Smart casual is one of the most common event dress codes. How can you find the balance between formal and casual without risking looking over/underdressed? We want to help you nail the smart casual look when shopping for women’s clothing online. Read on for 6 tips to decode the dress code.
1. Choose Quality Basics
To create a smart casual style, start with a solid foundation by investing in quality basics like tailored trousers, A-line skirts, and well-fitted blazers. These timeless pieces will serve as the building blocks of your smart casual wardrobe, ensuring comfort and durability. Mix and match these pieces to create various outfits.
A well-fitting pair of jeans is crucial for a flattering body shape and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Dark wash jeans with minimal distressing are versatile and can be dressed up with a blouse and heels, or down with a t-shirt and sneakers.
Lastly, invest in high-quality shoes and accessories, such as neutral-coloured pumps, classic leather handbags, and statement jewellery, to elevate your smart casual style and add sophistication.
2. Understand the Balance between Casual and Formal
The key to perfecting the smart casual style is to strike a balance between casual and formal elements in your outfit.
To achieve this, pair casual pieces with dressier ones, such as a structured blazer with jeans or a tailored dress with a denim jacket. Mixing different fabrics, such as a flowy silk blouse with tailored trousers or a structured cotton skirt with a soft knit sweater, can also help. Keep your style effortlessly chic so your confidence can shine through.
3. Play with Textures and Patterns
Elevate your smart casual style by adding texture and pattern to your outfit. Experiment with different fabrics and materials to create interest and dimension, like pairing chunky knit sweaters with sleek leather skorts or lace tops with tailored trousers.
4. Accessorise Thoughtfully
Choose elegant and timeless accessories to complement your smart casual style, ensuring they complement your outfit without overpowering it.
Enhance your smart casual look with a classic watch, delicate necklace, or elegant earrings, opting for quality pieces that can be worn with various outfits and stand the test of time.
A versatile handbag is essential for a smart casual look, whether it's a structured leather tote or a chic crossbody bag, as it can hold all your essentials and complement your outfit.
5. Focus on Fit
Smart casual is all about fit. When shopping online, check out the measurement charts of the piece you are interested in, rather than relying on size alone. Sizes can vary across retailers and locations with regional stores opting for Asian sizing charts. It can be useful to check reviews to decide if you should size up or size down.
Depending on your figure, opt for a silhouette that flatters the parts you want to emphasise, like your waist or chest. The fit is crucial for a polished and stylish appearance, so don't hesitate to make alterations to ensure your clothes fit perfectly.
6. Layering Techniques
Layering is a great way to enhance smart casual outfits if your event is indoors. Start with a basic foundation layer like a camisole or fitted t-shirt and build from there. Layer a lightweight cardigan or tailored blazer over your foundation layer. Mix different lengths and textures for a visually appealing look, like pairing a longer cardigan with a shorter blouse or a chunky knit sweater over a linen blouse.
Master the Effortlessly Chic Look with A Smart Casual Style
Once you’ve scoured Pinterest, fashion blogs, and social media influencers for inspiration, head over to iORA’s catalogue to bring your vision to life. Perfecting smart casual style is all about finding the right balance between casual and formal, expressing your style, and having fun with your outfits. By shopping at iORA, you'll be able to find women’s clothing online that make matching the dress code a breeze.