The Ultimate Guide to Smart Casual Outfit Ideas

Woman in blue stripe shirt, white denim maxi skirt, sunglasses and chain necklace

Updated on November 22, 2023

Effortless dressing starts with versatile, everyday smart casual outfits. But with such a broad dress code, how can you ensure that your smart casual outfits are stylish and fashion-forward yet occasion-appropriate? Combining formal silhouettes with relaxed design is a shortcut to your ultimate smart casual look this season.

Opt for styles that will segue seamlessly from day to night, elevating your casual outfits without looking too overdressed. Smart casual outfits can be somewhat ambiguous, shifting between casual work attire to elevated long lunch ensembles.

Unlike very defined dress codes like black tie, where you’re required to wear a sleek, floor-length evening dress or matching suit, smart casual calls for an outfit that’s relaxed but still refined.

Discover the fashion fundamentals of the smart casual dress code. From early start to late finish, these versatile designs mean you can put your best foot forward at every turn.

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1. Smart Casual Dinner Outfits

If the thought of donning a smart casual dinner outfit doesn’t sound inspiring, think again. The key is to consider your venue first. Are you going to a chic new restaurant in the city with a large group for a dinner that will extend into drinks? Or are you going to a more relaxed dinner with friends? The chosen venue will dictate the level of smart and casual.

For a safe go-to smart casual outfit, try a sleek pair of dress pants paired with a flowing evening top. For cooler nights, add a stylish blazer or a leather jacket. Accessorise for the level of formality as well as the season. For a more elevated event, add some sparkle with statement earrings and sling on a pair of strappy heels to complete the look. On the other hand, for a more casual dinner with friends, a pop of colourful jewellery might just be the perfect way to inject some personality into your look.

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2. Weekend Smart Casual Dinner Outfit Ideas

A single-breasted blazer, a crisp shirt, and mid-wash denim jeans will always earn their fashion mileage and can transition from day to night effortlessly. When it comes to a smart casual look, we recommend avoiding jeans with multiple rips and raw hems. For evening, opt for wide-leg denim jeans and a pair of chic mules or strappy heels. For daytime, opt for sleek sandals or loafers. The blazer adds refinement to the overall look – reach for a crisp white or neutral tone for a more sophisticated look or alternatively an oversized blazer in a bold shade for summer. Failing that, black or navy are chic options that can elevate almost any look.

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3. Smart Casual Outfits for Summer

In summer, when the sun is sweltering outside, you might want to throw on a carefree flowing dress and strappy sandals. But when it comes to smart casual outfits for summer, nothing says refined more than summery separates. Mix a streamlined tank top or silk camisole with a midi or maxi skirt and strappy heels for a sophisticated smart casual look for social events. It’s no secret that long denim skirts are having a serious moment right now, so for a directional look that’s still elevated opt for a style in deep indigo or crisp white that you’ll be able to wear on rotation.

For work, try a structured shirt dress or collared dress in a light natural fabrication. Inject some colour into your look with a bright pair of slides or a statement shoulder bag for the ultimate effortless summery look.

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4. Long Lunch Smart Casual Outfits

Nothing compares to a long leisurely lunch in the afternoon sun. Of course, to top it all off, you need the perfect outfit. Luckily, we’ve got options that will see you go from sunrise to sunset. Smart casual clothes are perfect for long lunches – after all, you want a relaxed look that still has some polish without looking overdressed. We recommend opting for a flowing mini dress with a statement sleeve and soft hues. While summer calls for bright colours, tactile fabrications and radiant prints, a winter dress in a light knit fabric is ideal for the cooler months when worn with a longline coat and heeled leather boots.

If a dress isn’t on your radar, pair a classic wide-leg jumpsuit with ankle boots for the ultimate relaxed-yet-chic look. Dress your look up with statement jewellery, sleek crossbody bag and leather mules.

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5. Smart Casual Workwear Outfits

For many of us, the office calls for smart casual attire. Of course, on any given day, this might vary depending on your schedule and dress code.

A tried-and-tested smart casual workwear outfit combination is an elevated midi dress paired with a low heel or ankle boot. Add a blazer to instantly pull the look together, whether it’s fitted and structured or oversized with exaggerated proportions. When the mercury rises, a pair of light linen pants will keep you cool when you need to move from the office to the commute home. When it comes to working from home, high-low dressing is the key to being ready for everything, from important Zoom calls to popping out for coffee. High-low dressing consists of mixing elevated pieces with more relaxed staples, a practice we have become very much used to over the last couple of years working from home. Think – a structured blazer with a tank and soft denim.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is smart casual for women?

Smart casual for women is quite a broad term but in essence, it is a cross between smart and more relaxed dress codes. This typically means comfortable clothing with a polished element. For a work-related event, this usually involves a blazer or suit jacket, while for social events this might include a streamlined dress, wide-leg trousers and a blouse or a skirt-and-top combination.

Can you wear jeans in a smart casual dress code?

Yes, you can wear jeans in a smart casual dress code, but avoid wearing slouchy or oversized jeans with too many rips and tears. If you’re wearing jeans for a smart casual dress code, we recommend dressing up the look with ankle boots and a sharp blazer.

How do you dress smart casual?

There are endless smart casual combinations, but it’s important to find a look that works for you. Smart casual is quite a broad dress code, so you do have some licence to express your individual sense of style. You can never go wrong with a polished midi dress and sandals, or a crisp white t-shirt, wide-leg trousers, a chic blazer and a kitten heel.

Can I wear sneakers for smart casual dressing?

When it comes to smart casual dressing, sneakers tend to veer more towards the casual side. That said, if you’re pairing a clean white pair of leather sneakers with a structured dress or a matching suit and a bold lip, it can look fashion-forward without being too relaxed.