Smart Casual Dress Code

Not being suitably dressed at a gathering or occasion can leave you feeling out of place and awkward. Although I'd personally advocate being 'under-dressed' rather than overdressed, the ideal situation is of course, to be suitably dressed. Many occasions will ask for a smart casual dress code and this is somewhat confusing since it doesn't clearly outline what you're expected to turn up in. After all, what does smart casual define? Black tie, cocktail attire, formals - these are all self-explanatory, and therefore, that much easier to adhere to. Listed below, is the smart casual dress code guide broken down.

Smart Casual Dress Code Guide

The difficulty with a smart casual dress code is that it's often used interchangeably with a business casual dress code - however, there's a fine line between the two. Essentially, business casuals would be just a little more 'formal' than smart casuals. The easiest way to arrive in smart casuals is to pair one piece of formal clothing, with a casual counterpart - for example a long sleeved dress shirt with chinos for men or a silk blouse with slacks for women. Outlined below are the components that you can use to define your version of a smart casual dress code.

Smart Casuals for Men
Chinos, Dockers, designer pants and khaki pants are all suitable options for men's clothing lowers. While smart casual jeans are also acceptable in some places, if you're unsure about the place and people, it's safest to steer clear of jeans. At any rate, ripped or worn out and faded jeans are not admissible. Dress shirts, collared T-shirts, polos, and sweaters without slogans are all pretty much acceptable. If you're aiming for a dressy casual dress code, you could include a tie. For slightly formal events like job interviews that call for a smart casual dress code, it's advisable to carry a jacket and tie, that you can slip on if you're worried about workplace ethics. Smart casual shoes will allow loafers, moccasins and deck shoes, but no sneakers, or tennis shoes; keep your socks plain and dark, to err on the side of caution.

Smart Casuals for Women
Rules for women's clothing, are more flexible in smart casual dress attire, so suitable lowers include slacks, knee length skirts, and dress pants. Pair these with silk blouses, knit tops, shirts, sweaters or a sleeveless top with a cardigan. For an elegant casual dress code, coordinate your outfit carefully and accessorize with simple, understated jewelry. Shoes are also flexible, but again avoid sports shoes and sneakers; boots are also acceptable in a smart casual dress code. If in doubt, don't risk wearing jeans, but if not, you could pair your blue jeans with a white shirt and peep toe heels for a classic, never fail combination. Smart casual dress ideas include tea length, shirt and silk wrap dresses.

Smart casual, business casual, cocktail attire, lounge suits - there's no dearth of categories to deal with when it comes to a dress code. Whatever you choose, there's no substitute for confidence, which is interlinked with comfort, so make sure you're at ease in what you're wearing. When you're comfortable, it shows, and vice versa, so you could be the most stylishly dressed, and still miserable, so why do that? Moreover, make sure you pick clothes that fit well, to ensure you don't have to keep pulling and tugging at hems and necklines. Sticking to these basics when you have a smart casual dress code to deal with, should keep your bases covered. Don't worry about what smart casuals define, because with a little care and effort, you can achieve the 'effortlessly' elegant look with ease!