Smart Casual - how to crack it!

The term ‘smart casual’ is one that often causes confusion - sort of polished but relaxed!! 

Whether it's drinks with the neighbors, meeting up with work colleagues for a drink or looking forward to a special Christmas event with your nearest and dearest; you want to look your best but need to strike the right balance between being overdressed and appearing too casual.

If it’s a particularly smart venue and you’re not over familiar with your hosts, adhering to a dress code can be super stressful.

So how do you master ‘smart casual’ so you can worry less and have a great time!

What is Smart Casual?

First of all let's try to define 'smart casual'? 

We can all easily understand the difference between casual clothes, jeans t-shirt trainers etc, and the business professional 'uniform' of corporate tailoring, but the dress codes in between can be difficult to identify.  

Smart casual is a less formal style of business casual, relaxed but in a smart way! More laidback than business, smart casual allows you to show more of your personality and flair, adding fashionable pieces perhaps that aren't quite appropriate for the office.

Layers will introduce a more structured look and help to balance casual with an air of sophistication. Elegant but always retaining the comfort factor! 

Rose applique top

Embroidered jeans

Build Smart Casual with just one dressy piece!

Let's make a start with the most useful item in every woman's wardrobe - a navy or black blazer. With firm shoulders it adds structure and polish to any outfit; perfect with a white tee and jeans, it's you ca

So, let’s say you’ve chosen to wear this stunning silver tweed jacket guaranteed to steal the show. Pair this extravagant style with plain black pants to strike a casual balance.

Or this lavishly ruffled romantic chiffon blouse - you need nothing more than the simplest of pants, even jeans, otherwise you detract from the star of the show.

Dress up casual...

Jeans are now considered acceptable as smart casual as long as they are a good fit and a reasonably dark wash. But you will need to add the 'dressy' touch and show your unique style with a few stunning accessories.

Add some edge to your look with fabulous shoes, a hat or hair accessory, sunglasses, a scarf or belt - and certainly carry a quality bag. 

Each of these details will add a unique finishing touch and dress up your outfit.

This is how party separates earn their keep. The odd sparkly top or slinky blouse in your closet will get you through many a party or Christmas season for smart casual occasions.

Softening a tailored look

If you're a tailored suit lady, you will be a little too business like for an evening event.

Whether it's a skirt or pants suit, make a quick change as you substitute a sparkly tank beneath the start black - magic! Alternatively, swap out the tailored jacket for a more feminine soft velvet in a stunning color like peacock!

Gold Sequin V Neck top

Velvet Blazer

Jewelry

Adding jewelry is another easy way to lift your daytime casual and enhance your look to something special.

Match the shape of your necklace to your neckline and layer two or three fine chains together for stunning effect.

A bold statement necklace or dramatic earrings (though not together) also turn it into an occasion! 

Looking good means feeling good!

It all depends on the occasion and how dressed up you believe the other people in your group will be. So if you're really struggling to pull your outfit together don't hesitate to ask what other people will be wearing. They may need some reassurance too!

After the event it’s good to be objective about the outfit you wore. Were you happy with your choice? Did you feel comfortable? If not, why not? 

This will help to pull together smart casual outfits in the future. Outfits that not only look good and are appropriate, but make you feel special. 

Why not take a photo of an outfit you were pleased with. Recognizing the colors and styles that suit you allowing you to feel confident and beautiful will make a huge difference to your self esteem.