These days, it can be challenging to understand wedding clothing codes. Nowadays, choosing what to wear often needs a little more consideration, from modern black tie attire to cutting-edge cocktail clothes. And the phrase ‘smart casual’ may be the only dress code that demands more thought. Due to its tendency to quickly wander into the ‘too casual’ or ‘too formal’ zones, it may seem straightforward but is actually more difficult than its more dressed-up cousins. Therefore, in order to help you choose the ideal wedding clothes for your next big event, we’ve listed a few wedding dos and don’ts as well as everything in between to help you decipher the ‘smart casual’ dress code for ladies.
What Is Meant By Smart Casual Clothing?
A smart casual dress code, as you can undoubtedly infer from the title, walks a fine line between formal wear and casual everyday apparel. At business-social gatherings like meeting nights, although the dress code is most often stated as “business casual,” a smart casual dress code may also be present.
What To Wear At A Wedding That Is Themed Smart Casual For Women?
Although it may provide more casual attire options than black tie or cocktail, it’s vital to avoid becoming “too casual.” If you are invited to a wedding where the attire is “smart casual,” even though it offers a reasonable bit of leeway, be careful not to overdress. It is usually advised to consider things like “Where is the ceremony taking place?” and “Who will be expected to attend?” and “Does the wedding take place during the day or at night?
As a result, you will be able to deduce a few things about how the dress code will be applied, particularly in light of the wedding venue’s surroundings. To that end, a fantastic midi-length dress paired with a relaxed pair of statement flats or tailored pants, a chic blazer, and a pricey purse would satisfy all the requirements. To be clear, modify the direction of your style if the dress you are choosing ends up feeling more cocktail-like.
Inspiration For Smart Casual Outfits
Dress
A midi or knee-length frock is without any question a pretty good bet. Instead of more informal fabrics such as cotton or denim, midi dresses made of silk or viscose are the ideal. The wrap dress is a fantastic option for this dress code and is a favorite of Kate Middleton’s for casual attire invitations. The best way to wear a wrap dress depends vary on the event, but a nice place to start is by pairing it with a stylish pair of knee-high boots, sleek pumps, or heels. Avoid wearing anything overly revealing, such as tiny dresses.
Skirt
If you’re unsure, go with a skirt because it can be dressed up or down based on what you pair it with. Something really body con or extremely short should be avoided for this clothing code, however other than that, mix & match your favorite styles and colors. However, if the gathering is more formal, stick to neutral colors like black, white, navy, cream, and beige.
The same is true for a sweater, particularly when it is worn with a French tuck, where you just tuck the front in, as opposed to a fine shirt or blouse, which always looks excellent when tucked in. So stylish, carefree, and unquestionably smart casual. Incorporate a dark-washed denim skirt into this ensemble for a smart-casual look. As with jeans, you’ll want to go for a style without distressing that has a slim A-line silhouette.
Blazer
A blazer may truly put the sophisticated in smart casual if your look requires an additional dose of sophistication. Throw one over your dress! Think of pairing less formal pieces with a blazer when figuring out how to wear for this dress code, like your nicest pair of skinny jeans, a pleated midi skirt, or even some sweat pants – no, really. If you’re not certain how sophisticated your outfit ought to be or if everybody else is wearing much more casual attire, a blazer is also wonderful for tossing on over a dress. It can always be taken off later. In fact, having a fitted blazer on the back of your chair if your workplace has a more relaxed dress code ensures you’ll always be prepared for last-minute meetings.
Blouse
The majority of smart casual outfit ideas go great with a lovely blouse because it has a more relaxed vibe than a tailored shirt. Prior to choosing the rest of the outfit, decide on the blouse. Make sure the bottom half is sleeker if your blouse is patterned, ornamented, or has ruffles, such as with a dark pair of jeans or a pair of color-blocked culottes. A more understated blouse can handle the greater volume on the lower half and would go well with a full circle skirt or a pair of wide-legged pants.
Jumpsuits
The smart-yet-casual jumpsuit was designed for this dress code and is available in a variety of styles to fit any occasion. Avoid anything too dressy or too casual while looking for the most flattering jumpsuit for smart-casual occasions; this includes capes, boilersuits, outfits that expose too much skin, and tuxedo-style jumpsuits. A subtle pattern or bright color is also a wonderful choice, and with the correct accessories, like a straightforward handbag or necklace, you’re good to go. Black and navy are always safe choices.
Co-Ords
A co-ord set the ideal mood, while a complete suit might be too formal for a smart casual dress code. There are many different styles to pick from as this is one of the many trends that 2022 isn’t giving up on, but a co-ord skirt or trouser ensemble is usually the safest move in this situation. For a more sophisticated edge, look for subtle designs and silky fabrics. Additionally, to slightly dress it down when wearing a suit, pair it with box white sneakers and a fitting t-shirt. Alternately, to make it feel less like work clothing, pair your trousers with a sleeveless blazer.
Jeans
Denim can be included into your smart casual attires under specific circumstances, but jeans are not appropriate for more formal occasions like what to dress to a wedding. Combining things with different degrees of formality is a popular strategy for creating a smart casual look. The smart casual dress code always benefits from being put together, so if you decide to wear jeans, keep the rest of your outfit fitting and formal. Think about pairing a good top with a pair of jeans; a white shirt or a pretty chiffon blouse with a Peter Pan collar will keep this ensemble on the stylish side of casual.
Your preferred jeans’ fit and wash are also important considerations. Straight leg or flared jeans perform well for smart casual outfits. The finest jeans for smart casual outfits will be in a deeper blue denim or black and have a more slim-fitting shape. If you’re unsure of how to wear baggy jeans for a more professional look, opt for slightly thinner legs rather than ones that are excessively loose and keep the rest of your outfit trimmed. But ripped jeans are one item that cannot be compromised. While these are appropriate for casual occasions, keep a pair of faded jeans in your closet for anything smart casual.