by Felnunmoi Gangte
There’s a fine line that needs to be walked to master the art of dressing ‘Smart Casual’. All it needs is some basic knowledge of styling and a dash of personal attitude. Today young adults are shifting their dress habits from overly experimental to smart casuals because the present culture promotes earning independently and so the need to be taken seriously in the work environment, without losing one’s individuality, has become the norm. In the same way, adult working professionals are shifting from basic business casuals to smart casuals to keep up with the ever-changing dynamics of the work culture and blend. Smart casual is often the recommended dress code for events and evening functions dressing. Here are some simple tips on being smart about Smart Casual dressing:
MIX OF FORMAL AND CASUAL GARMENTS
This is the numero uno rule that applies to both men and women alike. One of the best juxtapositions is denim bottoms and smart outerwear. Denim trousers or skirts paired with a basic tucked in T-shirt or shirt which can further be dressed up with a fitted blazer left unbuttoned is a basic go-to for men. You could also opt for an oversized coat or jacket instead of the blazer depending on the occasion. Ladies can pair jeans with a blouse, shirt with or without a jacket or pick a cute floral summer dress. A basic white button-down shirt could be paired more unconventionally with printed pants or skirts.
SHOES
White sneakers, the trend of the season, would be acceptable for a smart casual event and pair well with a dress or a pair of pants, bringing the uber cool look to an ensemble. For outdoor days, you could also go for strap sandals. Ballerinas do justice to almost any outfit while also giving a comfortable, laid-back vibe. For men, wear moccasins or loafers with your trousers rolled up just a few inches. If you are feeling more vibrant, wear a pair of contrasting socks with fun prints.
ACCESSORISE
Accessorising your look is one of the easiest ways to turn formals into smart casuals or make regular casuals look a little more funky. The trend of the season is layered, minimalistic neck pieces. Whether you are wearing a dress or a basic shirt, layered chains give a detailing to the ensemble which completes the look.
Belts add a smart look to casual ensembles. With the basic button-down shirt tucked into a printed pant or skirt, a belt gives the silhouette more structure. Belted dresses paired with oversized jackets also give a sharp look.
The best bags for a smart casual look are satchels and sling bags. Depending on the occasion, you could experiment with the shape, size and material. For office wear, leather satchels work best for both men and women. Chained slings are a good option for more formal parties and night outs.
The laid back look matches well with an effortless attitude towards formal dressing while still looking professional.
