Smart Casual for Women is a casual elegance designed mainly for the business lady. This style is good because it is perfect for the office, and for a business lunch, and for a walk with girlfriends, and in some cases for a date. It combines concepts that at first glance are incompatible: the cold restraint of a business image, carefree ease and incomparable comfort. The combination of these properties allows you to express your individuality to the fullest, neglecting the boring rules of a classic office dress code.

Style concept

This fashion trend first appeared in Italy, and is based on a dry business style, consisting of prim suits, tights, stilettos and a limited range of colors. The concept of "Smart Casual" is almost elusive, not subject to clear definitions and boundaries. It is not strict canons that are important here, but a balance of good taste, moderation and tact. Smart Casual for women combines the best elements of business style, the convenience of casual wear and some feminine coquetry. In this popular and continuously developing direction, certain principles can be distinguished, following which you can easily create harmonious compositions.

Silhouettes and materials

A significant part of Smart Casual clothing for women is made from wrinkle-resistant fabrics, moderately soft and elastic. The texture of the materials should be elastic enough to keep the shape and properly fit the curves of the body: not tight, but smoothly repeating. Matte silk, natural wool, delicate cashmere, luxurious tweed, cotton, viscose are often used, in which synthetic fiber is usually added to give the fabric strength. The most delightful images are created on the basis of high-quality textured knitwear.

"Smart Casual" provides girls with freedom of movement and elegant appearance. The cut is characterized by a semi-adjacent and adjacent silhouette, quite clear and neat. Things should sit on the figure, and not dangle casually, but allow you to freely make uninhibited movements. Such comfort, combined with perfectly tailored details and ironed folds, allows you to achieve a light, but at the same time strict silhouette.

Colors and patterns

The business style is distinguished by a very limited set of allowed colors: only restraint and neutral rigor. Smart Casual for women is not far from this rule, but allows more liberties: purple, emerald, scarlet, sunny yellow are allowed here. The main thing is that bright colors should be used only as an accent, and the first violin should certainly be played by basic shades, such as black, gray, beige, dark blue.

Patterns on clothes play an important role. Among the variety of prints, stripes and checks, geometric ornaments, as well as flower arrangements and large catchy images. The basis of the image is monochromatic outfits, and patterns only soften the severity. It is not recommended to wear more than one item of clothing with a pattern.

Smart Casual Shirts

This is a versatile and almost indispensable element of the wardrobe, successfully borrowed from men's business classics. But unlike her, in "Smart Casual" shirts are made not only from cotton and silk in neutral tones. Casual style is characterized by a large assortment of women's shirts: white and black, bright and expressive, plain, striped, with a floral pattern, with a regular collar or a stand. Such garments fit perfectly into any life situation and are easily combined with other elements. AT summer time tucking up the sleeves to the level of the elbow is welcome.

Pants and jeans

Looking at photos of women in Smart Casual style, it becomes clear that the right trousers should ideally lie on women's hips. Low waist is not allowed under any circumstances. The most suitable material is dense and wrinkle-resistant. Decorative elements such as patch pockets, rivets, embroideries, appliqués, beads and sequins, as well as shining rhinestones are completely excluded. The only decor that fits into "Smart Casual" is small folds, cuff lapels, neat tucks. The ideal option is straight-cut trousers with arrows, as well as forever fashionable cigarette trousers. Choose clear, concise silhouettes that are form-fitting but not tight.

Along with trousers, jeans are also popular. This element of the wardrobe must be chosen strictly according to the figure, the belt should be located at waist level or 2-3 centimeters lower. Wide and flared models, as well as aged ones with holes and fringe, do not fit into the Smart Casual dress code for women, therefore they are strictly prohibited. You can wear skinny or other skinny options. Choose only classic colors: blue, black, gray, light blue or white.

Basic wardrobe in the style of "Smart"

In addition to trousers and shirts, basic wardrobe also include:

• semi-fitted suit or denim jackets;
• knee-length pencil skirts a few centimeters higher or midi;
• laconic dresses of a tight-fitting silhouette of the same length;
• sweaters and sweatshirts in discreet shades, tight-fitting or moderately loose;
• plain t-shirts with long or short sleeves.

To keep the Smart Casual outfit for women from looking dull, add a few colored shirts with a pattern, such as floral and check, to your basic wardrobe. T-shirts with large prints will also be appropriate, which harmonize beautifully with business suits and soften an overly strict look.

Shoes

Shoes in the style of "Smart" has an amazing variety. Most suitable option- these are classic pumps or a similar model with a high stable heel. The outfit can also be complemented with ballet flats and loafers, oxfords look beautiful and stylish - lace-up shoes borrowed from the men's wardrobe. Neat and concise moccasins without too much decor can also take place. There are no restrictions on the height of the heel, it can be high, medium or low. In summer, you can wear open sandals, the rules for closed toe and heel do not apply to Smart Casual.

Accessories

Just look at the photos of women in Smart Casual style to understand: discreet, subtle, minimalist accessories are welcome. Bags can be both large and miniature, it all depends on the specific situation. However, the colors must be muted and neutral: beige, red, black, navy blue, and white. Jewelry in the form of elegant bracelets, earrings, pendants and rings will complement the image and make it individual. A separate place is occupied by glasses - this accessory is almost an integral element this style.

You can also diversify your wardrobe with scarves and scarves. They must be restrained colors. Branded models are ideal, which make the outfit visually more expensive and solid.

To properly embody the image in the style of "Smart Casual", you need to pay attention not only to clothes. Hairstyle plays an important role: if you wear short hair, the haircut should be flawless, and long ones can be worn loose or styled in various hairstyles. The main thing is not to allow negligence or infantilism. Also, the look must be supplemented with neat makeup and discreet manicure. Each of these details is a necessary component of the Smart Casual style.

In terms of demand, smart casual (“a little loose”) has already outpaced the classic style and street casual, although it appeared relatively recently. This is the choice of women who, along with elegance, value convenience and comfort. Further in the article we will analyze the features of this fashion trend.

What is smart casual dress code?

The smart casual dress code fits perfectly into city life in all its manifestations. it a unique opportunity to combine a strict dress code with the comfort of ordinary things (photo).

Style allows you to combine elements that used to be worn together in bad taste.

He is peculiar a link between classic and casual.

How did the style come about?

The first mention of smart casual can be found in American newspapers of the 1950s of the last century.. So office and bank employees began to dress who preferred looser clothing for working days. Strict business suits were put away in a closet for special occasions such as meetings and important negotiations. Over time, the style becomes even more informal, but at the same time restrained.

Attention! Giorgio Armani is considered the founder of modern smart casual.. For the first time, he proposed elegant, simplified variations of classic costumes.

Principles of smart casual style 2019 for women

The dress code is often considered office, has certain features, knowing which you can correctly combine things. It is recommended to use things made from natural materials with medium elasticity. The texture of textiles is preferably smooth.

Advice! Therefore, it is better not to take into account low-quality knitted fabrics. As a special exception to the dress code, let's say a velvet jacket.

The color scheme must be kept in basic colors..

There is also a universal formula for combining basic things:

Fitted blouse and skirt.

Straight trousers and silk blouse with sleeves that cover the shoulders. Ruffles, frills, frills are not allowed.

Plain dress with a straight silhouette or slightly narrowed down.

Soft business suit. It is better not to resort to excessive emphasis on the figure.

Semi-fitted jacket and jeans in a classic straight silhouette. Denim should be free of rips, holes, beads, and stripes.

Pencil skirt with shirt, decorated with an embroidered collar or pocket.

Cardigan or jacket. Only knitting with large volumetric stitches is unacceptable in the cold season and openwork summer. A Chanel jacket will fit perfectly into the image.

Reference! Skirt or dress can be 5-7 cm above the knee.

Popular colors and style prints

The color scheme should be kept in basic colors. The main place in the outfit is given to black and white and chocolate color. They are complemented by pastel and nude colors, as well as turquoise, blue, emerald.

Important! It is better to place accents in the image with plum or dark cherry. But the style does not imply catchy defiant shades.

As a print for the office stripes, cage, polka dots, geometric shapes are popular. Gradient transitions are also allowed.

Ornate patterns and catchy floral designs are not recommended. As an exception to the rule, you can choose accessories with animalistic colors. Exquisitely looks scarf under the skin of a python.

Advice! When choosing individual things, remember that they should not greatly interrupt each other in brightness and color.

Selection of women's shoes and accessories

Properly selected accessories will harmoniously complement the image. Shoes will be the main decoration of the bow. However, it is so diverse that it is very difficult to set strict limits in this case. As basic models it is better to buy pumps with low heels, as well as moccasins with thickened soles.

Allowed the use of rhinestones and jewelry, but in moderation. Heel sizes can also be different. It should be chosen so as to feel confident throughout the day, and not get tired after a long walk. If a woman is comfortable in stiletto heels, then in smart casual style she can afford it. Sports shoes in this dress code, unlike men, girls do not prefer.

As other additions you can use hats, gloves, different kinds scarves. Bags, like clothes, must be aged in discreet shades and have a minimum of decor.

If work and lifestyle allow you to wear jewelry, then medium-sized jewelry can be used. It is better to refuse massive bracelets and necklaces.

Important! Shoes and bag must be kept in the same color scheme.

When choosing clothes, it is very important to find harmony between formal and informal style. Therefore, designers recommend first of all pay attention to the appearance of the thing, and only then on its convenience and other indicators. Stylists warn that the apparent naturalness and conciseness of smart-casual can be deceiving.

You should not get too carried away with the selection of simple things in the wardrobe, but you should not neglect the rule of minimalism either. Conservative notes should be in moderation. In order not to stray from the right direction, designers advise do not deviate from the basic principles of style.

The jacket should become one of the main wardrobe items. It can be combined with almost anything. For example, it will look good with a silk shirt paired with straight trousers in a neutral color. This is a favorite bow of lawyers and banking workers.

A good alternative to trousers pencil skirt or sheath dress. For a creative person, a jacket with a catchy print is suitable. It is easy to combine with jeans and a straight skirt.

For weekdays you can combine jeans, a jacket and a light shirt. In the evening, the shirt is easy to replace with a brighter T-shirt.

Smart casual style is the lifestyle of most city dwellers. It was created so that employees of various companies can feel comfortable throughout the day. Having studied the features and principles of style, you can create interesting and elegant images.

Italy has given the world many wonderful things: opera and great wine, leisurely afternoons and full of passion songs. It is not surprising that it was Italian designers, with their ability to combine seemingly incongruous things, who created SMART CASUAL, a style that combines lightness and casual comfort with chic and restraint filled with elegance.

Elegant everyday

Fashion critics assure that the founder of SMART CASUAL was Giorgio Armani, an Italian designer of world renown, the creator of his own fashion empire, who for many years dictated to the world how to dress in order to pass for an elegant person. The ingenious fashion designer was the first to suggest diluting part of a strict business look with informal clothes, for example, replacing a classic shirt with a knitted turtleneck or a formal white blouse with an ordinary “basic” T-shirt. Then the fashion took a step further, and SMART CASUAL appeared jeans, informal blazers, cozy knitted cardigans and wool blend jumpers as part of a single look.

However, fashion historians are sure that SMART CASUAL is a child of the street in the literal sense of this expression. For the first time this style was seen on the squares of Milan, and from there it hit the catwalks. From the streets came this desire for comfort and absolute freedom - the freedom to express yourself through clothes. It manifests itself in movement, in sensations and feelings, in self-expression and the definition of one's own individuality - in a word, freedom raised to the absolute, but at the same time not to the detriment of beauty and quality.

Translated from English, SMART CASUAL means “smart elegant everyday life”, and these words characterize the style itself in the best possible way. Simple, familiar things, executed in an unconditionally elegant, in something refined and even - let's not be afraid of this word - chic version became the basis of a new fashionable format. The desire to look elegant even in everyday little things - this is how you can decipher the message of SMART CASUAL.

The new format differs from ordinary casual or street casual in its thoughtfulness and a little more formality. So, for a street look, boyfriend jeans or hip flares that are so fashionable now are quite suitable, and in SMART CASUAL, classic-cut trousers or jeans are preferred. True, there are exceptions: in the jeans example, these are the same skinny, loose chinos or tight fitting 7/8 length pants.

Combining the incongruous

The ability to dress in SMART CASUAL style is an art. The imaginary simplicity of outfits often misleads neophytes - new fans of such a comfortable and cozy direction.
In SMART CASUAL, there are no strict rules and unambiguously regulated prescriptions (for example, as in a business look) that could be followed. Accordingly, it is easy to get confused, to make a mistake by creating a too catchy or, conversely, too nondescript image.

The talent to turn everyday things into something special, to emphasize the beauty of the fabric and its texture, choosing the right accessories - this is the gift, according to the designers, that every fan of this trend should have. Innate taste and sense of style - that's what betrays SMART CASUAL lovers in everyday life.

It's all about the little things

The main features of the SMART CASUAL style are simple: an elegant cut, which nevertheless lacks clear lines; soft silhouette, which at the same time well emphasizes the figure; natural (mostly) fabrics - with a pronounced texture or, conversely, absolutely smooth. The color scheme is also characteristic: the clothes mainly use a calm palette - no explosive neon shades, no too bright radiance of rhinestones. But at the same time, colors from opposite ends of the spectrum can easily be combined in one image: “ivory” and “bitter chocolate”, dark “anthracite” and a delicate shade of the morning sky, powdery pink and cold steel.

But the accessories in this format are mostly bright: a scarf or a scarf with an unusual pattern, gloves made of excellent leather, handbags and umbrellas (yes, even an umbrella becomes a full part of the look). Do not forget about watches, because in SMART CASUAL a lot is taken from the classic business style. Moreover, unlike a business image, chronometers of well-known brands, jewelry bracelet watches, and informal watches fit into this format.

Jewelry for women is especially good: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings. They can be both classic and non-standard. The main thing is their ability to merge into the image, emphasizing the elegance and conciseness of their companions: dresses, shirts, blouses, t-shirts ... However, the choice of accessories may require remarkable willpower: SMART CASUAL implies the use of one expressive jewelry. If you have a scarf around your neck, you should not complement it with a necklace or choker. If you prefer to wear a watch on a leather strap, it is hardly appropriate to pair it with metal bracelets. In a word, thoughtfulness and caution is the main motto.

A lot has already been said and written about casual style. About this easy everyday look they know, they gladly adhere to it. It is not surprising that men who follow fashion ask a completely natural question - how to adapt this rather free style to a strict office style.

If, in accordance with the internal routine established in the organization, your image should be presentable, but not strict, choose a smart casual wardrobe for yourself.

In the photo smart casual for men

Smart casual style for men translated from of English language means "smart, casual style". The uncertainty and blurring of the stylistic direction in clothing is explained by the fact that the concept of a dress code in each organization, country, at each event is individual. For this reason, there are no strict, specific rules for style.

Different dictionaries provide different definitions of this stylistic direction:

• national Australian vocabulary - attractive, laid-back style;
• Oxford University Dictionary - neat, traditional, moderately informal style;
• vocabulary of English slang - a ridiculous dress code that is suitable for attending parties, concerts and sedentary office work.

Wikipedia also provides a rather vague definition based on the opinions of fashion magazines and experts.

According to the designers, the smart-casual style is an informal dress code that combines classic and modern elements wardrobe.

For the first time about the "careless" dress code, as a separate style, they started talking at the beginning of the last century in America at a time when large corporations were actively developing that did not impose serious requirements on appearance 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 style. The first smart-casual looks turned out to be timid - young people changed 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 compiling a wardrobe is important to strike a balance between formal and informal dress code. It's not easy to learn how to combine classic clothes with trendy details.

smart casual dress code for men

With the advent of this style, office employees got more freedom in choosing clothes - classic trousers were replaced by jeans, strict jackets were replaced by blazers and jumpers. Distinctive feature style - flexibility, and this is especially true for men with a modest wardrobe. Even a small number of things can be combined, involving any detail, experimenting and fantasizing.

shirts

A shirt is a basic element of smart casual style

Shirts are the centerpiece of any smart-casual look. In this case, you will need a lot of shirts of different styles and colors.

First of all, pick up a classic oxford shirt with a rich of blue color, it will always be relevant, will not go out of fashion and is combined with any detail of the image, whether it be jeans, chinos, a tie or a jumper. In addition, the right shade of blue will suit any person - with fair skin and swarthy, blondes and brunettes, regardless of eye color. If you want to create the most modern look, choose a shirt without a collar.

A striped shirt and a cage will not be superfluous in the wardrobe. Emphasize individuality and style with a pocket square of the same color in a jacket pocket.

Stylist's 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 it matches the color palette of all accessories. The most win-win option is a plain t-shirt with a small neckline.

Blazer and tweed jacket

Blazer - stylish look in warm weather

Many men, due to the similarity of a blazer and a jacket, confuse these two wardrobe details. Outwardly, they are similar, but each will be appropriate in certain situations and conditions. AT modern fashion a blazer is a club jacket.

For the warm season, a cotton and linen blazer is suitable, for cool weather, denser fabrics are selected. As for the color palette, calm, natural tones look the most harmonious - brown, beige, green.

Tweed jacket - an elegant look in cold weather

A tweed jacket is a great alternative to a blazer when it gets cold. Due to the dense structure, tweed warms, and the fabric, made of 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 to the fashion world - James Brudenell Earl Cardigan. During the Crimean War, he commanded the British troops and in clothes, first of all, he appreciated practicality and functionality. His favorite part of the wardrobe was a waistcoat with drawstrings, thanks to which the clothes were easily and quickly removed.

Cardigan - practical and comfortable

Classic cardigan made from knitted fabric, knitting can be thin or large, models with elegant V-neck and shawl collar. Models in a more sporty style have a zip fastening, while classic cardigans are fastened with buttons. If you want to create an original look, pay attention to cardigans with ties.

In the smart-casual style, a blazer is used instead of a vest, wearing a jacket on top - this option is considered the most formal and businesslike. Complement your stylish look with a tie.

Tie and other accessories

A tie is optional in this case, it is enough to unbutton the top button of the shirt. If the situation requires a tie, choose a thin or knitted model, they will emphasize your smart-casual style.

A bright clip on a tie and sunglasses looks original. When choosing a tie, avoid classic styles and standard models that have become familiar in the office.

Pants

Pants - no arrows and strict lines

First of all, classics should be avoided - smart casual style completely excludes smoothed arrows and clear lines. The best solution is khaki and chinos.

As for jeans, the opinions of stylists differ here. According to some fashion designers, jeans outweigh the image in the direction of a loose casual style. But also in the fashion world there is an opinion that jeans of a certain style and shade may well become the basic element of an elegant everyday look for an office employee.

The color scheme of trousers should overlap:

• 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 decor and stripes.

Belt

Choose a belt to match your shoes

The choice of a belt, first of all, should be based on the style and model of the trousers. For chinos, 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 a hard sole and a low, massive heel;
• chakka or chukka - ankle-high boots, they are comfortable and versatile, they look like deserts, they are worn with any trousers and jeans of different styles;
• monks are the most classic version shoes for smart casual, shoes with two buckles and low heels, it is recommended to wear with skinny trousers so that the edges of the clothes do not cling to the fastener.

There are no restrictions on 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 barefoot, however, in cool weather, it would still be more correct to complement the look with socks. Look for shades and patterns that go well with a particular piece of clothing, such as a tie.

Smart casual clothing for men - a few stylish looks

1. The image of smart casual in its purest form.

Classic smart casual in its purest form

Basic elements: chinos, shirt, jacket and any shoes in smart casual style.

Start by choosing a shirt, it can be plain - white, blue or pink. If you want to give the image individuality, choose a model with a simple, unobtrusive pattern.

In this case, you can not use a tie, just unbutton the top button of the shirt.

Throw on a blue blazer over the top - this is the most versatile piece that will suit any smart casual look. According to stylists, such a blazer should be the first must-have in a man's wardrobe.

Chinos in safe gray or beige go well 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 law of “free Friday” flourishes.

For this option, dark-colored jeans are quite appropriate; light colors are also suitable for the warm season. Modern, stylish smarties prefer to wear indigo jeans.

The top of elegance will be a white shirt in combination with a dark jacket. Alternatively, a vest with a tie and a cardigan in dark shades will do.

Smart casual for the office, where "free Friday" reigns.

Stylish "highlight" of the image - suede deserts with lacing, medium height (up to the ankle).

3. The third image - when it's cool outside.

Autumn smart casual looks great with a turtleneck or sweater

For rainy and cool weather, get trousers made of wool, tweed or corduroy, which are harmoniously combined with warm turtlenecks. If you don’t like such a tandem, replace the turtleneck with a polo shirt and a cardigan. You can throw a vintage blazer over the turtleneck and put on deserts.

Layering is an easy way to add warmth to your look, but keep it stylish. You will need:

• simple, classic, plain shirt;
• knitted jumper with a V-neck;
• jeans;
• cardigan;
• socks imitating the same knitting, but thin.

If desired, you can complement the image with a tie.

5. The fifth image - if the 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. It is these shoes that are most comfortable and combined with smart casual style. Although in this variation your style will turn out to be more casual than smart.

Summing up

If we evaluate the current styles in men's fashion by the degree of comfort, smart casual will undoubtedly be in the top three, second only to sporty style. In addition, by combining clothes according to your own taste, you can create strict sets in accordance with the dress code or light looks for fun gatherings with friends.

The uniqueness of the smart casual wardrobe lies in its minimalism – you don’t have to fill the closet with a lot of clothes, it’s enough to purchase the basic details and combine them, relying on a certain 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 to exclusively natural materials, choose shoes made of natural, glossy leather. Find your style, experiment and improve.