Navigating smart casual dress codes
Smart Casual
Smart casual can be a difficult dress code to nail down; do you place more emphasis on the smart or on the casual. Smart casual is flexible by nature; where it falls on the clothing spectrum depends largely on the event or environment for which it is required. It’s relatively easy to dress for a dinner, restaurant or wedding that specifies a smart casual dress code because, usually, you know the people who will be there and are familiar with the way they dress. And even if you are stranger, all you need to do is don a nice pair of trousers and a long sleeve shirt (if you’re a man) while women can swap the trousers for a dress or skirt if they so desire.
It’s a little trickier defining smart casual for the work environment, because you need to be conscious of the message your attire sends out to clients, colleagues and managers. You don’t want to be the person who refuses to relinquish the jacket and tie because it’ll appear as though you’re trying to make your colleagues look bad; you’ll also appear rigid and inflexible, which is not a message you want to deliver to the people who are responsible for your upward mobility. On the other hand, Bermuda shorts and Hawaiian shirts hint at a loafer attitude; clients will doubt your capability and professionalism and the board of directors will be unable to take you seriously.
Work wear for men
When it comes to smart casual work wear for men it’s safe to go with neatly ironed chinos in conservative colours and a shirt with a collar. Shirts can be long or short-sleeved as long as they look neat; ties are usually left hanging safely in the cupboard. Jeans are traditionally not considered safe for smart casual dress codes, but as businesses have adopted an increasingly relaxed attitude towards work wear, many now allow jeans with smart shirts and jackets. Whatever you do, though, don’t try to finish off your outfit with trainers or sandals.
Smart casual work wear for women
Smart casual work wear for women is usually more flexible than that for men. Women can get away with summer or wrap dresses, flowing or knee-length skirts, trousers, blouses, sleeveless tops with smart cardigans or jackets and dressy sandals, boots and mid-heels. Again, jeans are creeping into the definition of smart casual work wear, especially as some jeans are designed specifically for the workplace and can be dressed up with blouses, accessories and shoes.
If you’re at all unsure about what smart casual means at work or for a function the best thing you can do is ask. If you prefer to suss the situation out for yourself, however, err on the side of smart – overdressed gives a much better impression than underdressed, no matter what the occasion.
