WHAT IS SMART CASUAL? // 5 Tips dressing for a smart causal dress code

The 'smart casual' dress code always has me scratching my head. Without fail I end up asking myself "What is smart causal?" and then "What do I wear!?". Smart casual can be different depending on whether this is for an event or work and everyone interprets it differently. But today I thought I would share an outfit I consider smart casual that could be worn to something like an event or party.

My formula for smart casual usually involves a few elements: 

1. An item which could be worn in a dressy or formal outfit // In this outfit it would be the floaty top and simple heels elevate the look from looking too laid back.

2. An item that brings a casual element // This time I wore some distressed black jeans. The black colour means they didn't look too causal but the distressing brings a little cool factor (see our denim distressing DIY here)

3. Stick to a monochrome look // This is optional but I've found that wearing a simple colour palette like black and white can keep things from looking too informal. 

4. If in doubt overdress // I always feel a little more at ease at places when I'm slightly overdressed rather than underdressed. If you aren't sure how formal an event might be, you might consider dressing a little more formal than I've shown by swapping out the jeans for a skirt or pants. 

5. Talk to friends that are attending // this is probably the thing that puts me most at ease when going somewhere with a smart casual dress code. If you know someone else that is going ask them what they're wearing, then if you both look a out of place at least you'll have a partner in crime!

top c/o Stella (from Farmers) // jeans c/o Andrea Moore // shoes c/o The Warehouse // name necklace c/o The Warehouse // ball necklace - Asos // watch c/o Jord // rings - Karen  Walker/Pandora

What is your go-to smart causal outfit? Leave us a comment, we'd love hear how you interpret what smart casual is!