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Smart casual is one of the hardest dress codes for women, covering elements of professional, cocktail and casual attire. Picking out the perfect outfit can be daunting but it doesn’t have to be hard — you may already own all the elements required.
What is smart casual?
Smart casual outfits are all about finding the perfect balance between relaxed and still professional. Think tailored pants with a tee or jeans paired with a blouse or blazer.
A smart casual dress code can also depend on the type of event. Is it during the day? Is it for work? Once you’ve sorted out the feel of the event then you can decide what sort of clothes work best. For something outside of the office, a more casual dress will work, while an outfit for a professional event could be smartened up with a blazer.
We’ve rounded up the do’s and don’ts of choosing the perfect smart casual dress code outfit below — because getting dressed shouldn’t have to be painful!
Smart casual dress code do’s
- Choose high quality materials. Opt for smooth materials like silk and viscose, or structured pieces made of high-quality cotton and linen.
- Add a blazer. It’ll usually dress up any outfit!
- Choose accessories that complete your look. Earrings, necklaces, rings and even a handbag can all help dress up casual or dress down professional for the right smart casual mix.
- Wear comfortable shoes with a bit of style. They don’t have to be heels, but steer clear of sneakers or anything dirty. The aim is to look professional without being too overdressed.
- Check if there are specific examples of the ‘smart casual’ dress code. For example, airport lounges often state that you can’t wear thongs (flip-flops) or track suits.
Are jeans OK for smart casual dress codes?
Yes, you can wear jeans as part of a smart casual outfit but make sure they are on the smarter side, with high-quality denim and a flattering cut. A nice pair of black jeans are usually the safest bet. In fact, black jeans have even been worn in the Parliament of Victoria by women including Fiona Patten and Ali Cupper.
Just avoid styles with rips, frayed edges or slouchy cuts that appear too casual or off-duty. If in doubt, check with the event organiser that jeans are OK.
Smart casual dress code don’ts
- Don’t wear too many prints. Unless you’re going to a creative event, a smart casual dress code usually means muted neutrals with maybe just a pop of colour. Blacks, whites, creams and beiges are always a safe bet. If you do want to wear a print, opt for something tailored and dress up the rest of your outfit to match. For example a patterned blouse with black slacks.
- Avoid just wearing business clothes. Smart casual for women doesn’t really mean a pencil skirt and white shirt. If you’re attending a wedding or other non-work event, you could opt for a polished knee-length dress or chic pair of trousers — both of which can be just as dressed up as a blazer in the right context.
- Don’t go too casual with your clothes. Revealing tops, super short skirts or shorts should not be part of a smart casual outfit. The same goes for leggings and other activewear. The ideal smart casual outfit should be one you could wear from the office to drinks without too many changes.
What is smart casual for weddings and events?
Smart casual is one of the most popular dress codes for weddings, engagements and other celebratory events. Although it offers a fair amount of freedom, be sure not to get too dressed up — it’s not quite cocktail attire. But also, don’t go too casual.
Depending on the time of day, a failsafe outfit is a knee length, midi or maxi dress or skirt, paired with nice shoes and a dressy bag. It’s the right mix of smart and casual, and you can find versions of this outfit that are flattering for pretty much all women.
What do I wear for a smart casual dress code in summer?
Summer is the easiest season for a smart casual outfits, as a polished dress can often suffice. For something different, you could go for a collared shirt paired with a sleek slip skirt and a pair of chic sandals.
What do I wear for a smart casual dress code in winter?
In winter, smart casual can mean anything from a warm dress with coat to a pair of trousers and a shirt. Take cues from the invite and go with your gut. Remember, a classic blazer or coat will instantly dress up a more casual outfit. But make sure what’s under the blazer or coat also fits with the smart casual dress code so you’re not stuck wearing it if you get too hot.
Celebrity smart casual outfit inspiration
Sometimes, it helps to view examples of women wearing smart casual outfits so you can choose your own. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite celebrity examples that show off the smart casual dress code.
1. Margot Robbie in jeans, blazer and buttoned shirt
Margot Robbie’s street style is often a great example of the smart casual dress code, with oversized blazers and jeans a core part of her look. Adding a classic button-up shirt, or an oversized one to match the blazer, can be another way to bring both “smart” and “casual” together.
2. Kendall Jenner’s denim midi dress
She can be daring with her styles, but this outfit from Kendall Jenner is a great example of smart casual. The denim dress is cut to a flattering midi-length and the boots are smart with a hint of glam.
3. Kaia Gerber’s layered suit
This outfit leans towards the “smart” aspect of smart casual dress codes, but the bright colour and hints of texture from the top underneath her jacket mean you could take this outfit from the office to drinks any day of the week.
4. Gigi Hadid in neutral tones
Wearing an outfit in white, cream, black or other neutrals is often a safe way to create a smart casual look. In this case, Gigi Hadid’s creamy white shirt and pants are complemented by a deep brown leather belt and pale yellow shoes, plus necklaces that include variations of these shades. It’s chic, smart and casual all in one.
5. Elsa Hosk bringing beauty to beige
This outfit is another example of neutral tones and styling that blends smart and casual. Here, Elsa Hosk has gone for a wide-leg tailored pant and an oversized cardigan that might not pair so well together if they weren’t matching shades. The white turtleneck adds a touch of refinement to the look, too.
6. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s statement jacket
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has kept her look neutral here, with dark top and pants. The oversized tan jacket adds a sense of “casual” but looks like expensive leather – a lesson in both colour and quality of materials.
7. Victoria Beckham’s smart clothes in vibrant colours
An outfit like this in neutral colours could easily be business attire, but Victoria Beckham’s use of bold colours adds a playfulness to the look. It’s topped off by the textures in her grey blazer for a look that nails the smart casual dress code brief but could also look sophisticated in certain board rooms.
8. Emily Ratajkowski in a draped dress and boots
The straps of this dress might not be appropriate for all smart casual dress codes, but the length and boots make it a great example for more relaxed events. Think engagement parties or art exhibitions and you’d fit right in.
9. Kate Middleton in a perfect smart casual outfit
Kate Middleton’s outfit is a perfect example of classic ‘smart casual’, with tailored pants and a jacket over the top of a simple white shirt made from a luxurious looking fabric.
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