10 Ways To Nail The Smart Casual Dress Code
When you’re about to enter the workplace, especially for the first time, it can be difficult to know what a smart casual dress code even means, let alone how to rock it professionally and in style.
With this in mind, these are 10 ways to nail the smart casual dress code in any environment!
1. Trend-setting Belt
A trend-setting belt adheres to the smart casual dress code because it’s classy and professional yet sets your look apart from others in the office, and it’s a great way to dress formally without putting in too much effort to your outfit. With a simple pair of black trousers and a show-stopping belt, you’re already in dress code.
2. Any Type Of Blazer
Even with a pair of jeans and an otherwise casual outfit, a blazer will take your outfit up a notch and bring it to the standards of a smart casual dress code. Whether you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans or a summer dress, add a simple or standout blazer to the mix is a simple way to spice things up.
3. Appropriate Dress
If you’re not wanting to put a lot of effort into your effort and still adhere to a smart casual dress code, an understated and appropriate dress will do the trick. The key with a dress in the workplace is to make sure it’s suitable for the dress code, meaning that it isn’t too short, tight, or low-cut. Otherwise, most dresses will work perfectly and keep you looking professional!
4. Heeled Shoes or Neutral Sneakers
It’s difficult to go wrong with shoes in a smart casual dress code, because a pair of white sneakers with a simple dress on top will work just fine, but so will heels with a blouse and pants. If your dress code is smart casual, don’t feel you need to wear heels to work and get blisters on your feet just to look professional, as a pair of neutral-coloured sneakers will work just as well.
5. Statement Jewellery
If the rest of your outfit is understated, you can add a layer of sophistication with some statement jewellery, like a statement necklace or earrings, that will help you stand out from the crowd and appear as if you’re dedicated to portraying yourself professionally, which is key.
6. Neutral Colour Scheme
For those who are panicking about how to style outfits for a smart casual dress code, neutral colours will be your best friend! You can never go wrong with a semi-formal white blouse, black trousers, and red heels, like in the photo below, and it will help you blend in to the general workplace dress code.
7. Button-Down Blouse
Whether you’re wearing trousers or a skirt, a button-down blouse will never fail you. Especially with a pair of pants or even denim jeans, a simple white button-down will level-up your look and land you right in the zone of the smart casual dress code. You can also roll up the sleeves of an oversized shirt for an even more casual look.
8. Casual Jumper
Especially in the winter when you don’t want to be wearing just a blouse or dress to work, a simple jumper with pants, especially in neutral colours and patterns, works perfectly for the smart casual dress code. You can also add a jumper over a dress or button-down shirt to add some layers to your outfit and appear even more sophisticated.
9. Basic T-Shirt
You can never go wrong with a plain white or black t-shirt! No matter if you’re wearing pants or a skirt, jeans or loose pants, nothing dresses for the smart casual dress code better than the good ole basic t-shirt.
10. Wide-Legged Trousers
While wide-legged trousers may not be acceptable in strictly smart workplaces, if you have a smart casual dress code, trousers like these dance exactly between the lines of smart and casual, especially a solid-coloured pair as in the photo. If you are wearing these looser trousers, try to wear a tight-fitting top so your whole outfit isn’t too baggy.
