Smart casual attire is a dress code that combines tailored pieces with elements of casual wear. It’s a balance between formal and casual adding some fashion-forward elements. And the best way to achieve a smart casual look at the office is to look professional but not overdressed.
When adopting a casual smart look, the focus should be on keeping a balance by incorporating at least one of the elements that belong to both styles: smart(formal) and casual.
What to wear
Tops
- Opt for collared shirts, button-ups, or polo shirts.
- Select tops you can wear as layers: waistcoats, knitted vests, cardigans.
- Avoid too casual tops like cotton t-shirts or denim and tops with logos and big graphic designs.
- Choose smooth and quality fabrics like satin,silk, chiffon, cashemere.
Bottoms
- Dress pants and wide-leg are a great choice or a pair of dark-toned jeans and distress-free go very well for a smart casual look.
- Pleated and slip skirts are the styles that offer a relaxed look, while a pencil skirt and A-line midi skirt are more formal attire.
- Avoid formal details like skirts or trousers with pinstripes which can indicate a more business casual attire than a smart casual.
Shoes
- Low-heeled shoes like oxfords and loafers work very well for smart casual attire.
- When wearing high heels consider dressing down the look with jeans or leather pants.
- Tone down a suit pant or pencil skirt by replacing the heels with flats or block heels to make your outfit look more casual.
Colors and prints
- Stick with neutrals like beiges, blacks, whites and add colors with moderation to avoid a too casual look.
- Choose prints wisely and do not wear too many at once.
- Stripes and polka dots are the most flattering.
Where to wear it?
- Smart casual attire has become very common for many events like functions, after-work socializing, business conferences, dinners, and even weddings.
- Also, for women, a smart casual look suits perfectly for brunches and tea parties.
How to wear smart casual
Wear a cardigan as a top and tuck it into tailored pants and create a smart look with accessories adding colros and prints.
Pair a slip skirt with a soft cozy sweater in the same shade and tone down the outfit with polishes loafers in contrasting colors.
Upgrade a casual look with smart elements: pair jeans with a white collared shirt and trendys sweater vest for a smart yet relaxed look.
Smart casual is not business casual! Smart casual is for any other activities outside the office, but both require a polished look.
When you are in doubt always add a smart tailored piece like a blazer to dress up the outfit.
