Attempting Casual

The weather in Southern California has been bipolar lately (when is it not?) with temperatures varying from snowfall in parts of California that probably have never had snow before all the way up to the 80s. The sun also decides to come and go as it pleases as well... unfortunately. 

I usually like dressing up my outfits with anything, whether it's with my shoes or my accessories, but lately I've been trying to change it up by dressing more casually. I mean on lazy days I'll wear a sweater and jeans (usually to class), but I've been wanting to incorporate more casual looks into the outfits I actually try on. Haha. 
One of the biggest things that can make a difference in an outfit that I've noticed? Shoes. 
You could wear a super fancy outfit with sneakers and the whole vibe of the outfit changes. Change those shoes to stilettos and the outfit has taken a completely different turn. 

Zip-up Hoodie: Cotton On // Striped Half-Sleeve Shirt: H&M // Black Peplum Dress (shown as skirt): Forever 21 (old) // Mustard Yellow Tights: H&M // Shoes: Target // Mustard Yellow Beanie: RVCA - old gift from the boyfriend

I also tried to layer out of inspiration from Pinterest and the way other people have online. I layered a loose, long shirt over a dress and tied a jacket to my waist to give it some definition. 
I want to try more casual outfits like this, and I'm sure that California's weather will allow for it. 
Do you have any tips to dress casual but chic? Or at least not lazy?