The Ultimate Smart Casual Dress Guide for Women

Tags - Smart Casual for Women

Dress codes can be tricky to master.

And I’m certain we’ve all heard of smart casual many times before.

Yet, it still confuses and panics a lot of people, because what exactly does it even mean?

You may find yourself asking: Do I wear a dress? Are jeans appropriate? What about footwear?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone, and we’re here to help!

If you’ve been wondering what smart casual means or you’re looking for some style tips, you’re in the right place.

What is Smart Casual?

For women, smart casual is one of the hardest dress codes.

Because, it’s not quite a cocktail affair, but it’s not exactly casual either, which is why it requires a little thought.

Essentially, smart casual calls for a polished yet relaxed look; the perfect look needs balance.

However, the first thing to consider is what type of event it is you’re going to, as this will help to give you a general feel.

For example, for a professional work event, you may need to finish off your attire with a blazer whereas for something outside of work, you’ll be fine in a casual dress.

Luckily, picking out the right outfit won’t be hard; it’s likely you already own all of the elements required, you just need to match them together, effortlessly.

Smart Casual Style Tips for Women

Let’s put this into perspective: so you’ve been invited for afternoon tea, or you need to head to an informal client meeting and you need to dress smart but casual.

Here’s how you can nail this attire every time, one piece at a time:

Tops

Smart casual tops are not hard to find, but choosing which ones to add can be the challenge.

For summertime, a white shirt should be your go-to, and today, there are plenty of different styles of white shirts out there.

In the winter, a turtleneck sweater or a chunky knitted top will always look great when paired with either trousers or jeans.

However, you should avoid wearing cotton t-shirts with large printed graphics or slogans as this will not look appropriate for a smart casual dress code.

Then, complete your top half with the right jacket; this can help transform a casual look into a smart casual one.

For instance, a blazer will always serve you well, whether it’s a standard one, longline or sleeveless, it will skew smart casual every time.

Bottoms

Generally, bottoms like chinos or trousers are a great option for a smart casual look.

If you’re not really a trouser kind of girl, then flowy skirts and pencil skirts will work - but avoid details like pinstripes as this can skew too business-like.

What’s great about smart casual is: you’re not required to wear tailored trousers.

That’s right, you can wear a pair of jeans, you just need to elevate it to the next level.

To do this, take a pair or slim fitting or skinny jeans in a darker colour and make sure they are not ripped or frayed.

Then, wear a relaxed shirt, blazer and a pair of comfortable heels to complete your look.

However, if it’s summer and you’re not feeling the denim, shorts also make an excellent choice.

No, not your hot pants, but a pair of tailored shorts with a blouse and loafers will give you the level of sophistication you need.

Shoes

Your shoes will play a key role in your outfit when dressing for a specific dress code.

So, it’s important you pick the right pair if you want to master an appropriate smart casual appearance.

That said, to ensure you look smart without looking overly formal, always pick chic yet practical footwear.

For example, block heels, kitten heels and loafers make an excellent choice for this dress code.

Simply, maintain a casual balance; wear jeans instead of trousers if you want to wear heels, and avoid wearing trainers.

Lastly, remember that the shoes you wear will leave a lasting impression, so always make sure they’re squeaky clean and scuff-free.

Final Say

A woman’s lifestyle can be extremely busy and demanding.

And so, by having a few basic wardrobe pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways will be a gamechanger, and prevent any last minute panic when an event pops up.

All in all, wearing smart casual is simple; it just requires a little more effort than a plain t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

As long as you polish your outfit with style and ease, you’ll create a winning smart casual look every time.

Please contact us to find out more.

In the meantime, take a look at our full range of Smart Casual shoes for women here.

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