There are so many different dress codes available for work, special occasions and even in your personal life and it’s important that you know how these differ. In this article, we explore what smart casual is and the items you can wear as part of the smart casual dress code to select the most appropriate outfit for smart casual outfits no matter the event.
The key to achieving a smart casual outfit is to strike the right balance between comfort and style, by choosing well-fitted, high-quality pieces in complementary colours and fabrics. Whether you are looking for classic or trendy pieces, Club21 offers a curated selection of items that will elevate your wardrobe.
What Is Smart Casual?
Smart casual is a professional and polished look that’s more informal than a business attire. Essentially, it’s anything that’s smarter than a t-shirt and jeans but less formal than a suit-and-tie. A smart casual attire should be kept appropriate, so skip items like miniskirts, sandals and worn-out t-shirts. To nail this, it’s best to keep your ensemble elegant and relaxed.
Smart Casual For Women
Dressing in smart casual outfits can be one of the hardest dress codes for women. It requires a little more thought — it’s not cocktail and it’s not exactly casual either. However, picking out the perfect outfit won’t be as daunting as you likely already own the elements required. For an event outside of work, a more casual dress will do, whereas for a professional event, it’s best to be supplemented with a blazer. For smart casual dress code events, it’s important to know where the venue is being held and at which time of the day.
Smart Casual Clothing Must-Haves For Women
#1 Tops
Most tops can go perfectly well with any type of outfits. Go for pieces such as sweaters, button-downs and blouses with short sleeves or long sleeves. For a more elevated and stylish look, you can wear a blazer over your top. Do try to avoid cotton t-shirts or tops with large graphics or slogans.
#2 One-Piece Outfits
Dresses and jumpsuits are versatile and comfortable options when dressing for this. Opt for one that belts in the middle to add dressiness to your overall outfit. Avoid floor-length dresses which can be more casual (like a beach attire) or too formal (like a black-tie event).
#3 Bottoms
Bottoms such as chinos, dress pants and silk pants are perfect choices. Denim jeans are acceptable but they should be dark-washed, tailored and distress-free. Do opt for flowy skirts and pencil skirts but avoid miniskirts.
Smart Casual For Men
When dressing in smart casual men outfits, do avoid wearing shorts or anything that looks too informal. While casual dressing may be as simple as a pair of jeans and t-shirt, smart casual might mean choosing a collared polo shirt instead of a standard t-shirt or denim jeans in a darker wash. However, when a t-shirt is layered underneath a fitted blazer or overshirt, it works well for smart casual outfits.
Smart Casual Clothing Must-Haves For Men
#1 Shirts
Some examples of smart casual shirts are short- and long- sleeved button downs, polo shirts and sweaters. These can be easily paired with different pants and shoes.
#2 Trousers
Chinos or khakis in navy and tan are perfect for this dress code. You can also wear denim jeans but avoid those that are ripped or baggy — blue and black are the standard, which can fit into numerous environments.
#3 Jackets And Blazers
Adding a jacket or a blazer to your overall look can be a great option to mix up your outfits, plus, they look great in both formal and informal settings. Opt for an unstructured, dark blazer which can create a smart and professional look while also looking casual.
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