Smart Casual Dress Code and Attire Guide for Women and Men

Smart casual attire is a dress code that combines well-fitting, polished business wear with elements of casual attire—think blouses, polo shirts, button-downs, chinos, dress pants, dark-wash jeans, and polished, practical footwear. On the spectrum of formality, smart casual lies between dressy casual (jeans and blouses) and business casual (dress pants and pencil skirts). A common way to achieve a smart casual look is to pair pieces of slightly different formality levels, like a pencil skirt with a vibrant sweater, or a refined blazer over a flirty blouse.

The smart casual dress code offers a balance between casual and formal wear, which is ideal for social occasions with a professional flare, such as after-work socializing or a social event at a business conference.

Here are some smart casual outfit options for women:

• Tops: For a smart casual look, select blouses made of fabrics with interesting details, collared shirts, or button-ups with short sleeves or long sleeves. You can wear a blazer over your top of choice for added dressiness. Bright colors are acceptable, but use color sparingly to avoid creating a look that’s too casual. Avoid cotton T-shirts or tops with large-printed graphics or slogans.
• Bottoms: Pants like chinos, silk pants, or dress pants are a great choice for a smart casual look. Dark-wash denim jeans are acceptable, but they should be tailored and distress-free. Flowy skirts and pencil skirts are appropriate, but avoid skirts that feature formal details like pinstripes, which can skew too business casual.
• Shoes: Oxfords, ballet flats, and loafers work well for a smart casual look. Ankle boots, wedges, and low-to-mid heel types are also acceptable. If you choose to wear heels, consider dressing down the look with jeans to maintain a casual balance. Avoid ultra-casual shoes like running shoes or sneakers, which are too casual for this attire. Shoes should be clean and scuff-free.
• One-piece outfits: Sheath dresses and collared shirt dresses can help you achieve a relaxed and refined balance. Jumpsuits are a great way to try a unique look; opt for one that belts in the middle to add dressiness. Avoid floor-length dresses, which often skew more casual (like beach attire) or too formal (like festive attire or creative black-tie).
• Accessories: Choose one or two delicate accessories to create a polished, refined look. Simple earrings, delicate necklaces, bracelets, and watches are also acceptable.

Here are some options for a smart casual dress code for men:

• Tops: Button-down shirts are a great choice for smart casual attire, either short-sleeved or long-sleeved. Wear bright colors sparingly. Add a blazer or sport coat over a shirt for extra dressiness, but avoid ties. On less dressy days, a polo shirt can be a good option, but pairing it with casual pants may be too casual.
• Bottoms: A pair of chinos, dress pants, or slacks is an excellent choice for this dress code. You can also wear well-tailored, dark-wash jeans without visible signs of distress.
• Shoes: Loafers and Oxfords are great smart casual shoe options; opt for leather styles for the dressiest look. Avoid casual wear shoes like running shoes or sneakers. Shoes should be clean and scuff-free.
• Accessories: Adding an accessory or two can help elevate an outfit and give it a final dressy touch. Statement watches or bracelets are acceptable for this attire.

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