Smart Casual Outfit Ideas
A reader recently wrote to ask me for smart casual outfit ideas - she was going out to a weekend lunch with friends and wondered what I would suggest. Smart casual outfits are tricky - it's SO open to interpretation and there's a huge number of possibilities and outfits that it's easy to feel a little overwhelmed.
In today's post, I've got some smart casual outfit ideas for some of the most common occasions we attend!
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An Afternoon Lunch With Friends
Smart Casual Outfit Ideas
This is always tricky. One doesn't want to be over-dressed amongst girlfriends but then again no one wants to be the one that's underdressed either!
The first place to start is what KIND of lunch it is - a high tea for example, will be different to a pub lunch. Usually, a smart pair of jeans or a pretty skirt teamed with a nice blouse will never fail you.
If you are feeling adventurous though, try something like a maxi dress or even a playsuit! I'm wearing a navy playsuit in the picture above, but to keep it more casual I've paired it with some flats rather than heels or wedges.
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A Backyard BBQ
Smart Casual Outfit Ideas
The backyard BBQ is typically a casual affair - lots of cami's or tee's. To dress up my tee-shirt above, I've worn it with a little summer skirt - something feminine and pretty - to smarten up the look of my very casual tee.
A few accessories thrown into the mix and voila!! Ready to slip on some flat sandals and tuck into a lamb kebab.
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The smart casual work event
Smart Casual Outfit Ideas
One of the most dreaded smart casual events is the one for work... especially if your work doesn't normally have a business casual dress code. If you've got an after work event such as hosting clients or going to the boss's birthday, you want to still keep it professional but not formal.
In this outfit I've gone with some casual taupe pants, with a blouse + nice blazer. It's still professional without looking like I should be at the office.
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A school event
Smart Casual Outfit Ideas
The school event where all the other mums are, is always a pressure-filled moment. You don't want to be the "frumpy mum" but equally, no one wants to be the mum the other parents whisper about for rocking up in too-high heels :)
So long as it isn't a formal fundraiser, a pair of well fitting jeans, a nice shirt or blouse, one statement accessory and shoes you can walk comfortably around the school in are always great options.
No matter what the occasion is, remember that the most important accessory we can have is confidence. If you feel great in your skin and comfortable with your body, there's nothing that could stop you from conquering the world --- or in this case, making it to brunch. :)
Stylishly yours,
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