Smart Casual: Part One Day-to-day
Every morning as I drive into Style With Cindy headquarters in Chadstone The Fashion Capital, I pass by schools and local shops on my journey to work. Now I understand that being a Mum, especially a young Mum with school-going children that trying to find a spare ten minutes in the morning to find something to wear can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
Yet with a little clever shopping, it can be easy to whip up a smart casual look in minutes and still style your hair and put on a little lipstick! Ladies, trust me, a day to day smart casual look is as easy as slipping on a pair of leggings and runners, and looks far more stylish too!
Here are my top three tips to creating a smart casual look…within minutes!
Jeans
We all have them and more to the point, we all should have a pair of flattering, well-fitting jeans in our wardrobes. If it’s time for a wardrobe overhaul, ditch the ill-fitting, bagging ‘Mom’ jeans if they do nothing for your curves and bits! This season has moved away from the skinny jeans that have been in all the stores for so long into more relaxed, comfort fitting styles. Team up a pair of jeans with a nautical striped top in classic navy and cream or black and white with a pair of Mary Janes for an instant smart casual day time look. Add a pop of colour with a great handbag and statement ring for instant class.
Sleeveless Jacket
A sleeveless jacket is a great way to smarten up any casual outfit. Choose neutral tones like beige, cream or camel in a long length style and wear over a coordinating camisole or vest top with statement necklace to update an otherwise casual look. This works well with jeans, trousers or a skirt. In the cooler months, a long sleeved fitted jersey top is ideal and a pair of ankle boots in tan or camel will create interest.
White Shirt
Everyone should have a white shirt in their wardrobe! Not only does it create light around the face and brighten up even the most tired of us, it is effortlessly chic and timeless. Try teaming it with a fitted pair of cigarette leg trousers and flats or this seasons, bold prints in black or white, with a colourful heel for a smart and relaxed look. Worn under a simple shift dress or fitted jumper will instantly smarten up the most casual of looks.
Finally…
Finish your smart casual look with a cool hat or why not style your hair in a quick, messy bun and a slick of your favourite bright lipstick. Not all of us are trained in professional makeup artistry however taking thirty seconds for the smallest of details, you’re ready to take on the day!
Louise says
Hi Cindy, Thanks again- I’m becoming an addict for your blog. Love your silky dress in the Oxford photo – can u tell me the brand please?
Cheers, Louise
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Louise,
I actually designed and had this piece made on our luxury relaxation and shopping tour of Vietnam last year!
We have another trip in June this year.. come along! Fabulous shopping and the opportunity to have timeless pieces made.
Check out the link, would love to have you along https://www.stylewithcindy.com.au/vietnam-winter-escape-2016
Cindyx
Josie Mastroianni says
Hi Cindy, Like Louise, I have also become addicted to your blogs.
With regards to the Jeans who stocks Mary Janes?
Regards…
Josie:)
Cindy Newstead says
Hi Josie,
Fabulous to hear you love the blogs!
You can find fantastic Mary Janes in Nine West and Edward Meller.
Cindyx