What to Wear for Smart Casual?
29 Mar 2024
One of the important qualities of a person who has good taste is dressing appropriately. This means understanding how to look harmonious in the context of setting, place, and time. Usually, our outfits are hints to us about one's sense. For example, they can convey our attitude and participation in certain events (on invitations to conferences, weddings, birthdays, etc.) as well as in the workplace.
The smart casual style was formed more than 50 years ago when office workers from America and Europe began to appear at work in informal, comfortable, and practical clothes. Smart casual (or "a little loose") is one of the controversial styles nowadays. People say and write about it quite a lot, and it is difficult to formulate a precise definition of this style. Office laconism and comfort of casual style - this is how stylists characterize smart casual.
Now you can safely come to the office in a T-shirt and it will look elegant. The main thing is to combine and find the right balance between casual and business styles. This style is preferred by business, purposeful, and active fashion lovers who want to look impeccable in any situation. They can create a stylish smart casual outfit without epatage and be flawless in details. Let's understand what you can wear for smart casual dress code.
The smart casual style was formed more than 50 years ago when office workers from America and Europe began to appear at work in informal, comfortable, and practical clothes. Smart casual (or "a little loose") is one of the controversial styles nowadays. People say and write about it quite a lot, and it is difficult to formulate a precise definition of this style. Office laconism and comfort of casual style - this is how stylists characterize smart casual.
Now you can safely come to the office in a T-shirt and it will look elegant. The main thing is to combine and find the right balance between casual and business styles. This style is preferred by business, purposeful, and active fashion lovers who want to look impeccable in any situation. They can create a stylish smart casual outfit without epatage and be flawless in details. Let's understand what you can wear for smart casual dress code.
What’s the Difference Between Smart Casual and Casual?
Casual style is comfortable and practical, it involves a minimal amount of accessories.
The smart casual style remains as casual as ever but becomes more refined and structured. It is characterized by the presence of details that allow you to create a harmonious image that is more suitable for a working environment.
The smart casual style remains as casual as ever but becomes more refined and structured. It is characterized by the presence of details that allow you to create a harmonious image that is more suitable for a working environment.
Smart Casual Attire Guide for Women
In fact, the smart casual style is a vivid representative of such a fusion, representing the "arithmetic mean" between relaxed casual style and business clothes, not lacking a certain elegance. If in men this direction is not very pronounced, then in women's closet smart casual is clothing, which simultaneously traces the office dress code, and comfortable ease of urban style, and grace, elegance of the whole image as a whole.
General principles of creating images in smart casual style
Perhaps the key points when choosing clothes in this style will be very good quality materials and minimal decorative trim. The simplicity of the style, clean lines, laconic design, good fit on the figure without deliberately emphasizing the lines of the body, soft color palette, and classic pattern - all these factors should also be taken into account.
To create an image that will work perfectly a set of basic things that, depending on the material, can be used with equal success in both warm and cold seasons. Of course, every woman can have her own basic set, so just as a guide, I will offer you a list that can and should be changed to suit your own needs, your body type, and so on:
laconic dress (shift or slipcase);
pencil skirt;
classic jeans (can be slightly shortened), chinos, straight pants with arrows;
a long cardigan made of shape-holding knitwear or any other smooth fabric;
a traditional or Chanel-style tweed jacket;
classic comfortable shoes with low or medium heels (loafers, loafers, loafers);
laconic sweater/sweatshirt;
a blouse/shirt/white T-shirt made of high-quality knitwear.
For smart casual style, all things should fit well, do not restrain movements, and do not cause any physical or mental discomfort. High-quality materials are the key to elegance, and the versatility of these things, manifested in their interchangeability, allows you to quickly change the image, for example, from business to casual.
Fabric and cut
The smart casual style is characterized by the use of mostly "noble and restrained" fabrics with a smooth texture. In summer, linen, cotton, and viscose fit well into the style; in the cold season, wool and cashmere work perfectly. But textured or materials with a shiny texture are not suitable for use in this style, so velvet, satin, lace, and velour are better left for other situations.
Also, simplicity and sophistication are traced in the cut: all clothes should sit well on the figure, do not tighten it, and do not try to emphasize especially seductive lines. Clothes should not be very fitted, but too loose things do not fit into the smart casual concept either. There should always be a small space between the body and the clothes: such a fit both looks relevant in the light of modern trends and provides physical comfort.
Color palette
As with the finishing, everything here has aristocratic restraint: cream, white, gray, black, dark blue, burgundy - all the typical basic colors in smart casual style are used as widely as possible. You can complement them with pastel shades of consonant colors, moreover, most often the classic combination is used: light top/dark bottom. Do not combine more than three colors in one image, it will avoid overload and add balance. This style is characterized by simplicity.
If a monochrome closet seems boring, a restrained pattern will help to dilute it: light cell or stripe, not very large peas, "houndtooth". But bright drawings, catchy inscriptions, neon shades, very juicy colors, and other accents are not friendly with the smart casual style, so like the expressive texture of the fabric, they are better left for other occasions.
General principles of creating images in smart casual style
Perhaps the key points when choosing clothes in this style will be very good quality materials and minimal decorative trim. The simplicity of the style, clean lines, laconic design, good fit on the figure without deliberately emphasizing the lines of the body, soft color palette, and classic pattern - all these factors should also be taken into account.
To create an image that will work perfectly a set of basic things that, depending on the material, can be used with equal success in both warm and cold seasons. Of course, every woman can have her own basic set, so just as a guide, I will offer you a list that can and should be changed to suit your own needs, your body type, and so on:
laconic dress (shift or slipcase);
pencil skirt;
classic jeans (can be slightly shortened), chinos, straight pants with arrows;
a long cardigan made of shape-holding knitwear or any other smooth fabric;
a traditional or Chanel-style tweed jacket;
classic comfortable shoes with low or medium heels (loafers, loafers, loafers);
laconic sweater/sweatshirt;
a blouse/shirt/white T-shirt made of high-quality knitwear.
For smart casual style, all things should fit well, do not restrain movements, and do not cause any physical or mental discomfort. High-quality materials are the key to elegance, and the versatility of these things, manifested in their interchangeability, allows you to quickly change the image, for example, from business to casual.
Fabric and cut
The smart casual style is characterized by the use of mostly "noble and restrained" fabrics with a smooth texture. In summer, linen, cotton, and viscose fit well into the style; in the cold season, wool and cashmere work perfectly. But textured or materials with a shiny texture are not suitable for use in this style, so velvet, satin, lace, and velour are better left for other situations.
Also, simplicity and sophistication are traced in the cut: all clothes should sit well on the figure, do not tighten it, and do not try to emphasize especially seductive lines. Clothes should not be very fitted, but too loose things do not fit into the smart casual concept either. There should always be a small space between the body and the clothes: such a fit both looks relevant in the light of modern trends and provides physical comfort.
Color palette
As with the finishing, everything here has aristocratic restraint: cream, white, gray, black, dark blue, burgundy - all the typical basic colors in smart casual style are used as widely as possible. You can complement them with pastel shades of consonant colors, moreover, most often the classic combination is used: light top/dark bottom. Do not combine more than three colors in one image, it will avoid overload and add balance. This style is characterized by simplicity.
If a monochrome closet seems boring, a restrained pattern will help to dilute it: light cell or stripe, not very large peas, "houndtooth". But bright drawings, catchy inscriptions, neon shades, very juicy colors, and other accents are not friendly with the smart casual style, so like the expressive texture of the fabric, they are better left for other occasions.
The Items to Have in Your Smart Casual Wardrobe
The goal of a smart closet is to create versatile looks that are appropriate for different situations. If you're not sure whether you've got a smart casual outfit, answer four questions:
Can you go to the office in it? Let's not take companies with a strict dress code, but an ordinary, average office, where each employee knows the right to dress to his taste within reason;
Whether the resulting look is appropriate for going to the movies with friends or a walk in the park, whether it will not look like you mixed up the office and the movie theater;
Whether you can go to a bar or restaurant in this outfit;
Whether the outfit would be suitable for a more social event - opening an exhibition, attending a book launch, or a fashion show.
If you answered "yes" to all the questions, congratulations - you've managed to create a smart casual look. Please note that when we talk about whether an outfit is appropriate for a particular situation, we take the generally accepted rules of appearance as the norm, a little averaged. The goal is to understand how appropriate and harmonious your outfit will be with the environment you are in and the people there.
A successful look is when you walk into any room, regardless of the event or the people in it, everyone in the room will think about how good you look. To get away from the theory a little bit and practice your smart-casual look, here's a list of basic items that can be used to create stylish smart-casual outfits.
Top. Solid-colored, semi-fitted, or loose, but not oversized. Both simple and interesting models with details are allowed, but without fanaticism;
Shirt. Buy a basic shirt of a calm color, and in addition - a shirt with lantern sleeves;
Jacket. It is impossible to imagine a modern closet without it, and even more so the smart casual style. Wear it with a pantsuit, skirt, or dress - it looks great. But with one condition - the coat should be an actual cut and style. Straight cut coats and oversize models are suitable for the office, and fitted versions with a hood, shapeless soft collar, huge accent buttons, and an abundance of decorative details and stitching are not suitable.
If in your closet hang antitrends, and you want (and need!) to be stylish - there is a reason to go shopping. Pay attention to the quality of the lining and composition - these are the factors that will make the coat look either expensive and noble, or cheap and ridiculous.
Cotton T-shirts and tank tops. The clothes that you can't do without in smart casual style are T-shirts in white or neutral shades. They add a relaxed feel to the look and help balance out stricter or more elegant clothing.
Skirt. Monotone, it is possible to choose a model of rich color and unusual material - for example, leather or eco-leather. Universal style - pencil, but you can pick up something more interesting. Length - just above the knee. Avoid mini and maxi skirts, as they distort the formality, which is somehow present in smart-casual;
Shirt dress. A versatile closet item that is appropriate for almost any event. The color scheme, as in the entire closet is restrained. The length of dresses, as well as skirts, is just above or below the knee. Mini and maxi are contraindicated. If the figure allows - consider a knitted dress. It is acceptable to pick up the length of midi. For the summer season will be suitable and lighter, flying models, but preferably in basic colors and without a provocative pattern;
Wide or straight pants. Loose linen or cotton pants with a high fit will be a great base for summer looks in a smart casual style. For the cold period, it is better to choose straight-cut pants made of denser materials.
Monochrome jeans. Perfectly fitting jeans, straight or skinny cut, are an indispensable element of smart casual style. Choose minimalistic and monochrome models, without cuts and scuffs.
Shoes and accessories. The color and style of shoes in the first place should meet the situation for which they are selected (for example, the need to comply with the dress code), and of course, they are also selected for reasons of practicality. The easiest way to combine smart casual clothing with black, dark brown, or dark blue shoes, although experiments with other basic colors can be no less successful.
The shoes are also required that it does not leave an open toe and heel (ideally, although such options are not uncommon), are stable, and not have too high heels, because one of the basic conditions of this style is comfort, convenience, and practicality. But the craving for comfort should not outweigh grace, and that is why the "style of casual elegance" does not allow the use of sneakers, slippers, sandals, shoes without backs, and other casual options.
Some people may think that smart casual is a boring trend, but in fact, it has a lot of room for self-expression. Now many people prefer it because there are no strict frames in it. The main thing is freedom, looseness, and inspiration, so that you can harmonize absolutely not combined things. Try different images and set accents, and you will definitely find the way to your uniqueness.
Can you go to the office in it? Let's not take companies with a strict dress code, but an ordinary, average office, where each employee knows the right to dress to his taste within reason;
Whether the resulting look is appropriate for going to the movies with friends or a walk in the park, whether it will not look like you mixed up the office and the movie theater;
Whether you can go to a bar or restaurant in this outfit;
Whether the outfit would be suitable for a more social event - opening an exhibition, attending a book launch, or a fashion show.
If you answered "yes" to all the questions, congratulations - you've managed to create a smart casual look. Please note that when we talk about whether an outfit is appropriate for a particular situation, we take the generally accepted rules of appearance as the norm, a little averaged. The goal is to understand how appropriate and harmonious your outfit will be with the environment you are in and the people there.
A successful look is when you walk into any room, regardless of the event or the people in it, everyone in the room will think about how good you look. To get away from the theory a little bit and practice your smart-casual look, here's a list of basic items that can be used to create stylish smart-casual outfits.
Top. Solid-colored, semi-fitted, or loose, but not oversized. Both simple and interesting models with details are allowed, but without fanaticism;
Shirt. Buy a basic shirt of a calm color, and in addition - a shirt with lantern sleeves;
Jacket. It is impossible to imagine a modern closet without it, and even more so the smart casual style. Wear it with a pantsuit, skirt, or dress - it looks great. But with one condition - the coat should be an actual cut and style. Straight cut coats and oversize models are suitable for the office, and fitted versions with a hood, shapeless soft collar, huge accent buttons, and an abundance of decorative details and stitching are not suitable.
If in your closet hang antitrends, and you want (and need!) to be stylish - there is a reason to go shopping. Pay attention to the quality of the lining and composition - these are the factors that will make the coat look either expensive and noble, or cheap and ridiculous.
Cotton T-shirts and tank tops. The clothes that you can't do without in smart casual style are T-shirts in white or neutral shades. They add a relaxed feel to the look and help balance out stricter or more elegant clothing.
Skirt. Monotone, it is possible to choose a model of rich color and unusual material - for example, leather or eco-leather. Universal style - pencil, but you can pick up something more interesting. Length - just above the knee. Avoid mini and maxi skirts, as they distort the formality, which is somehow present in smart-casual;
Shirt dress. A versatile closet item that is appropriate for almost any event. The color scheme, as in the entire closet is restrained. The length of dresses, as well as skirts, is just above or below the knee. Mini and maxi are contraindicated. If the figure allows - consider a knitted dress. It is acceptable to pick up the length of midi. For the summer season will be suitable and lighter, flying models, but preferably in basic colors and without a provocative pattern;
Wide or straight pants. Loose linen or cotton pants with a high fit will be a great base for summer looks in a smart casual style. For the cold period, it is better to choose straight-cut pants made of denser materials.
Monochrome jeans. Perfectly fitting jeans, straight or skinny cut, are an indispensable element of smart casual style. Choose minimalistic and monochrome models, without cuts and scuffs.
Shoes and accessories. The color and style of shoes in the first place should meet the situation for which they are selected (for example, the need to comply with the dress code), and of course, they are also selected for reasons of practicality. The easiest way to combine smart casual clothing with black, dark brown, or dark blue shoes, although experiments with other basic colors can be no less successful.
The shoes are also required that it does not leave an open toe and heel (ideally, although such options are not uncommon), are stable, and not have too high heels, because one of the basic conditions of this style is comfort, convenience, and practicality. But the craving for comfort should not outweigh grace, and that is why the "style of casual elegance" does not allow the use of sneakers, slippers, sandals, shoes without backs, and other casual options.
Some people may think that smart casual is a boring trend, but in fact, it has a lot of room for self-expression. Now many people prefer it because there are no strict frames in it. The main thing is freedom, looseness, and inspiration, so that you can harmonize absolutely not combined things. Try different images and set accents, and you will definitely find the way to your uniqueness.
previous post
