The Official Guide to a Smart-Casual Dress Code
Whether you work in a creative office, a brand-new startup, or somewhere in between, there are a lot of casual work environments these days. Combine that to the elusive definition of a smart-casual dress code and you probably find yourself at a loss as to what to wear to work.
Dressing for the office—no matter what type of environment you’re in—can be tricky. From finding out what types of tops are HR-approved to decoding what casual Friday entails for your office, there are a lot of things to consider. And when you work in a place that has a vague dress code, the task can feel even more overwhelming. Not to worry—that’s where we come in. To make sure you’re dressing the part for an office with a smart-casual dress code, we asked stylist Britt Theodora for her expertise.
"A smart-casual dress code is an elevation of your ideal day-to-day wardrobe,” she explains. "To turn a go-to jeans-and–T-shirt ensemble into business casual, throw on a black blazer and non-ripped jeans with ballet flats.” Theodora’s other favorite pieces for a smart-casual look involve high-waisted cigarette pants with white button-downs and a comfortable pointed heel. And when in doubt, avoid wearing anything too revealing, such as plunging necklines and short skirts or dresses.
Now, scroll down to shop for your smart-casual dress code below.
Black Blazer
If you want a more casual option, this style comes with the look of rolled sleeves.
Cigarette Pants
Swap out your classic black trousers for these checked pants, and pair them with a denim shirt.
To give yourself the illusion of longer legs, opt for pointy-toe pumps.
Sleek Flats
Comfortable Pointed Toe Heels
A classic pump with a kitten heel will be one of the more comfortable shoe options for the office.
Whether you wear these with a pair of jeans or a midi skirt, these mules will instantly elevate your ensemble.
Jeans (Without Rips)
Black jeans will feel a touch more polished than your everyday blues.
Pair these with strappy sandals or heels for a more polished approach.
Complement your white jeans with a chic black blazer when you need an instant touch of professionalism.
Skinny jeans will always be a staple in your closet, guaranteed.
And now, see the places where women are buying affordable work clothes.
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