Smart casual outfit ideas: 7 stylish looks that will navigate this tricky dress code

One of the hardest dress codes to decipher, these smart casual outfit ideas will help you nail this look

smart casual outfit ideas shown by street stylers
(Image credit: Getty Images)

When it comes to smart casual outfit ideas, the mere mention of this dress code can send even the most stylish of dresses into a sartorial meltdown. Not overly formal, but not too casual either, finding the perfect smart casual outfit sweet spot can take some practice.

A phrase originally coined in the mid-twenties, smart casual dress codes originally referred to men’s clothing, suggesting suits of less heavy fabrics, in more unconventional colors, could be worn to certain events. However, since then, the term has encompassed all categories and is regularly bounded around for events of all kinds, leaving plenty of outfit anxiety. Celebrity stylist Natalie Robinson believes the term is too open and that’s why it’s often daunting to dress for those occasions that call for smart casual.

“Smart casual can be confusing as they are opposites - like chalk and cheese. The term smart casual is not specific, giving us free rein to experiment with contrasting styles. (Making it) challenging to balance casual and smart attire,” she says.

Not only is it a smart casual dress code open to interpretation, but what constitutes smart casual can have some flex depending on the invite. While jeans could work for a smart casual birthday party, they’d be a definite fashion no go if it was a wedding invite, but smart casual in the office could render jeans suitable once more, but add a blazer for a little more polish. When it comes to smart casual outfits it's all about finding the perfect balance between being relaxed, and smartly put together. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style.” But if in doubt, play it safe and wear something that wouldn’t go amiss at your 9 to 5. 

7 smart casual outfit ideas to solve those sartorial meltdowns

If you're really stuck for inspiration and need some smart casual outfit ideas, we’ve compiled seven smart casual looks that will help you navigate this tricky dress code with ease. 

1. Smart casual dress outfits

smart casual dress ideas

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A failsafe option is without a doubt a midi or knee-length dress. The best midi dresses are those that are made from silk or viscose, rather than more casual cotton or denim fabrications. A favorite of Kate Middleton for smart casual invites, the wrap dress is a great choice for this dress code. How you wear a wrap dress will depend on the occasion, but teaming with a pair of heels, sleek pumps or a smart pair of the best knee-high boots is a good start. Avoid mini-length dresses or anything too flesh-baring. 

Styling tip: “Accessories make or break an outfit as well as enhance smart casual looks,” says Natalie. “My three tips to make a dress casual-smart are to add a belt for a cinched waist, wear a leather jacket and add ankle boots.” 

2. Smart Casual Jeans outfits

Smart casual outfits with jeans

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While jeans are a no go for super formal events such as what to wear to a wedding, denim can be worked into your smart casual outfit ideas under certain conditions.

“A popular way to achieve a smart casual look is to pair items of different formality levels,” advises Natalie, who suggests making jeans smart casual appropriate by pairing them with with more tailored styles such as a blazer or a  fitted shirt.   

Looking polished will always help with the smart casual dress code so if you’re choosing jeans, keep everything else fitted and formal. Think a nice top with a pair of jeans - a crisp white shirt or a pretty chiffon blouse with a Peter Pan collar will help keep this outfit on the smart side of casual. 

It’s also about the fit and the wash of your chosen jeans too. The best jeans for smart casual outfits will be in a darker blue denim or black and a more slim-fitting style – a straight leg or flared jean works well for smart casual. If you're wondering how to style baggy jeans for a more polished finish, go for a slightly slimmer leg style, rather than overly loose and keep the rest of the look tailored. One thing that is non-negotiable, however, is ripped jeans. While these work for informal events, for anything smart casual, leave distressed jeans in your wardrobe.

Styling tip: Choosing darker denim not only makes the outfit smarter - ideal for channeling the Stealth Wealth look, but it also has amazing leg lengthening properties. If you're wondering how to style flared jeans for smart casual, choose a pair that are slightly longer than normal and team with high heels for legs that will go on for days.

3. Smart Casual Skirt outfits

Smart casual outfits with skirts

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If in doubt, a skirt is always a good choice as it can be dressed up or down depending on how you style it. The only looks to avoid for a smart casual dress code is anything too body con or super short, but aside from that, have fun mixing and matching cuts and colors. If the event is on the more conservative side, stick to muted tones such as blacks, whites, navy, creams and beiges.

While a smart shirt or blouse tucked in always looks great, the same goes for a sweater, especially, when it’s worn with a French tuck, where you just tuck the front in. So chic and laidback - and definitely smart casual. For a smart casual outfit you can also inject a denim skirt here in a dark wash, similarly to jeans you'll want a non-distressed version that's a slim A-line design.

Styling tip: Heels aren’t always necessary for a smart casual skirt outfit and in fact, this could be the perfect time to dig out your dressy flats, such as ballet slippers, loafers, mules and brogues all work well with a midi-length skirt - and are very much part of the spring/summer fashion trends 2023.

4. Smart Casual Blazer outfits

Smart casual outfit ideas with blazers

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If your outfit needs an added dose of smart, a blazer is an ideal example of what to wear over a dress - it literally puts the smart into smart casual! When it comes to how to style a blazer for this dress code, think of teaming less formal items with one, such as a pair of your best skinny jeans, a pleated midi skirt or even some silky tracksuit bottoms - yes, really. Blazers are also great for throwing on over a dress, especially if you’re not sure how smart your outfit should be - it can always be removed if everyone else is dressed a lot more casually.

In fact, if you have a relatively casual dress code at work, keeping a tailored blazer on the back of your chair means you're ready for last minute meetings in a jiffy. 

Styling tip: Match the color of your blazer to your accessories for a super chic finishing touch.

5. Smart Casual Blouse outfits

smart casual outfit ideas for blouses

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A pretty blouse has a more laidback feel than a tailored shirt, so works perfectly in most smart casual outfit ideas.

Choose the blouse first and then create the outfit around it. If your blouse is patterned, embellished or contains ruffles, make sure the bottom half is sleeker - such as a dark pair of jeans or color block culottes. A more minimal blouse can take more volume on the bottom half and would suit a full circle skirt or a wide legged pair of pants. 

Styling tip: Opt for a floatier fit for an easy-to-wear and chic smart casual outfit. A silky blouse tucked into a white midi skirt feels fresh and modern and perfect for a smart casual dress code.

6. Smart Casual Jumpsuit outfits

Smart casual outfit ideas featuring jumpsuits

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Jumpsuits were made for this dress code - they’re smart, yet laidback, and come in various styles to suit any occasion. When it comes to finding the most flattering jumpsuit for smart casual outfit ideas, avoid anything too dressy or too casual - capes, boilersuits, those that bare too much flesh or tuxedo-style jumpsuits are out. While you can never go wrong with black or navy, a subtle pattern or bright color is a good choice and with the right accessories, such as a simple handbag or necklace, you’re good to go.

Styling tip: Choosing a plain jumpsuit? Inject a touch of color with some bright heels or bag.

7. Smart casual Co-ord outfits

Smart casual outfit ideas featuring co-ords

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While a full-on suit may be too formal for a smart casual dress code, a co-ord set just the right tone. As one of the many trends 2023 isn’t giving up on, there are plenty of different styles to choose from, however, a co-ord skirt or trouser outfit is probably the safest option here. Look for subtle patterns and silky fabrics to give it a smarter edge.

And if you really do want to wear a suit, team with box white trainers and a fitted tee to dress it down a bit. Alternatively choose a sleeveless blazer to team with your trousers to make it feel less like business attire. 

Styling tip: Natalie says this look can be elevated by a clever choice of accessories.

“Classic white trainers would add a casual element to a smart co-ord outfit,” she explains. “If the latter is casual, on the other hand, you could incorporate a pair of open-back loafers, earrings and a clutch bag to create a smart-casual look.”


Are jeans out for smart casual?

According to Debretts, the world-leading guide on etiquette, jeans can be smart casual, but only when the event or place you’re heading to is seen as more laid back one and when well selected, jeans can be business casual too. However, jeans would be a real no-no at a smart casual wedding.

For stylist Natalie, it’s all about the style.

“Dark wash boot-cut jeans look smart, whereas light wash cuffed boyfriend jeans are more relaxed,” she says.

If in doubt, she advises, to ditch the jeans and choose pants or a skirt instead!

Jayne Cherrington-Cook

With over 22 years’ experience in journalism, Jayne has written about a variety of subjects. She spent the start of her career within the world of film, interviewing Hollywood stars, attending premieres and lusting after red carpet outfits, and then moved into fashion, launching websites for big magazines such as Look, Woman’s Own and Wedding and working with top fashion brands such as Westfield, LK Bennett and Hunter. 


Career highlights include dressing up as Kylie (in gold hot pants!) for a national newspaper and working on big fashion events alongside Giles Deacon, Henry Holland and Naomi Campbell.