Smart casual outfit ideas: 7 stylish looks that will navigate this tricky dress code
One of the hardest dress codes to decipher, these smart casual outfit ideas will help you nail this look
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When it comes to smart casual outfit ideas, the mere mention of this dress code can send even the most stylish of dresses into a sartorial meltdown. Not overly formal, but not too casual either, finding the perfect smart casual outfit sweet spot can take some practice.
A phrase originally coined in the mid-twenties, smart casual dress codes originally referred to men’s clothing, suggesting suits of less heavy fabrics, in more unconventional colors, could be worn to certain events. However, since then, the term has encompassed all categories and is regularly bounded around for events of all kinds, leaving plenty of outfit anxiety. Celebrity stylist Natalie Robinson believes the term is too open and that’s why it’s often daunting to dress for those occasions that call for smart casual.
“Smart casual can be confusing as they are opposites - like chalk and cheese. The term smart casual is not specific, giving us free rein to experiment with contrasting styles. (Making it) challenging to balance casual and smart attire,” she says.
Not only is it a smart casual dress code open to interpretation, but what constitutes smart casual can have some flex depending on the invite. While jeans could work for a smart casual birthday party, they’d be a definite fashion no go if it was a wedding invite, but smart casual in the office could render jeans suitable once more, but add a blazer for a little more polish. When it comes to smart casual outfits it's all about finding the perfect balance between being relaxed, and smartly put together. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style.” But if in doubt, play it safe and wear something that wouldn’t go amiss at your 9 to 5.
7 smart casual outfit ideas to solve those sartorial meltdowns
If you're really stuck for inspiration and need some smart casual outfit ideas, we’ve compiled seven smart casual looks that will help you navigate this tricky dress code with ease.
1. Smart casual dress outfits
A failsafe option is without a doubt a midi or knee-length dress. The best midi dresses are those that are made from silk or viscose, rather than more casual cotton or denim fabrications. A favorite of Kate Middleton for smart casual invites, the wrap dress is a great choice for this dress code. How you wear a wrap dress will depend on the occasion, but teaming with a pair of heels, sleek pumps or a smart pair of the best knee-high boots is a good start. Avoid mini-length dresses or anything too flesh-baring.
Styling tip: “Accessories make or break an outfit as well as enhance smart casual looks,” says Natalie. “My three tips to make a dress casual-smart are to add a belt for a cinched waist, wear a leather jacket and add ankle boots.”
RRP: $369 / £240 | Known for making some of the best dresses, Needle & Thread is usually our go-to for the best wedding guest dresses, however, this pretty floral frock can be dresses down for a smart casual outfit idea, just add a denim jacket.
RRP: $69.50 / £58.40 | These wedges have a washed denim hue to them, making them ideal for smart casual attire. The wedged heel and bowed front finish allow them to tap into current spring/summer shoe trends 2023, marking the return to strappy sandal silhouettes.
RRP: $55 / £55 | The best crossbody bags offer a hands-free finish, that even when as chic as this design, deliver a slightly more laidback feel. The creamy hue, plus the gold hardware ensure this bag can be worn on the weekend or to a wedding.
2. Smart Casual Jeans outfits
While jeans are a no go for super formal events such as what to wear to a wedding, denim can be worked into your smart casual outfit ideas under certain conditions.
“A popular way to achieve a smart casual look is to pair items of different formality levels,” advises Natalie, who suggests making jeans smart casual appropriate by pairing them with with more tailored styles such as a blazer or a fitted shirt.
Looking polished will always help with the smart casual dress code so if you’re choosing jeans, keep everything else fitted and formal. Think a nice top with a pair of jeans - a crisp white shirt or a pretty chiffon blouse with a Peter Pan collar will help keep this outfit on the smart side of casual.
It’s also about the fit and the wash of your chosen jeans too. The best jeans for smart casual outfits will be in a darker blue denim or black and a more slim-fitting style – a straight leg or flared jean works well for smart casual. If you're wondering how to style baggy jeans for a more polished finish, go for a slightly slimmer leg style, rather than overly loose and keep the rest of the look tailored. One thing that is non-negotiable, however, is ripped jeans. While these work for informal events, for anything smart casual, leave distressed jeans in your wardrobe.
Styling tip: Choosing darker denim not only makes the outfit smarter - ideal for channeling the Stealth Wealth look, but it also has amazing leg lengthening properties. If you're wondering how to style flared jeans for smart casual, choose a pair that are slightly longer than normal and team with high heels for legs that will go on for days.
RRP: $264.04 / £215 | Victoria Beckham knows the power of the best wide-leg jeans. Super stylish when worn long over a heel, they also help create an elongated silhouette, regardless of height. Not sure how to style wide leg jeans? Keep the top half simple and tucked in for a clean and well balanced ensemble.
RRP: $308 / £179 | Tweed jackets are a classic, making them perfect for any smart casual outfit idea. Being cropped, this one will work particularly well with high waisted jeans or pants as it nips you in at your narrowest point, highlighting your waist, and if you’re on the petite side, it won't swamp your figure either.
RRP: $65 / £40 | A camisole-style top is a layering essential. While they look great on their own when wondering what to wear in the heat, they offer added elegance under oversized shirts or blazers, especially when they have interesting and directional details such as a scalloped neckline, or a stitched edge.
3. Smart Casual Skirt outfits
If in doubt, a skirt is always a good choice as it can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it. The only looks to avoid for a smart casual dress code is anything too body con or super short, but aside from that, have fun mixing and matching cuts and colors. If the event is on the more conservative side, stick to muted tones such as blacks, whites, navy, creams and beiges.
While a smart shirt or blouse tucked in always looks great, the same goes for a sweater, especially, when it’s worn with a French tuck, where you just tuck the front in. So chic and laidback - and definitely smart casual. For a smart casual outfit you can also inject a denim skirt here in a dark wash, similarly to jeans you'll want a non-distressed version that's a slim A-line design.
Styling tip: Heels aren’t always necessary for a smart casual skirt outfit and in fact, this could be the perfect time to dig out your dressy flats, such as ballet slippers, loafers, mules and brogues all work well with a midi-length skirt - and are very much part of the spring/summer fashion trends 2023.
RRP: $130 / £90 | A pretty pleated skirt is always good for any occasion, whether you’ve run out of brunch outfit ideas or need something cute for what to wear on a first date. This navy blue tulle design is a chic alternative to faded denim and delivers Carrie Bradshaw vibes.
RRP: $49.99 / £29.99 | Digital lavender was named WGSN's Color of the Year 2023 and this pastel knit will work well tucked into skirts, jeans, or pants. Adding a white shirt underneath will also make this more office appropriate for double the wear.
RRP: $185 / £150 | The best white trainers will work with any of your smart casual outfit ideas and this Veja pair mix sporty with smart. These sneakers are made from responsibly sourced leather and will go with everything in your wardrobe.
4. Smart Casual Blazer outfits
If your outfit needs an added dose of smart, a blazer is an ideal example of what to wear over a dress - it literally puts the smart into smart casual! When it comes to how to style a blazer for this dress code, think of teaming less formal items with one, such as a pair of your best skinny jeans, a pleated midi skirt or even some silky tracksuit bottoms - yes, really. Blazers are also great for throwing on over a dress, especially if you’re not sure how smart your outfit should be - it can always be removed if everyone else is dressed a lot more casually.
In fact, if you have a relatively casual dress code at work, keeping a tailored blazer on the back of your chair means you're ready for last minute meetings in a jiffy.
Styling tip: Match the color of your blazer to your accessories for a super chic finishing touch.
RRP: $69.90 / £38 | A black blazer is a perennial style favorite; however, a khaki blazer offers a gentler, slightly less formal choice. This one in a soft twill is oversized, making it the perfect accompaniment for more fluid bottom halves, such as a floaty midi skirt or wide-legged cream pants.
RRP: $160 / £98 | Cream pants always feel luxe and are a great when it comes to smart casual outfit ideas. The pleat fronted, ankle hem cut of these Reiss pants mean they’re also ideal for showing off shoes - from ankle boots to the best loafers. Slip some stain remover wipes into your bag for emergencies.
RRP: £89 (UK only) | Have we found one of the best tote bags around? We think so. It’s roomy enough to carry your life around in, yet totally stylish. From city living to pool side fun, this straw tote with tan trim is the bag that will keep you looking chic all summer long, we love that there are two ways to carry too.
5. Smart Casual Blouse outfits
A pretty blouse has a more laidback feel than a tailored shirt, so works perfectly in most smart casual outfit ideas.
Choose the blouse first and then create the outfit around it. If your blouse is patterned, embellished or contains ruffles, make sure the bottom half is sleeker - such as a dark pair of jeans or color block culottes. A more minimal blouse can take more volume on the bottom half and would suit a full circle skirt or a wide legged pair of pants.
Styling tip: Opt for a floatier fit for an easy-to-wear and chic smart casual outfit. A silky blouse tucked into a white midi skirt feels fresh and modern and perfect for a smart casual dress code.
RRP: $78 / £76 | Borrowing an androgynous boxy cut from the boys, this khaki blouse has a more relaxed fit and asymmetric hem for a softer feel. This classic neutral hue will pair with everything.
RRP: $145 / £185 | Tailored pants are a super useful piece to keep in your summer capsule wardrobe. Effortlessly elegant, these Alyson pants will work for formal and more casual occasions, dependent on the top and shoes you pair them with.
RRP: $140 / £110 | This pair of pumps elevate a traditional loafer shape to something more modern. Made from buttery soft leather, slip a pair into your bag for when you're tired of heels, these are excellent Quiet Luxury shoes.
6. Smart Casual Jumpsuit outfits
Jumpsuits were made for this dress code - they’re smart, yet laidback, and come in various styles to suit any occasion. When it comes to finding the most flattering jumpsuit for smart casual outfit ideas, avoid anything too dressy or too casual - capes, boilersuits, those that bare too much flesh or tuxedo-style jumpsuits are out. While you can never go wrong with black or navy, a subtle pattern or bright color is a good choice and with the right accessories, such as a simple handbag or necklace, you’re good to go.
Styling tip: Choosing a plain jumpsuit? Inject a touch of color with some bright heels or bag.
RRP: $79.99 / £49.99 | A one-stop outfit, a jumpsuit is the perfect choice for so many smart casual events. This blue and white printed design will add the wow factor to any look. Dress up with a blazer or make it more casual with a denim jacket.
RRP: $165 / £160 | Loafers are the smart shoe your capsule wardrobe has been waiting for. When considering how to style loafers, this androgynous shoe works particularly well with tailored looks, such as pants or well-fitted jumpsuits.
RRP: $68 / £47 | A simple outfit needs statement earrings and these ones by Hey Harper have the added benefit of being waterproof, which makes them the perfect for holiday outfit ideas too. Still part of the jewelry trends 2023, gold hoops are a staple.
7. Smart casual Co-ord outfits
While a full-on suit may be too formal for a smart casual dress code, a co-ord set just the right tone. As one of the many trends 2023 isn’t giving up on, there are plenty of different styles to choose from, however, a co-ord skirt or trouser outfit is probably the safest option here. Look for subtle patterns and silky fabrics to give it a smarter edge.
And if you really do want to wear a suit, team with box white trainers and a fitted tee to dress it down a bit. Alternatively choose a sleeveless blazer to team with your trousers to make it feel less like business attire.
Styling tip: Natalie says this look can be elevated by a clever choice of accessories.
“Classic white trainers would add a casual element to a smart co-ord outfit,” she explains. “If the latter is casual, on the other hand, you could incorporate a pair of open-back loafers, earrings and a clutch bag to create a smart-casual look.”
RRP: $49.90 / £35.99 | A loose fitting, laidback shirt that works well with the matching wide-legged pants, it will also style easily with the rest of your wardrobe. Tuck into black pants for work or throw on over a vest top and shorts for a chilled out holiday vibe.
RRP: $49.90 / £35.99 | Pajama style pantss are not only the height of comfort, but also super stylish. Team with the matching shirt or your best white t-shirt for daytime chic. Dress them up with a one-shoulder bodysuit and heels for a party vibe.
Are jeans out for smart casual?
According to Debretts, the world-leading guide on etiquette, jeans can be smart casual, but only when the event or place you’re heading to is seen as more laid back one and when well selected, jeans can be business casual too. However, jeans would be a real no-no at a smart casual wedding.
For stylist Natalie, it’s all about the style.
“Dark wash boot-cut jeans look smart, whereas light wash cuffed boyfriend jeans are more relaxed,” she says.
If in doubt, she advises, to ditch the jeans and choose pants or a skirt instead!
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With over 22 years’ experience in journalism, Jayne has written about a variety of subjects. She spent the start of her career within the world of film, interviewing Hollywood stars, attending premieres and lusting after red carpet outfits, and then moved into fashion, launching websites for big magazines such as Look, Woman’s Own and Wedding and working with top fashion brands such as Westfield, LK Bennett and Hunter.
Career highlights include dressing up as Kylie (in gold hot pants!) for a national newspaper and working on big fashion events alongside Giles Deacon, Henry Holland and Naomi Campbell.
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