You’ve heard about the smart casual style for men, but it hardly ever gets a mention in women’s fashion circles. That’s because for so long, the word ‘smart’ was only used to describe men’s style. The definition has remained the same, but it has been brought over to the female realm. It’s important to acknowledge that this style has only recently been adopted by the fairer sex. Only as late as the 90s and 2000s, did the world begin to witness more women in high-end trousers, suits, and blazers. Since then, the fashion world has welcomed this style for women and finally put a feminine twist on it. Ruffles can be implemented, not with more neutral shades. Stylish practical pieces like glasses are also at the top of the list when it comes to smart-casual vibes. But what does a contemporary smart casual style look like in 2020?
Be blazer brave
The blazer has been and always will be a fashion item dominated by men. It was designed for men so of course, it makes sense. However, blazers designed correctly for the feminine structure, are incredibly sleek and get the job done. If a blazer’s waistline is higher than where the sleeves finish, you inherently have a more delicate look. The biggest fear of women who want to wear blazers is not looking like a man inadvertently. But even if you would like a blazer that carries down to your waist, curved edged will make for a more slender shape. Cream blazers work fantastically well for women. It’s a naturally lighter color and neutral so you can match black or blue quite well with it. Wearing necklaces and bracelets with your blazer will instantly give you a casual look to offset the business-like image that the blazer naturally emanates.
It’s not business-casual
Smart casual must not be confused with its close cousin, the business casual style. You’re not trying to wear clothes that are snug and slim fitting. You want clothes that are loose but not too loose. You want to incorporate some of the business styles but in a unique way. Take for example the smart flared trousers. These are semi-snug around the waist, they hug your upper legs but on the way down, they open up toward the needs and then flare just at the height of your ankles. Worn in black, they give you a chic silhouette but the flare at the bottom merges the casual style effortlessly. A midi style ruffle skirt performs in the same manner. It’s snug along your waist, but as it lengthens below, it gradually opens up. This gives you a garment that you can run for the bus for, as you have full freedom of movement. Yet as you’re standing or sitting still, the fabric stays close to your figure.
The moment to offset
As with many counter-styles, the smart casual style is trying to offset the business style at every corner. The key is to remain in the same field of clothing, but be more creative with the colors, patterns, fit and design. If you were dressing for your corporate job, black frames for your glasses would be the most common choice. But for the smart casual style, the pitchman oakley glasses which it’s see-through plastic frames, make an offset at the right moment. It’s the first item of your outfit people will see and make a judgment on. Therefore these sleek rectangular frames give you the professional shape but without the dark bold tone. You still look sophisticated but if you’re sitting in a coffee shop, most people won’t be expecting you to be running off to give a financial report presented to your colleagues.
Comfortably sitting low
Black heels are the best type of corporate shoes for women. They offer something that no other shoe can give. They accentuate the shape of the foot, support the heels and raise the lower leg to a more shapely position. However, for smart casual women, this isn’t the most comfortable choice. Instead, block heels or flat shoes are better options. They inherently sit lower but they allow for more maneuverability and longevity. Ballet flat shoes can be adapted for many different styles as they offer plenty of surface area. Metal buckles are the most popular type of additional piece because they add a slight diversity in the material.
The smart-casual style is difficult to pull off for many women, but this is usually down to experience. The first thing to do is to get comfortable wearing a blazer, which is the hallmark of this style.
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