DEFINING “SMART CASUAL”

A very popular but often perplexing dress code is… “Smart Casual”.. How do you define Smart Casual?? In a broad categorisation, I would define Smart Casual as a well tailored, put-together look that is smart, chic and sometimes..fun? It is a dressed down version of traditional suits.. An easier approach to professional business/formal wear.. Here your personal style is allowed to shine through.. yet still slightly restrained..

It varies depending largely on the sort of industry you belong to.. In some cases, Smart Casual is still relatively quite formal..

These tips would see you through a smart casual dress code:



For the ladies:

1. A well cut Knee/ mid length dress. It can be in fun colours

2.  A nice pencil skirt..still knee length or midi

3. A patterned blouse or top

4. A blazer/ throw-on

5. Brooches, neckscarfs, Accessories, pearls..

7. Clutch bags

6. Ballerina flats/ Nice heels

7. Trousers/ Pants



For Men:

1. Well Cut blazers

2. Dark Slacks/ Trousers

3. Long Sleeve Shirts

4. With or without a Tie

5. Sweaters/Cardigans

6. In some cases, a well cut pair of navy blue Jeans and  a Blazer could pass..


The pictures below depict my humble take on the smart casual dress code.I wore a pair of Floral Culottes and matching peplum top I scored from Zinkata. I absolutely love the cut and print of the outfit. It is a really chic and smart look. I also teamed it with a gorgeous big blue Aiirkey bag available at Zinkata as well. I find it quite smart and casual at the same time.. and it was quite appropriate for my duties as well..( Fashion Consulatnt).
If you work in a more restrained environment, a throw-on ow blazer would look amazing with this outfit as well..It can also be teamed with a crisp white or black shirt and shoes of your choice.

In a nutshell.. Think neat, Smart, well together and chic/suave… Smart Casual sorted!!

What are your thoughts?? What is your take or definition of smart casual? I would love to hear from you!

Stay Smart.. Stay Happy… Stay Fabulous!

Sincerely,


Ezinne Chinkata

Ezinne Chinkata is a fashion consultant and owner of Zinkata which started out as a nick-name name for her. It further developed into a business name and gradually became an even more visible brand with the launch of Zinkata.tumblr.com in 2012. “Fashion is a multi faceted medium, with useful tools to inspire, strengthen and foster a total “emancipation” of the mind….Let the journey begin.