A style such as smart casual for women has made life much easier for the fair half of humanity in terms of choosing a wardrobe for various situations. Clothes for this style are distinguished by their elegance, but at the same time they can look businesslike.
Many companies provide employees with a corporate uniform. This is most often practiced in companies that work with clients. In those companies or departments whose activities do not involve working with people, a looser style of clothing is allowed, which, despite all its restraint, can also look attractive and individual.
In smart casual style for women, for a business or work environment, a girl can wear black and dark jeans with a classic cut. Here you should avoid light and colored shades, as well as loose styles. Regarding skirts and dresses, their length should not be short, it is best that it be just above the knee. When the weather is warm or hot, avoid wearing off-the-shoulder blouses or tops.
There are also some restrictions when choosing trousers. They should be made from suit fabrics, and shiny materials should be avoided. It is better to choose a straight or flared style from the knee or hip. You can combine them with business blouses or shirts. If your job allows you to wear leggings, then you need to be able to combine them with other wardrobe items. For example, you can wear them with a loose dress or a long top.
Typical smart casual colors for women are neutral or rich, deep, and there should be no more than three of them in an outfit. As a print, you can use stripes, small or large polka dots in your outfit.
It’s better not to get carried away with accessories. They should be discreet and simple, for example, you can throw a light scarf on top or complement the look with simple, discreet jewelry.
For everyday life, smart casual clothing for women will no longer be so restrained and limited. For example, you can afford jeans of any shade and even with torn holes. The main thing is that they are not untidy and huge. These jeans can be combined with a formal shirt or a loose blouse.
The length of dresses and skirts may be shorter than for the office version. You can choose brighter and bolder colors, and also use an unusual print. You can use any trousers: straight or flared, as well as tight. The material can be satin or other shiny fabric. But then the top should be chosen from cotton or knitwear so that the image looks more harmonious and uncluttered. It is better to choose dresses and skirts of a comfortable style so that they do not restrict movement. The most versatile and practical option would be a sheath dress. It can be worn with various sweaters and cardigans.
For various events and celebrations, a smart casual outfit for women will have significant differences from everyday and work wear. For example, you can wear jeans for the evening, but then you need to combine them with the right top. For example, with a beautiful rich blouse or with a glamorous top. You can use lace or sequins to decorate jeans.
To go to the club, you can choose short-length dresses with flared skirts. The material can be anything from delicate chiffon to bold leather. For the last smart casual option for women, it is better to choose a simple straight cut. Trousers can be chosen from satin and leather, as well as from simpler materials. If the trousers are matte, then the top can be chosen from a shiny material or with a bright print. For a party, you can wear leggings with a pattern or a bright color. They will look great with a simple, relaxed dress or tunic.
Quite a lot has already been said and written about casual style. They know about this easy, everyday image and stick to it with pleasure. It is not surprising that men who follow fashion ask a completely logical question - how to adapt this rather free style to a strict office style.
If, in accordance with the internal regulations established in the organization, your image should be presentable, but not strict, choose a wardrobe in the smart casual style.
Pictured is smart casual for men
Smart casual style for men translated from English means “smart, casual style.” The uncertainty and vagueness of the stylistic direction in clothing is explained by the fact that the concept of dress code in each organization, country, and at each event is individual. For this reason, there are no strict, specific standards for style.
Different dictionaries provide different definitions of this stylistic trend:
- Australian National Dictionary – attractive, relaxed style;
- Oxford University Dictionary – neat, traditional, moderately informal style;
- English slang dictionary - a ridiculous dress code that is suitable for attending parties, concerts and sedentary work in the office.
Wikipedia also provides a rather vague definition, based on the opinions of fashion magazines and experts.
According to designers, smart-casual style is an informal dress code that combines classic and modern wardrobe elements in a certain way.
For the first time, people started talking about a “casual” dress code as a separate style at the beginning of the last century in America during a period when large corporations were actively developing and did not make serious demands on the appearance of employees. However, the new trend in fashion did not become popular.
Only by the middle of the twentieth century, office workers and young business people appreciated the comfort and sophistication of the style. The first smart-casual images turned out to be timid - young people exchanged a strict, classic jacket for a more casual one, made of cotton, and this was the end of the transformation in the image.
Today, the main requirement when putting together a wardrobe is to maintain a balance between the formal and informal dress code. It's not easy to learn how to combine classic clothes with fashionable details.
Smart casual dress code for men
With the advent of this style, office employees received greater freedom in choosing clothes - jeans replaced classic trousers, formal jackets were replaced by blazers and jumpers. A distinctive feature of the style is flexibility, and this is especially true for men with a modest wardrobe. Even a small number of things can be combined, attracting any detail, experimenting and imagining.
Shirts
Shirt is a basic element of smart casual style Shirts are the central element of any smart-casual look. In this case, you will need many shirts of different styles and colors.
First of all, choose a classic Oxford shirt in a rich blue color; it will always be relevant, will not go out of style and will go with any detail of your look, be it jeans, chinos, a tie or a jumper. In addition, the right shade of blue will suit any person - with light skin and dark skin, blondes and brunettes, regardless of eye color. If you want to create the most modern look, choose a shirt without a collar.
A striped and checkered shirt would not be out of place in your wardrobe. A pocket square of a similar color in your jacket pocket will highlight your individuality and style.
Stylist tip: If you decide not to wear a tie, unbutton the top button of your shirt.
T-shirt
The T-shirt can be worn under a jacket or blazer, make sure that it matches the color palette of all accessories. The safest option is a plain T-shirt with a small neckline.
Blazer and tweed jacket
Blazer - a stylish look in warm weather Many men, due to the similarity of a blazer and a jacket, confuse these two wardrobe items. Outwardly they are similar, but each will be appropriate in certain situations and conditions. In modern fashion, a blazer is called a club jacket.
For the warm season, a cotton and linen blazer is suitable; for cool weather, thicker fabrics are selected. As for the color palette, calm, natural tones - brown, beige, green - look most harmonious.
Tweed jacket - an elegant look in cold weather A tweed jacket is a great alternative to a blazer when the cold weather sets in. Thanks to its dense structure, tweed warms, and the fabric, made from untwisted, thick thread, is durable and looks very attractive.
Cardigan
This element of the men's wardrobe is named after the man who brought the cardigan into the fashion world - James Brudnell Earl Cardigan. During the Crimean War, he commanded British troops and, above all, valued practicality and functionality in clothing. His favorite wardrobe item was a vest with ties, thanks to which clothes could be removed easily and quickly.
Cardigan - practical and comfortable The classic cardigan is made of knitted fabric; the knitting can be fine or large; there are also models with an elegant V-neck and shawl collar. Models in a more sporty style have a zipper, while classic cardigans are fastened with buttons. If you want to create an original look, pay attention to cardigans with ties.
In smart-casual style, a blazer is used instead of a vest, with a jacket on top - this option is considered the most formal and businesslike. A tie will complement your stylish look.
Tie and other accessories
A tie is not necessary in this case, just unbutton the top button of the shirt. If the situation requires a tie, choose a thin or knitted model, they will highlight your smart-casual style.
A bright tie clip and sunglasses look original. When choosing a tie, avoid classic styles and standard models that have become familiar in the office.
Trousers
Pants - no arrows or strict lines First of all, you should avoid the classics - the smart casual style completely excludes smoothed arrows and clear lines. The best solution is khaki and chinos pants.
When it comes to jeans, stylists have different opinions. According to some fashion designers, jeans are tilting the look towards a loose, casual style. But there is also an opinion in the fashion world that jeans of a certain style and shade may well become the basic element of a smart-casual look for an office employee.
The color scheme of the trousers should have something in common:
- with a touch of a jacket, blazer or cardigan;
- with the color of the belt and shoes.
A dark palette gives solidity and seriousness; light shades are more suitable for young guys who do not need to adhere to a too strict dress code.
Shorts
For hot weather, shorts are an excellent choice; only loose-fitting beach models should be avoided. The optimal solution is a shortened version of chinos without unnecessary decoration and stripes.
Belt
Choose a belt that matches your shoes The choice of belt should, first of all, be based on the style and model of the trousers. For chinos-style trousers, stylists recommend choosing a narrow belt in the same color scheme as the shoes. However, details of different colors are also allowed in one look, because the smart casual style itself implies some recklessness and freedom of action.
Jeans are best worn with a familiar, classic belt.
Shoes
- brogues - shoes decorated with perforations;
- loafers - slip-on shoes with hard soles and low, chunky heels;
- chukka or chukka - ankle-high boots, they are comfortable and versatile, look like desert boots, they are worn with any trousers and jeans of different styles;
- Monks are the most classic shoe option for smart casual, shoes with two buckles and a low heel; it is recommended to wear them with tapered trousers so that the edges of the clothing do not catch on the fastener.
There are no restrictions in the choice of color; stylists recommend avoiding the classic black color in shoes and choosing shoes in brighter colors.
Socks
Socks - more color and mood Of course, some shoes can be worn on bare feet, however, in cool weather it would still be better to complement the look with socks. Choose shades and patterns that go with a specific wardrobe item, such as a tie.
Smart casual clothing for men - several stylish looks
1. Smart casual look in its purest form.
Classic smart casual in its purest form Basic elements: chinos, shirt, jacket and any smart casual shoes.
Start by choosing a shirt; it can be plain - white, blue or pink. If you want to add personality to your look, choose a model with a simple, unobtrusive pattern.
In this case, you don’t need to use a tie; just unbutton the top button of the shirt.
Throw on a blue blazer on top - this is the most versatile item that will suit any smart casual look. According to stylists, such a blazer should be first on the list of must-haves for a man's wardrobe.
Chinos in a safe gray or beige color pair perfectly with chocolate shoes and a narrow belt of the same shade.
2. The second look is smart casual in the “free Friday” style.
Smart casual style for denim lovers This option, close to denim, is suitable as a dress code for offices where the “free Friday” law flourishes.
For this option, jeans in dark colors are quite appropriate; for the warm season, light colors are also suitable. Modern, stylish smart people prefer to wear jeans in indigo tones.
The height of elegance will be a white shirt combined with a dark jacket. As an alternative, a vest with a tie and a cardigan in dark shades are suitable.
Smart casual for the office where “free Friday” reigns. The stylish “highlight” of the look is suede desert boots with laces, medium height (up to the ankle).
3. The third image is when it’s cool outside.
Autumn smart casual looks great with a turtleneck or sweater For rainy and cool weather, purchase trousers made of wool, tweed or corduroy, which go harmoniously with warm turtlenecks. If such a tandem is not to your liking, replace the turtleneck with a polo shirt and cardigan. You can throw a vintage blazer over a turtleneck and wear desert shoes.
Layering is an easy way to add warmth to your look while maintaining style. You will need:
- simple, classic, plain shirt;
- V-neck knitted jumper;
- jeans;
- cardigan;
- socks imitating the same knitting, but thin.
If desired, you can complement the look with a tie.
5. Image five – if movement is your way of life.
Sneakers are an unusual and stylish element of smart casual style. An active lifestyle is invariably associated with comfortable sneakers. These shoes are the most comfortable and go well with the smart casual style. Although in this variation your style will turn out to be more casual than smart.
Let's sum it up
If we evaluate current styles in men's fashion by the degree of comfort, smart casual will undoubtedly be in the top three, second only to sports style. In addition, by combining clothes to your own taste, you can create strict outfits in accordance with the dress code or light looks for fun get-togethers with friends.
The uniqueness of a smart casual wardrobe lies in its minimalism - you don’t have to fill your closet with a lot of clothes, just buy basic pieces and combine them, relying on a specific situation and your own sense of style.
Regardless of the look you choose, smart casual style is based on one rule - you should look stylish and good, but not at the expense of comfort. Give preference exclusively to natural materials, choose shoes made of genuine, glossy leather. Find your style, experiment and improve.
“Elegant everyday life” is not just a capacious, beautiful phrase. This is roughly what the name of the smart casual style sounds like when translated from English. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this fashion trend lies in the combination of incompatible concepts. It combines unsurpassed comfort and natural ease with pronounced restraint and the characteristic composure of business style clothing. Combining these image features allows you to fully express your own individuality in clothing, and also provides an excellent opportunity to ignore boring and predictable fashion canons. This trend is used not only by men; today the original and comfortable smart casual style is relevant for women. What it is and what framework is inherent in this modern trend is discussed in detail in this article.
Principles of smart casual style
In this dynamically developing and incredibly popular fashion trend, certain postulates can be identified, the observance of which guarantees the creation of the most harmonious sets of clothes.
Smart casual clothing silhouettes and fabrics
The bulk of things are made from wrinkle-resistant materials that are moderately elastic and soft. At the same time, the structure of the fabric must certainly ensure the maintenance of the desired shape and the correct fit of the curves of the body. You can often see materials with a medium level of density, such as non-shiny flowing silk, various types of natural wool, ultra-practical tweed material, delicate cashmere and other attractive materials. It is known that the most mesmerizing images are created with the participation of high-quality textured knitwear, consisting of tightly woven threads. This knitwear is great for outerwear. When choosing the bottom of the set, it is better to consider items made from tight cotton, wool or tweed.
beautiful women's clothing made from soft and practical materials
We know why today fashion boutiques in our country supply huge quantities of interesting clothes in the smart casual style for women. What does this give to the fair sex? First of all, freedom of movement and elegant appearance. The cut of elegant casual clothing can be assessed as semi-close to the body, but by no means casual. Things fit clearly on the figure. Such clothes are good because they allow a person to make as many relaxed movements as he likes. These properties, combined with clearly stitched details and straight lines, make it possible to obtain a dynamic, airy and at the same time strict silhouette of the clothing set.
Current colors and prints of smart casual style
It has been noticed that the color palette within this direction is quite wide, so each of us can choose acceptable options. The principle borrowed from the great classics is the use of basic colors. The only peculiarity is that pleasant, restrained colors, such as deep variations of blue and gray, are traditionally combined with neutral beige, light shades of purple and green. Often, rich colors act as accents, but bright suits that fit perfectly on the figure are also welcome.
The print of the clothes is important. Designs on fabric are presented in a wide variety, for example, stripes and checks of different colors, watercolor and geometric patterns are often found, and a variety of fashionable images can also occur. This also includes drawings of exotic themes and large compositions. In order not to disturb the harmony of the image, you should not use several things with prints at once.
Women's smart casual clothing
Smart casual shirts
An indispensable universal item, successfully borrowed from a classic-style wardrobe. True, the classics are characterized exclusively by items made of silk or cotton fabric, made in light or neutral shades. For a casual-dressy style, there is a much wider selection of beautiful women's shirts: equipped with a collar or without this detail, with patterns or plain, practical dark colors, expressive bright colors, beautiful knitwear items. It’s good that shirts are suitable for any life situation and can be easily combined with absolutely any other items within the style in question. Rolling up sleeves is encouraged. The shirt is often incorporated into urban, business and summer outfits.
Trousers and jeans in smart casual style
The right trousers should fit a woman's legs perfectly. Low landing is excluded. The fabric must be selected to be wrinkle-resistant. The following details are definitely superfluous: patch pockets, sequins, appliqués, rivets, bead embroidery, rhinestone decoration. These discreet decorative elements are appropriate: inconspicuous folds, beautiful lapels and aesthetic tucks on the fabric. Straight-leg trousers and timeless cigar trousers work well. The silhouette of women's trousers should be laconic, clear and not tight-fitting. The trousers fit well into sets for office and leisure.
Stylish jeans are also actively used by adherents of the smart casual trend; this item is selected strictly according to the figure so that the waist area is located in its place. Models that are too wide or dig into the body are not suitable. Skinny jeans, tapered versions and straight-cut items are appropriate. Using jeans, you can create a lot of compositions for work and leisure.
Popular women's smart casual clothing
In addition to the considered clothing items, the following items are in demand today:
- semi-fitted jackets;
- eternally fashionable pencil skirts;
- sheath dresses knee-length or shorter;
- bags and shoes equipped with a minimum of decor;
- sweaters and sweatshirts with a moderately loose fit.
It is important to follow the general idea of the image, complementing the clothes with the right discreet makeup, impeccable hairstyle, discreet, neat manicure and trendy jewelry - all these details make up a smart casual style for women. What this direction includes is outlined in this article; all that remains is to apply these rules in practice and start enjoying your updated image.
Now the English phrase “smart casual” can be seen and heard everywhere: in glossy magazines, on TV screens, from reviews of fashion bloggers, in various articles on the Internet, etc. So what is this style? How much do you really know about him? Let's look at what smart casual is, as well as its history, features and advantages.
What is smart casual?
Translating the expression “smart-casual” into Russian is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. All kinds of dictionaries indicate different meanings of this phrase. The most accurate and well-established definition is “smart-casual.” The Oxford Dictionary states that smart casual is a casual and neat, but slightly informal style. In principle, this definition characterizes smart casual well. After all, it combines things in a strict classic style with fashionable and everyday wardrobe items.
History of appearance
The exact origin of the expression “smart casual” is quite difficult to trace. Many sources claim that this term became established in the 1980s, but was widespread throughout the 20th century. The phrase “smart casual” first appeared in an American newspaper in 1924, and it described a sleeveless dress. But only in the 50s of the last century did this term become popular among business people and office employees, first in the USA, and only then in Europe. Back then, going smart casual was as easy as swapping out your classic blazer for a more casual cotton one.
What is smart casual today?
Nowadays, there are many more demands placed on smart casual than in the last century. The main thing is to correctly combine formal business and casual styles in one look. Of course, you can’t wear a jacket with sweatpants for training and go to work like that. It is important to maintain a balance between formal and casual clothing. To create a harmonious image, the first thing you need to take as a basis is elegance. Only then you need to dilute the look with everyday clothes. To make it clearer, let's give a few examples.
Examples of smart casual style
Smart casual wear typically uses a blazer or jacket as the top. It is best to wear a shirt underneath. Moreover, both a single-color version and striped or checkered models are suitable. To add a touch of chic, choose a pocket square in the exact same color as your shirt. It can be neatly folded into your jacket pocket. A tie is optional in this case. If it is not there, then it is advisable to unbutton the top button of the shirt. And if you still want to wear a tie, then give preference to thin or knitted models. You can complement it with a colored clip.
By the way, you can wear not only a shirt, but also a T-shirt under a jacket or blazer. However, remember that the color should match the accessories that you have chosen to create your look. The ideal T-shirt for smart casual style is a plain model with a not very large neckline.
As for trousers, stylists recommend avoiding classic options in this case. No clear lines or even arrows! Chinos and khakis are perfect. Jeans can also be worn in a smart casual style. The main thing is that they do not have overly provocative decorative elements. Therefore, choose more modest models.
Cropped trousers can also be worn in smart casual style. But keep in mind that these should not be beach shorts. The most suitable option is shortened chinos without stripes, ropes or other decorative elements.
There is a strict requirement for smart casual shoes: they must be exclusively classic. You can choose anything: oxfords, monks, loafers, brogues, but not sneakers! And don’t focus only on black shoes, otherwise you will look like an ordinary office worker. Be sure to experiment with color schemes!
Why is smart casual so popular?
Smart casual is one of the most favorite clothing styles among men. It is preferred by representatives of the stronger sex of different ages and all kinds of professions. It is perfect not only for office workers, but also for creative individuals. Smart casual is chosen by active, business-minded and confident men who want to look perfect in any situation. Even Hollywood stars and famous designers do not ignore this interesting style.
But why is smart casual so popular among men? It's simple! Firstly, this style is very convenient because it does not require a tie, buttoned shirts and dress trousers with arrows. Therefore, when choosing smart casual, you will feel free and comfortable in your clothes.
Secondly, the smart casual style can rightfully be called universal. It is great for working in the office, attending various events where there is no strict dress code, going on a date, and just for everyday wear. Thirdly, smart casual does not have too strict boundaries, like, for example, business style. Therefore, it allows men to experiment when creating an image. And most importantly, smart casual always looks relevant and sophisticated, despite the constantly changing fashion trends.
It is believed that Smart casual style for men invented by Giorgio Armani. It was he who suggested lightening the strict business suit and starting to wear it with sweaters, jumpers, pullovers and even turtlenecks. Whether this is actually so is no longer very important, since the main thing is that the style has taken root and is popular. Smart casual (casual) translation from English literal - semi-official. If you work in an office, then you are probably interested in the question: what is smart casual dress code, and so the translation of this phrase is a semi-official dress code.
It is very simple to distinguish the Smart casual style from the classic office style:
- A tie is completely optional; a man can safely unbutton the top button of his shirt;
- Instead of a business suit, you can wear (preferably black) or regular trousers with jumpers, pullovers and sweaters;
- The color range is not limited to black, gray and brown; different tones and shades are allowed.
Another characteristic feature of Smart casual or Smart style is the combination of elements of a formal suit with things decorated with a relatively bright print. Of course, you need to clearly understand the boundary beyond which you should not go. Now you have an idea of what Smart casual clothing looks like. Smart casual photos for men can be found freely available on the Internet to get a glimpse of stylish looks.
