Cable’s Guide to Smart Casual

When it comes to looking stylish and feeling comfortable, it can be tricky to know what outfits to put together. For fashion-conscious individuals who want to look good and feel at ease, smart casual attire is the perfect choice.

In this article, we’ll explore what smart casual attire means for women and what to wear to different events requiring this dress code. We’ll also cover steps that will help you confidently put together your own smart casual outfits for a number of different occasions.

What is Smart Casual Attire For Women?

 
This dress code incorporates sophisticated clothing items, such as business attire, that are then combined with elements of casual clothing. Smart casual is often classified as a type of outfit or clothing that is both comfortable to wear but looks stylish and elegant all at once.

Since smart casual outfits are usually a balance between casual and formal wear, it may require a little more thought and effort to create the perfect outfit. However, once you know what garments and accessories to piece together, achieving a smart casual aesthetic will be a breeze.

Shop the Alison Blazer & Pants.

 

The Dos & Don'ts of Smart Casual Dress Code

At Cable Melbourne, we’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts for smart casual attire to help guide your outfit planning:

 

The Don'ts:

• We recommend avoiding clothing pieces that are distressed, baggy or known to be loungewear or athleisure, such as joggers and hoodies.
  
  
• Staying away from very casual t-shirts or any tops that would not fit within an office setting, such as spaghetti strap tops, is a good decision.
  
  
• Common footwear choices that don’t reflect smart casual attire include running shoes, slides, thongs, and other shoes reserved for more relaxed settings.

The Dos:

• Build the foundations of your outfit with either a chic short or long-sleeve blouse or a collared shirt.
  
  
• Wear neutral-coloured or black dress pants, wide-legged pants, or chinos. If the setting is more casual, you can select a pair of form-fitting jeans that is either dark-washed, black or white.
  
  
• If you prefer one-piece outfits, a tailored jumpsuit or midi dress is an excellent choice.
  
  
• Layer up with a sharp blazer, fashion-forward jacket, knit or woolen coat.
  
  
• Reach for your favourite pair of heeled or ankle boots, flats, or loafers to complete your look. If the event permits sneakers, ensure you choose a pair of neutral-coloured ones that will maintain the balance of your ensemble.
  
  
• Tie your entire look together with minimal and polished accessories.
   

Smart Casual Essentials

 

Now that we’ve covered the key do’s and don’ts of smart casual outfits, there are several wardrobe staples that always work for any smart casual look.

Blazer

A blazer is a great way to add a sense of style and professionalism to any outfit. Add a blazer on top of work pants and a chic blouse for corporate or office attire. Alternatively, style up a more relaxed smart casual look that involves dark jeans or monochrome sneakers with either a neutral-coloured blazer or a colourful blazer for visual interest.

Shop the Mosman Pinstripe Blazer

Shop the Elton Blazer in yellow check

Pants

 

When it comes to choosing pants for a smart casual outfit, there can be many styles to choose from. Tailored, wide-legged, or work pants are always a good option to select. Opting for these pant styles will bring a sense of chic and timeless elegance to your look, that is sometimes missed with jeans.

Midi Skirt

A midi skirt is an item of clothing that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Midi skirts are extremely versatile and can be worn in every season and they can be paired with both tops and warm knits. A flowy midi skirt with a timeless pleat or check pattern can add to the aesthetic of your outfit while also being effortlessly comfortable to wear. For a more casual look, pair with white sneakers, or for a formal occasion, pair with heels.

Shop the Eadie Drill Skirt

White Shirt

A classic white shirt is a perfect top for a smart casual outfit. It can be styled tucked in or out depending on the occasion and worn underneath a blazer or on its own. To elevate a classic shirt look for unique details like different button shapes, blouson sleeves, stand collars or embroidery.

Shop the Kate Frill Blouse Shirt

Shop the Victoria Embroidered Shirt

What About Accessories?

Accessories are a great way to dress up your smart casual outfit while adding a sense of sophistication and individual style to your look. Enhance your look with the following jewellery options:

• Necklaces: A necklace can transform any outfit, especially one that is more on the casual side. A thin necklace works well over the top of a knit for more of a chic look. If you’re wearing a plain or block-coloured shirt with dress pants, then a chunkier necklace with more detailing or colour can add a nice contrast to your outfit.

• Earrings: Statement or colourful earrings are an excellent option for those wanting to add intrigue to a monochrome or simple look. If your outfit is on the bolder side or already contains patterns, stick to simple studs or thin dangle earrings for timeless elegance.

• Belts: Belts are a great way to add contrast to an outfit and bring a sense of smart style. A block-coloured belt can be added to most pants for an extra detailed look or when wearing a dress, to cinch in your waist.
   

Common Smart Casual Occasions

When it comes to different occasions, you may need to alter your smart casual outfit depending on whether it is a slightly more formal or casual event.

Office

For days at the office, and depending on each different profession, your smart casual outfit can be a little more flexible. For a more casual office setting, try wearing a pair of tailored pants with a comfortable blouse or linen shirt and sneakers. If you work in a more corporate office, a mid-length skirt with a short-sleeve or cashmere top and loafers will fit your office’s dress code perfectly.

Shop the Pure Cashmere Tank

Party

For a party setting, like an engagement party or office Christmas party, your smart casual outfit can encompass a little more style and creative flair. At an engagement style party, try wearing a pair of black jeans and a white top with a pair of heels. Depending on the season, you could also add a colourful blazer or a crepe jacket.

For a relaxed office party with colleagues, reach for a stylish flowy dress or a midi dress and finish off the look with a pair of white sneakers.

Shop the Manly Midi Dress

Dinner

A smart casual outfit for going out to dinner can, again, be dressed up or down depending upon the venue. If the setting is more on the casual side, try combining a pair of dark or light-coloured jeans with a turtleneck sweater, and a pair of sneakers. If the venue calls for a more refined smart casual look, select a pair of fitted pants and a flattering blouse.

When it comes to smart casual, the number of outfit creations and pairings are limitless. At Cable Melbourne, we understand that putting together an outfit that meets a specific smart casual aesthetic can be daunting. Though, with the tips above, you’ll be able to create easy to wear and fashionable smart casual outfits with confidence.

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