I’m excited to get back to sharing daily outfit ideas after a few weeks home sick! From polling you guys on IG, it seems that many of your formerly business casual offices have now adopted “smart casual” or “dress for your day” dress codes. There’s varying guidelines on what smart casual means, but generally speaking, the key to smart casual is finding a balance between your more tailored pieces and your casual pieces.
My go-to formula is usually pairing 1 traditional workwear item (i.e. trousers, jeans, button-down shirt, blazer) with a casual piece. Denim is a great base, but I’d avoid distressing or frayed hems for the office. I find solid black jeans (like this pair – love the cut) to be super versatile for smart casual looks as they sub in easily for dressier work pants.
Below are 5 smart casual outfits I put together using staple items from my wardrobe!
1. Cream jeans + button down shirt
Two of my favorite Everlane staples combined. I love how light and airy this button-up is and the oversized casual fit works well dressed down with denim shorts or dressed up as workwear. Off white jeans are a must have for me and this pair is the closest I’ve found to a very old favorite. I’m 5′ tall and did hem the shortest inseam a bit for a cropped length that also works with flats and sneakers (see the length on me prior to hemming).
2. Pleated skirt + blouse
This looks like a basic black button-down shirt at first glance, but it’s one of my favorites thanks to little details. I love the subtle puff shoulders and the feminine ruffled neckline.
3. Blazer + slim straight jeans
4. Black straight jeans + long cardigan
5. Trousers + sweater tank + striped pullover
This Reformation sweater tank is a great staple in both black and white. The ribbed material is medium weight so a little thicker than a regular tank, but not too thick that it’s hot for summer. I’ve been eying these popular Zara pants forever and while the XS waist runs small and is a perfect snug fit on me, I did hem the bottom a few inches. Note the waist on these is a little higher rise than most of my other pants that come in petite sizing.
What color is the j crew cardigan? The color looks darker than the one pictured on j crew’s site, which is heather khaki. Just wondering if it’s the lighting or if it’s actually a different color.
My J.Crew cardigan is the “heather khaki” shown on their site, any difference you see in color must just be due to lighting!
So well put together!
Thank you, Pamela!
Why do you always shorten your bottoms? They all look too short to me and I think a longer length makes legs look longer and give a slimmer look.
Personal preference! I wear a lot of flats and sneakers and I find my pants look best at a cropped length with those.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you so much, Nancy!