What is a Smart Casual Dress Code for Women?
Our Style Team is here to answer your questions and one that comes up a lot is: What is a smart casual dress code? At first glance, these contradicting terms don’t seem like an obvious pairing and yet, it’s an established dress code. So, what do you actually wear?
Our Design Manager and Style Team member, Rebecca is here to help you master the smart casual dress code with outfit ideas, styling tips, and key pieces for every season and occasion.
SHOP SMART CASUAL STYLE
What is smart casual for women?
Smart casual is a way of blending comfort with a polished finish. This dress code is all about balance, not rules. The main thing to remember is not to lean too far into formal or very casual and blend a piece from each side to create a hybrid smart casual outfit. A key styling trick is blending silhouettes, so for example - a blazer adds structure to a more relaxed t-shirt and jeans base.
Smart casual is often the dress code for an office or workplace, but it can tip into the celebration world too, where a more casual dress can be elevated to smart through clever accessory styling.
Overall, it’s all about pairing pieces together that look considered but also reflect your own personal style. And if you’re wondering how to do that - don’t worry, I’ve outlined some key styles to go for below.
What is smart casual for women?
Smart casual is a way of blending comfort with a polished finish. This dress code is all about balance, not rules. The main thing to remember is not to lean too far into formal or very casual and blend a piece from each side to create a hybrid smart casual outfit. A key styling trick is blending silhouettes, so for example - a blazer adds structure to a more relaxed t-shirt and jeans base.
Smart casual is often the dress code for an office or workplace, but it can tip into the celebration world too, where a more casual dress can be elevated to smart through clever accessory styling.
Overall, it’s all about pairing pieces together that look considered but also reflect your own personal style. And if you’re wondering how to do that - don’t worry, I’ve outlined some key styles to go for below.
How can I build a smart casual wardrobe?
The key here is nailing the styling. Jeans, for example, can be very casual, but worn with heeled boots and a shirt or blouse and in a darker blue or black wash, are absolutely a staple in your smart casual wardrobe. Other key pieces you could invest in are:
- Blazer - this versatile piece will instantly elevate a simple jeans and t-shirt outfit
- Shirt dress - if your office has this dress code then a shirt dress is a must. We have a range of colours and prints, so you can pick one that works for your individual style.
- Relaxed jacket - you might not have thought of adding this style to your rotation but paired with tailored trousers, it’s a contemporary finish to any smart casual look.
- Printed blouse - This is the piece that will always make you look pulled together and take you from desk to dinner by just adding jewellery and heels.
- Shoes - when it comes to shoes, they can totally change the tone of your outfit. Switching from ankle boots for an office smart casual look to kitten heels, takes the same outfit into evening out territory, both in the smart casual dress code.
- Structured cardigan - Knitwear with a little structure is the perfect way to bridge the gap between casual and put together.
- Wide leg trousers - this classic shape is both stylish and flattering - it always gives a polished edge.
- Scarves - You can easily boost your smart-casual look with accessories - scarves are trending now and a really stylish way to add a personal twist to an outfit. Same goes for bold necklaces and earrings.
How can I make my smart casual wardrobe work through the seasons?
The same principles of your core smart capsule wardrobe outlined in the above question still stands and lots of styles like jeans, dresses and blazers are so versatile they will see you through all seasons but, I’d advise layering on these elements too for your seasonal switch:
The same principles of your core smart capsule wardrobe outlined in the above question still stands and lots of styles like jeans, dresses and blazers are so versatile they will see you through all seasons but, I’d advise layering on these elements too for your seasonal switch:
Spring / Summer
Smart Casual
The warmer weather calls for lighter colours and layers in breathable fabrics. There’s a reason linen and cotton feature so much in our spring/summer collections, they are perfect for giving a smart silhouette that won’t make you too hot.
Our summer dresses and skirts are taken from casual to smart casual by simply adding an espadrille or heeled sandal. Similarly, wide leg linen trousers - in black or white - will be your hardest working smart casual style through these months as they can be worn day or night and give you an instantly elevated look.
Autumn / Winter
Smart Casual
The colder months lend themselves to layering so make sure you consider each piece - knitwear with a slight structure or interest texture is ideal when worn with a tailored trouser or some bootcut jeans. While knee boots under midi dresses automatically give a polished finish.
A tailored wool coat will be your most-worn piece and instantly elevate your casual foundations to a sleek winter outfit.
So there you have it! My tips for mastering the smart casual dress code, I hope you found them useful. You can layer in different fabrics and colours per season but once you nail the capsule smart casual pieces that work for you, you will re-wear them all year round. Just remember, it’s all about balance, versatility and wearing pieces that truly make you feel like you!
