What Does Smart Casual Mean? A Guide To One of the Most Confusing Dress Codes

There are so many different types of dress codes: formal, semi-formal, casual, and more. Knowing what they all mean is essential to properly presenting yourself in both your personal and professional life, and one of the most confusing of them all might just be the  “smart casual” dress code. 

Fortunately, this attire policy doesn’t have to be bewildering. Ahead, join us as we take a deep dive into what the “smart casual” dress code really means.

What is Smart Casual?

The smart casual look can essentially be figured out by breaking down its title. You want to dress smart–or stylish and neat–but you also want to be casual. Your outfit should be a little dressy, but the most important thing to remember is that you want to be comfortable.

This dress code is often confused with business casual. While there are plenty of overlaps between these two dress codes, there are also a few key differences. The primary distinction between a smart casual look and a business casual look is that your smart casual outfit can be fashion-forward, while your business casual attire should remain more conservative.

When you’re planning for your smart casual outfit, keep three things in mind:

• Comfort and function
• Fashion expectations
• How others at the event will likely dress

What Should You Wear to Your Smart Casual Event?

Now that we know what it means to be smart casual, what should you wear? Here, we’ve gathered a few ideas for simple, go-to outfits to wear to your next smart casual event. 

A Simple Blouse

Nothing says functionality like a classic blouse or shirt. For a smart casual event, you’ll most likely want to wear something in a solid color or a very simple pattern. This way, you’ll make sure that you’re neither over-nor under-dressed. After all, one of the main goals of a smart casual look is to be dressed appropriately and look polished.

When you’re dressing smart, be sure to take the weather into consideration. In summer, that means you’ll likely want to be wearing something with short or convertible sleeves. 

A Sleek Skirt or Pants

Of course, no blouse or shirt is complete without its other half. You’ll need a gorgeous skirt or a pair of simple tailored pants to finish off your smart casual look.

Be sure to read the attitude of the event before you go. If you’re going to a more formal or professional gathering, you’ll likely want to stick with a long or mid-length skirt and traditional pants. However, for more informal gatherings and parties, you can mix up your look with a short skirt or even shorts.

A Tasteful Dress

If you’re not in the mood for mixing and matching a top and bottom, the smart casual look is always open to a dressy interpretation. A simple day dress is a great way to comfortably fit into any smart casual gathering. In warmer weather, off-the-shoulder and sleeveless dresses are fashionable and functional–because there’s nothing smart about sweating in your outfit.

Polished Accessories

Finally, of course, you’ll need accessories–think: a sophisticated, functional handbag and chic jewelry. To really nail your look, consider it in its entirety: What style are you going for? How do you want to present yourself? You’ll want to stick to one vibe without looking overdone.

FAQs:

Are jeans smart casual?

Jeans shouldn’t be your first choice for a smart casual event, but if you have no other options, they can get close to being appropriate for smart casual. If you’d like to wear denim, we recommend wearing a pair of black jeans, or dark-wash blue jeans. Choose a pair that is well fitted and not too baggy, but also steer clear of styles that are too tight or form-fitting. 

Are leggings smart casual?

Leggings are more in the realm of casual clothing than smart casual clothing. Athletic leggings are especially not appropriate for a smart casual event, but you might be able to get away with wearing a thicker pair of dark knit ponte or cotton leggings. In general, though, stick to something a little more formal like a simple skirt or a pair of dress pants. 

We want to see how you nail this dress code! Show us on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop more in our Casual Dresses Shop!