If we refer to the American style then we must think more of an idea or a kind of suggestion made up of winning elements from a young tradition.
It was precisely from the stars of the golden years of cinema that came the first real push for the clearance of casual: needless to say, with a pair of jeans, white T-shirt or "cowboy style" shirt (preferably denim). The revolution of the 1950s, made to the sounds of rock'n'roll, engines, transgressions and a way of dressing that drew its origins in military and work clothing, all to annoy the previous generation: stiff and composed.
A combination that of the casual style that, given its simplicity, suits just about everyone. So a pure cotton T-shirt or denim shirt, comfortable, and a pair of dark blue jeans. Adding Sneakers or cowboy boots, a pair of tortoiseshell sunglasses and a carefree smile.
Fundamentally, therein lies the essence and strength of American style: having been able to take elements from different and especially non-institutional or "noble" areas and activities, making them commonplace and above all making them "cool." Creating the wide and varied world that, over time, has been precisely called casual.
There are, however, three major categories of American casual style (in our opinion at PETRI): college or preppy, country chic, and 1960s-70s California style.
The first "college style" is defined in the early 20th century, with the Ivy Look, named after America's most prestigious universities, members of the Ivy League. But it was in the 1950s that it became a recognizable mode of dress, signifying an educated, upstart elite. The key items of college style were (and still are): varsity jackets, bomber jackets, blazers, tartan, khaki pants, and loafers. However, later this look is then adopted in other social strata, first in the middle-class African American community, then by British Mods in the 1960s. Instead in the 1970s it is not used much, but then comes back in the 1980s and 1990s, especially thanks to famous American designers who espouse this style, Ralph Lauren in primis.
As for country chic, that is nothing more than a refinement of the clothing of the famous American cowboys, so plaid, denim, bangs and typical cowboy elements, such as turquoise studs and leather details. These stood for a wholesome and wholesome outdoor life and pursuit of adventure.
Distinctive traits include: denim or cotton shirt, camel-colored corduroy pants, braided leather belt, and a pair of boots.
We continue our tour of American casual wear with our favorite style, that of California between here 1960s and 1970s. Made of that spirit of absolute freedom, between surfing, skateboarding, spontaneous looks and attitudes of a young and frenetic culture in constant search of freedom. In this case jeans, casual shirts, colorful costumes worn almost all day and especially barefoot everywhere. Perhaps the greatest representation of this trend is seen through iconic films such as "A Big Wednesday" or "Lords of Dogtown," set in that transgressive, carefree era totally free of prejudice or constraint.
In conclusion, we like to think that casual style in many cases has represented not only stylistic but also moral, ethical and generational revolutions, accompanying people who changed history or at least left their signature by passing on simple but not obvious values, making the quest for freedom and equality a real struggle and not a trivial slogan.