The Smart Casual Code

My fiance has gone away on a work conference for a few days, and last night he was asking my opinion on what he should take with him as the dress code was ''smart casual''. 

It got me thinking, how often are we invited to a work event, a function or party where the dress code is ''smart casual''? And how often are we standing in our wardrobe wondering what would pass and what wouldn't pass. Is this too casual, is this too over the top? Well - we are here to help you out!

Here's how to rock the ''smart casual'' look!

First of all, check your weather app! You need to figure out what sort of look you are going for. If it's 10 degrees, you're not going to want to be walking around in a skirt and blouse. 

Think about choosing the right clothing for the right weather and venue. 

Pick the right shoes! This is so so so important. If you are going to be in the outdoors, wear a flat. If it's indoors you can get away with a high heel, we wouldn't advise going too high, try a wedge, a sandal, an ankle boot or a low open toe. 

Once you have established the venue and the sort of event you are attending, choose the right items. 

Our favourite indoor look is a black on black on black. A classic skinny jean with a loose blouse and a black boot. The black makes it a little more dressy, and the boot brings it back down a little. This is perfect for a conference or a day function.

If you want to add another layer, try a black blazer to smarten it up that little bit more. This look is so versatile and can also work for a dinner.

Zalora - Women V Neck Blouse $17.95 (theiconic)

Lee Jeans - Mid Licks $189.99 (gluestore)

Wittner - Hold Me Boots $189.95 (wittner)

Eilise Long Line Blazer - $59.98 (missguidedau)

If you're finding the black on black is too much (though we love it), you can also try this outfit with a lighter wash denim:

Beuq - Marilyn Crop LT Air Wash - $179.95 (generalpants)

For the ''outdoor'' option, or party option, go for a dress with a heeled sandal or a flat. Wear a dress that can be dressed up or down easily depending on whichever shoe you choose.

Whimsical Word Dress by Romance $149.95 (alibionline)

Denit White Croc Raffa $179.95 (styletread)

OR for the BBQ/ Picnic

Jobe Sandal White $89.95 (styletread)

For the smart casual dinner, you want your look to say you tried, but you didn't try too hard. A mid to low heel with a mid length dress or a tailored pant with a cute top is your best bet. 

Shaina Mote Tied Waist Dress $ 441.84 (farfetch)

Riley I by Senso $249 (senso)

Taj I by Senso $295 (senso)

Premium Blazer $105.77 (asos)

Ankle Grazer Pants $57.69 (asos)

Midnight Top by Finders Keepers $99.95 (theiconic)

The number one trick is to layer your items, that way if you are over dressed or under dressed you can remove and adapt to the environment. Wear layered items that would fit in your bag so you aren't walking around wearing something that is way under-dressed or way over the top! 

xo