally gravitate toward what works for their actual life.
Clothing Function
The Relaxed personality wants clothing to feel easy. Throw-on-and-go. Low-fuss. You want to grab something, put it on, and move through your day without thinking about it every five minutes. And unless it is a big event, you probably are not laying your outfit out the night before.
You may choose the formal dress with pockets because, realistically, you want somewhere to put your phone and lipstick while talking to people all night.
You may skip the stiletto pump and choose a block-heeled loafer or manageable-height platform because you already know you are going to be walking between meetings, standing at an event for hours, or commuting across the city and do not want to spend the entire day teetering around while your feet scream at you in pain.
You may instinctively reach for fabrics that stretch, jackets that layer easily, or bags that leave your hands free because function naturally matters to you.
And honestly? There is something smart about that.
Styling
If you are highly Relaxed, you are probably more of a grab-it-and-go, throw-on-clothes-while-running-out-the-door type of person. In fact, there is a very real chance you are pulling that sweater from the “not-quite-dirty-but-not-exactly-clean” pile living on the back of the chair in your bedroom.
And here is the interesting thing: when a Relaxed personality has the right core’drobe pieces for their lifestyle, there can actually be a breezy confidence to the way they dress. The message becomes: “I know who I am. I know what works for me. I am comfortable rewearing pieces that support my life.”
There is also often a predictability and stability to this style personality. People know what they are getting from you, and there is something comforting and approachable about that.
The challenge is simply making sure “easy” does not slowly drift into “unchecked.”
Clothing Care
If you score high in Relaxed, especially if Creative is also high in your mix, clothing care may not exactly be your favorite hobby. You may absolutely be the person who accidentally shrunk a wool sweater by haphazardly throwing it into the dryer.
(Which is precisely why Natalie’s husband does the laundry in their house.)
This is also why many Relaxed personalities do best with clothing that realistically fits their habits and lifestyle. Easily washable fabrics, lower-maintenance pieces, or very clearly labeled “dry-clean-only” items may save you from mourning a favorite purchase after an unfortunate laundry incident.
How to Dress for Work With a Relaxed Style Personality
For the highly Relaxed personalities can feel challenged in more formal office environments. But true to our name—BE YOU!—we’re here to tell you ALL style personalities can shine in all office environments, because authenticity and dress levels are two different considerations that can work together to help you strike a style balance that feels like you while communicating that you are a capable professional in any environment and dress level.
A Relaxed personality can absolutely exist in all business environments and titles. In fact, your approachable personality and natural ease are likely part of what makes people enjoy working with you in the first place. You often make environments feel less intimidating, more collaborative, and more human.
The trick is simply making sure the ease does not drift so casual that it unintentionally communicates disorganization, disengagement, or a lack of awareness around the setting you are walking into.
Let’s talk about the Relaxed style personality in the following environments:
Business formal
Business Casual
Smart Casual
Casual
Relaxed Style Personality in Business Formal Dress Codes
Business formal environments can feel a little tricky for highly Relaxed personalities because traditional suiting often feels restrictive, overly rigid, or just . . . not like you.
Instead of forcing yourself into clothing that feels unnatural, focus on professional pieces that still allow movement and comfort.
Relaxed personalities often do well with:
softer tailoring
suiting with stretch (yes, this exists!)
knit blazers
wider-leg trousers
low block heels
loafers
knit tops or blouses with stretch
a practical soft-leather work bag
You still want credibility and professionalism, but you do not need to feel stiff or costume-y to achieve that. In fact, Relaxed personalities usually look their best professionally when comfort and polish are working together instead of competing.
One of the easiest things you can do is find a couple outfit formulas that reliably work for you and repeat them. Maybe it is trousers + knit blazer + loafer. Maybe it is a 3-piece suit that can be mixed and matched + a knit blouse + block heel. Once you know your formulas and brands, shopping and getting dressed become dramatically easier.
And because Relaxed personalities tend to prioritize function over fuss, make sure your favorite work pieces still look fresh and business-ready. Reminders to do a seasonal wardrobe edits are your friend here . . . it’s easy for you to not see the wear and tear on your clothing because it’s not your primary focus.
Relaxed Style Personality in Business Casual Workwear
Business casual is often where Relaxed personalities start breathing easier because there is usually more room for comfort and personality to coexist naturally.
This is where elevated basics really shine.
You may naturally gravitate toward:
relaxed trousers
simple knitwear
easy one-and-done dresses
stretchy layering pieces
utility-inspired jackets
Relaxed personalities are usually not trying to reinvent the wheel every morning. You want pieces that mix and match easily and allow you to get dressed quickly without overthinking everything.
The thing to watch for is not letting “comfortable” slowly drift into “unchecked.” Usually, the difference between polished and sloppy is not the outfit itself . . . it is the fit, fabric, styling, and condition.
Relaxed Style Personality in Smart Casual Settings
Smart casual allows a more Relaxed ease and personality to come through without requiring a high level of formality, but don’t mistake smart casual for full-on casual. There is a difference!
Pieces like these really work:
uniform-wash denim (usually medium to darker wash or black)
casual dresses
relaxed shirting
textured layers
utility jackets or less-structured blazers
stylish sneakers
oxford or sneaker / loafer hybrid
lightweight knits
T-shirts as a base layer
crossbody bags
Relaxed personalities are often very good at looking approachable and cool without looking overly styled. That effortless feeling is part of the charm. For example, a highly Relaxed smart-casual could look like a fashion sneaker + your go-to jeans + T-shirt + oversized blazer with the sleeves rolled up.
Relaxed Style Personality in a Casual Workplace
In casual workplaces, Relaxed personalities often feel the most like themselves. This is where “Adult Garanimals” really comes to your life because your wardrobe should support your actual day-to-day life and mix together easily, and you likely gravitate toward the pieces that do that for a casual workplace.
Your wardrobe may naturally include:
jeans
joggers
T-shirts
sweatshirts
denim jackets
easy knitwear
sneakers
baseball caps
practical everyday bags
Relaxed personalities are often repeat-outfit people in the best way. Once you find combinations that work, you tend to stick with them because they make life easier.
The thing to watch for is getting too comfortable and slowly lowering the bar over time without realizing it. Remember, this is still your business environment, so things like workout clothes may not be communicating what you want to your co-workers and clients. And, also, don’t forget the idea that your clothes and brain are connected, so if you are dressed for lounging, you brain receptors may be taking a cue and acting accordingly.
Common Style Warnings for Highly Relaxed Personalities
Every style personality has strengths and blind spots.
For highly Relaxed personalities, the biggest risk is accidentally communicating something less serious than you intend. Yes, you are fun! Yes, comfort is a strong priority . . . with that, there can sometimes be a tendency to lean toward sloppy or overly casual—whether you mean to or not. You aren’t always thinking too much about it or maybe you don’t notice that that once-black shirt is now a strange shade of dark gray. In certain settings, these oversights can unintentionally read as disengaged, underprepared, or too casual for the environment. It can take away your credibility.
We’'ve had companies come to us to support members of their leadership team who were doing themselves and the company a disservice by dressing too sloppily and casually. In once example, we supported a Chief Creative Officer who was amazingly talented. Those who had worked with him for many years, knew he deserved his title and was a great talent. However, in his performance feedback, his more-junior team members reported that his appearance was sloppy. He had to pitch new business with another senior leadership member because they knew his untidy dress was a barrier to closing the deal. The office setting was creative and casual . . .but he was leaning WAY too much on the casual that it was becoming a inhibitor. We worked with him to find a balance of creative and casual that still commanded respect befitting of his talents.
Relaxed personalities are often naturally connected to how clothing functions in real life. The challenge is simply making sure practicality does not completely override intentionality. Because sometimes the most highly Relaxed person in the room becomes the least visually aligned with the environment, not because they do not care, but because ease became the primary filter.
That is where small shifts can make a huge difference. The Relaxed personality usually does not need a completely different wardrobe.
More often, elevated versions of the pieces you already love create the biggest impact:
a polished sneaker instead of an overly athletic one
an easy sweater instead of a sweatshirt
darker denim instead of distressed denim
a soft leather tote instead of a stained canvas one
or maybe it’s basic clothing care: tucking in a shirt, steaming your trousers, etc.
You do not need to abandon the ease to look intentional. In fact, the ease is usually the thing that makes a Relaxed personality feel authentic and approachable in the first place. The sweet spot is when the comfort still feels true to you and visually aligned with where you are going, whether that is a client meeting, a wedding, or just everyday life.
How to Embrace the Relaxed Style Personality With Intention
That is really the goal of understanding your style personality in the first place. Not to put yourself in a box or follow arbitrary fashion rules, but to understand what naturally supports you and then learn how to adapt it to different environments and moments in your life.
Relaxed personalities do not need to become louder, trendier, or more formal to have impact. Your ease is part of what makes people feel comfortable around you in the first place. The key is simply learning how to bring a little more intention and awareness to that ease so your clothing supports both you and the moment you are stepping into.
Learn More About Style Personalities To Help with Your Personal Style Discovery
—Listen to Natalie’s Wear Who You Are podcast episode about the BU Style Six
—Read our full article on style personalities and how to use them to craft your unique style brand
—The BU Style Six Assessment is available as a part of our BU Circle membership! Join today and learn all about your style personality