A Celebrity Guide to Nailing a “Smart Casual” Dress Code

Understanding Smart Casual Dressing

A “smart casual” dress code is a blend of relaxed and professional attire, often suitable for informal work socials or networking events. It involves mixing dressier pieces with more casual items to strike the right balance between polished and laid-back.

Investing in Smart Casual Staples

When building a smart casual wardrobe, consider investing in staples like blazers, dress pants, button-up shirts, and skirts. You can then dress these pieces down by pairing them with more casual items such as jeans or tees. Accessories like leather shoulder bags and loafers can elevate your look.

1. Layer a Classic Button-Up

Take inspiration from Margot Robbie who layered a boxy blazer over an unbuttoned shirt and tee, paired with slouchy jeans and a leather shoulder bag for a smart casual look.

• Dries Van Noten grosgrain-trimmed striped cotton-poplin shirt – $520
• Michael Michael Kors ribbed viscose tank top – $74
• Bottega Veneta double-breasted houndstooth wool-tweed blazer – $3,600
• Madewell x Kaihara superwide-leg jeans – $188
• Hop Small Leather Shoulder Bag – $3,100
• A.Emery Delphine leather loafers – $270

2. Invest in the Perfect White Tee

Follow Jennifer Lawrence’s lead by pairing a classic white tee with pleated wide-leg dress pants, adding statement sandals and a leather shoulder bag for a chic smart casual look.

• Polo Ralph Lauren Chino cap – $50
• The Frankie Shop Gelso pleated trousers – $145
• The Row slouchy banana bag – $2,060
• Dior Signature butterfly sunglasses – $590
• Leset Margo T-shirt – $68
• Birkenstock Arizona suede sandals – $95

3. Let the Trouser Be the Focal Point

Emulate Jennifer Lopez’s style by centering your outfit around a pair of white wide-leg trousers, pairing them with a silk button-up shirt and statement accessories for a sophisticated smart casual look.

• Vince silk-blend shirt – $386
• Wardrobe.NYC pleated grain de poudre pants – $900
• Chloé Gradient aviator sunglasses – $493
• Reformation Molly platform sandals – $298
• The Row Margaux 15 bag – $4,320
• Jennifer Fisher mini Samira hoops – $295

4. Think in Neutral Tones

Channel Gabrielle Union’s style by opting for neutral shades in your outfit, creating an elegant and effortless smart casual look. Pair a white two-piece set with square-toe heels and a color-block bag for a chic ensemble.

• Tibi cotton-poplin shirt – $395
• Totême cargo trousers – $470
• Bottega Veneta Stretch kitten-heel mules – $950
• Prada Galleria Saffiano bag – $7,500
• Mejuri Easy medium hoops – $248

5. Look Out for Elevated Basics

Upgrade everyday pieces like cardigans and jeans to create a smart casual look. Take inspiration from Katie Holmes by opting for embellished jeans, an oversized cardigan, and stylish accessories for a polished outfit.

• Alex Mill Eldridge cardigan – $175
• Everlane the Day ballet flat – $145
• Loulou Studio Limba ribbed organic cotton tank – $85
• Grlfrnd Mika high-rise wide-leg jeans – $235
• Toteme T-lock cross-body bag – $960
• Elizabeth Hooper Studio small petal hoops – $450

6. Rethink the Blazer

Follow Kendall Jenner’s lead by styling a classic blazer with casual pieces like shorts or skirts for a dressy casual look. Pair with a white button-up shirt and structured tote for a chic ensemble.

• The Frankie Shop Bea single-breasted canvas jacket – $345
• Vince cotton-poplin shirt – $295
• The Row Gunther shorts – $890
• Aesther Ekme Sac tote bag – $655
• 47 MLB Clean Up cap – $24
• Porte & Paire leather loafers – $300

7. Go All In on a Power Coat

During cooler months, focus your outfit around a statement coat like Hailey Bieber’s trench coat for a smart casual look. Pair with casual pieces and stylish accessories for a chic ensemble.

• Massimo Dutti trench coat – $299
• Eterne baby crewneck tee – $70
• Agolde jorts – $168
• Saint Laurent Le 5 7 Supple bag – $2,650
• The Row Fisherman Woven Leather Sandals – $1,050
• Le Specs Outta Love sunglasses – $59

Suggestion:
Discover the inspiration behind Chanel: Collections and Creations Hardcover – click to explore!