Deciding what to wear to a social event or business meeting so as not to appear clueless is a difficult task. Especially if you do not differentiate the dress code for various occasions. However, if you know the features of every dress code, it will make your choice easier.
Here’s a guide for you to use every time you are choosing between business casual and smart casual styles.
The Difference Between Business Casual And Smart Casual
Some people think that the dress code for business casual is for work, while smart casual is for social events. Let’s have a look at some of the peculiarities of every dress code.
Casual business
- What’s that? It is a mixture of formal pieces and everyday wear items. The combination rules aren’t strict, but as the DeGroote School of Business states: “Appearance must remain professional.”
- When to use? This is the dress code, which is accepted at work, conferences, job fairs, outings at work, during training sessions.
- What to wear? Tailored blouses, blazers, knee-length pastel skirts, two-piece dresses.
Smart casual
- What’s that? Smart casual is a style that’s neat and traditional, but comparatively informal.
- When to use? It is a perfect choice for parties, gatherings with colleagues, other social gatherings.
- What to wear? Skirts, bright blazers, blouses, denim pants, patterned dresses, high heels and flats.
In either case, a well-deserved accessory.
Key Cabinet Items
There are several key pieces in the wardrobe, which create the perfect look when combined properly.
What To Wear On Top
There are some basic clothes that must be worn by a lady both for business casual and smart casual dress code.
Blazers and Jackets
business casual:
Blazers are certainly designed for formal events, but to get a more relaxed look, mix a slim blazer with a thin skirt. For a classy look, choose a brown or black jacket in a classic cut. Choose calm colours and traditional textures.
smart casual:
Blazers and jackets should be a win-win choice as they can add vibrancy to any outfit. Choose cotton, linen, wool or silk depending on the season. The color spectrum should suit your appearance, but choosing between warm and neutral tones is suggested. They are easier to combine and incorporate into any look.
But if you want to make an announcement, go for bright colours. A bright blazer or jacket with an offbeat pattern can be the point of interest of your look. Also, all the time choose clothes that fit, which all the time looks smarter.
Blouse
business casual:
The best fabrics for blouses are linen, cotton, chiffon, but be sure that the chiffon blouse is opaque. They can be monochrome, striped or with prints (geometric, polka dot, paisley). The trend for 2017 is floral print, it can be used, but it should not be too bright. You can wear both a plain skirt and a printed blouse, and complete the image with high heels.
In addition, there may be voluminous details in the form of embroidery on the blouse.
Smart casual:
With a pastel satin blouse in one color: loose or tight, you can never lose. In fact, if you have classic bottoms, then a patterned, striped blouse, for example, can be your accent. Also, a cotton blouse with a belt and a V-neck will look great with skinny jeans and flats.
Gown
business casual:
Dresses can even be your business casual outfit, so why not emphasize your femininity with a well-chosen dress? Mid-length dresses with prints, A-line dresses and dresses in muted colours: black, white, pale pink, soft beige will be perfect for this purpose. A tailor-made dress all the time elevates a look, so it is a must have in your wardrobe.
Smart casual:
Dresses are also failsafe, you can choose anything and complement it with unforeseen accessories. For example, wear a patterned dress with a brightly coloured scarf. A chic knee-length dress in gray, black, taupe, and navy with a geometric pattern is an awesome choice. Also, sleeveless cotton dresses a few inches above the knee in a wide range of colours look smart and feminine. Besides, plaid cotton dresses are all the time trendy.
Superior
business casual:
Tank tops tend to be the best option for ladies. At the same time, women wear crop tops, sleeveless tops and mix them with denim pants and high-waist pants. This look is plain but pretty. Popular fabrics are silk, modal, cotton, polyester.
Smart casual:
Tops with pleats in bright colours and tops with off-the-shoulders are a must watch. If you combine it with smart elements, then you look sophisticated, not sloppy.
What to Wear Underneath
The bottom of the clothes is essential, so you should consciously approach its choice. So, the building blocks of this style are:
Trousers
business casual:
Wrinkle free pants are the best choice for many ladies. High-waisted cotton trousers, straight-cut linen trousers, and boot-cut trousers should be your focus. Choose that, which will emphasize your advantages. Basic colours like navy, black, gray, or beige are best, but you can even wear burgundy or forest green pants.
Smart casual:
Do not forget that the first word here is “smart” and only then “relaxed”. So put aside the idea of a satin line or tailor-made trousers. Choose denim or cotton pants that aren’t too tight, try neutral colours, navy, indigo or gray. Or choose a bright color, that makes you stand out. But make sure to pair this hue with a muted top, otherwise you will end up looking bland.
Skirt
business casual:
Is there a perfect skirt for business casual? Yes, right! Amazing pencil skirt ideal for creating the right silhouette, and fits perfectly into a business style. Also, if you want to add some vibes to your look then wear a plain skirt paired with a coloured top. But be sure you look professional. The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland dictates that skirts shouldn’t be too short or revealing.
If you do not like plain things, then go for a pencil skirt with a floral pattern. But watch out with volumetric patterns, they will make your hips look even bigger. In addition, knee-length denim skirts, A-line skirts with dense patterns and pleated skirts in bright colours: emerald or burgundy will work very well.
Smart casual:
Corduroy skirts are all the time a smart way to dress up. If you combine it with a smart jacket, you’re going to get a delightful look. Plus, the smart casual dress code allows playing with patterns. Choose the most form-fitting skirt between cotton dresses with surreal patterns and traditional viscose plaid skirts.
Shoe
business casual:
When it comes to shoes, the range of your options is vast here. Heels about 3 inches or less, lacquered, suede shoes can complement your outfit in addition to flats, ankle boots, pumps, and sandals. Bright colours and nudes are fine but keep away from floral prints. But if you’re a big fan of prints, go for animal patterns.
Smart casual:
A pair of inlet pumps work well with virtually any outfit. If you run out of time, just put it on and your look will look great. However, flats are all the time in demand. Wear a mid-length dress with pointed-toe or menswear-inspired shoes and pair pants with loafers. Plus, the bright colours and incredible details make the shoe fit better and you will not look like you just stepped out of the office.
Hence, this dress code is versatile and you can adapt it for each occasion. The business casual look can be changed to smart casual just by adding a few accessories. But whatever you choose, remember the words of Anne Klein: “Clothes won’t change the world, the woman who wears them will change the world.”
