How To Work The Smart Casual Dress Code
Smart Casual: two words I am oh so very familiar with!
Every second client will ask me to decipher the smart casual dress code. So don’t fret, if you were also wondering, you are one of many 🙂
Since fashion has become quite relaxed of late, smart casual seems to be today’s go-to dress code for most events.
Just to make things more confusing – the dress code is really dependent on where you’ll be.
For example, you might not wear that LBD with sequins that you wore to your work’s cocktail party in the office.
Or maybe you will if you like a little day-time sparkle.
A smart casual dress code for lunch with a friend or an evening movie can also be confusing.
The bottom line is that location is everything. You also have the day vs. night consideration right down to who you’ll be with.
So today’s blog is designed to give you an overview and some outfit ideas that cover a few “smart casual” scenarios.
Here we go!
Coffee with Friends
This is a completely different style for Kookai and its great!!! cost $180, bag $200 and necklace $70
- Casual flats, jeans and a cute t-shirt
- Wedges teamed with a casual dress
- Shorts and a pretty blouse, ballet flats.
Sportsgirl jacket $129.95, sleeveless roll neck $79.95 and pants $99.95
Sunday Lunch
Jacqui E top cami $24.95, necklace $34.95, skirt $99.95 and jacket $169.95
- If out in a café/restaurant try a dress and wedge combination
- The family BBQ could see a maxi dress and sandle work
- At the park, consider a playsuit/shorts and top with sandles.
Alannah Hill top $199, skirt $299, shoes $289 and bag $216.75 (on sale)
Movies Date
Country Road top $129.95, pants $249.95, clutch $59.95 and shoes $179.95
- Pretty it up ladies. Dress, flats and a statement necklace
- Jeans and heels plus an evening blouse
- Flats, cute skirt and a top.
Ps: Don’t forget a cover up as it can get very chilly!!
Alannah Hill trench $329 and cardigan $169
Casual Dinner with Friends
Sportsgirl cardigan $129.95, cream crop $89.95 and khaki skirt $99.95
- This can be a nice dress/wedge platform
- Could be smart jeans with a top and blazer
- Blouse plus casual pants and heels
Country Road hat $59.95, knit $129 and denim pants $99.95
Shopping at Chadstone 🙂
- I’m sorry, I truly believe thongs are only for the beach and trackies are for the gym or the couch. Forget this combination for shopping.
- Comfortable outfit that you can change out of easily when trying on clothes.
- Keep it simple, yet stylish and layer to battle the shopping centre air conditioning.
Veronika Maine pale pink pants $225 and top $189
Finally, I just want to touch on jeans for the workplace. If your workplace advises you to wear “smart casual” it’s worth clarifying if this includes denim 🙂
So are we feeling better about this dress code? Was this blog post helpful?
Let me know in the comments below if you have any specific scenarios where you’re not sure what to wear.
Happy to help!
Oh Cindy, what perfect timing on a refresh of smart casual! I’m currently doing a course that requires 100hours practical placement in a Primary School. I will be dressing smart casual & I am wanting to make a positive impression in the hope of turning the voluntary hours into employment at the end – my clothing choices will certainly be playing a role on my impression. Thanks for another great blog piece 🙂
(My thongs haven’t been worn as shoes since I shopped with you a million years ago – just at the beach now days!)
Vanessa!
Wow Vanessa, sooooo pleased you enjoyed this blog!! I must say I can still remember your wardrobe audit many years ago………:) Glad thongs are just for the beach! Hope the 100 hours placement goes well for you!! xox Cindy
Love the KOOKAI shirt dress, never seen Kookai so roomie x
So many people have different definitions on smart casual so this is fabulous. I hope you bought the Kookai or Alannah Hill options – they look stunning on you! xx
Thanks Tracey 🙂 I have a shirt dress similar to the Kookai one and as for Alannah Hill………yet to purchase!!!!! xox