Cable’s Guide to Smart Casual

Mastering the art of smart casual dressing strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and ease. This refined approach to everyday wear seamlessly blends polished clothing pieces with relaxed silhouettes, creating a versatile wardrobe 

Whether you're navigating corporate environments, attending social gatherings, or seeking elevated everyday wear, understanding the nuances of smart casual attire is essential. In this article, we unveil the principles of curating a sophisticated wardrobe that allows you to move through your day with confidence and style.

Explore the essential elements of smart casual dressing below, from signature pieces to thoughtful combinations, ensuring you're impeccably dressed for any occasion that calls for this dress code.

What is Smart Casual Attire For Women?

This dress code incorporates business attire combined with casual clothing. Smart casual is often classified as a type of outfit or clothing that is both comfortable to wear but looks stylish and elegant all at once.

Since smart casual outfits are usually a balance between casual and formal wear, it may require a little more thought and effort to create the perfect outfit. However, once you know what garments and accessories to piece together, achieving a smart casual aesthetic will be a breeze.

Shop the Alix Jacket and Remy Pant.

The Dos & Don'ts of Smart Casual Dress Code

At Cable Melbourne, we’ve put together a list of do’s and don’ts for smart casual attire to help guide your outfit planning:

The Don'ts:

• We recommend avoiding clothing pieces that are distressed, baggy or known to be loungewear or athleisure, such as joggers and hoodies.
  
  
• Staying away from very casual t-shirts or any tops that would not fit within an office setting, such as spaghetti strap tops, is a good decision.
  
  
• Common footwear choices that don’t reflect smart casual attire include running shoes, slides, thongs, and other shoes reserved for more relaxed settings.

The Dos:

• Build the foundations of your outfit with either a short or long-sleeve blouse or a collared shirt.
  
  
• Wear neutral-coloured or black dress pants, wide-legged pants, or chinos. If the setting is more casual, you can select a pair of jeans that is either dark-washed, black or white.
  
  
• If you prefer one-piece outfits, a tailored jumpsuit or midi dress is an excellent choice.
  
  
• Layer up with a blazer, fashion-forward jacket, knit or woolen coat.
  
  
• Reach for your favourite pair of heeled or ankle boots, flats, or loafers to complete your look. If the event permits sneakers, ensure you choose a pair of neutral-coloured ones that will maintain the balance of your ensemble.
  
  
• Tie your entire look together with minimal and polished accessories.
   

Smart Casual Essentials

 

Now that we’ve covered the key do’s and don’ts of smart casual outfits, there are several wardrobe staples that always work for any smart casual look.

Blazer

The timeless blazer remains an indispensable cornerstone of any well-curated wardrobe, effortlessly elevating every ensemble. For a corporate look, layer a well-fitting blazer over cashmere separates or a refined blouse.

The versatility of striped blazers deserves special mention. A blue and white striped blazer channels timelessness, and is a classic for smart casual women’s dressing. For those drawn to softer palettes, sage green stripes paired with neutral basics create an understated yet impactful statement.

Shop the Mosman Pinstripe Blazer

Check blazers, from classic Prince of Wales patterns to bold windowpane patterns, introduce texture and refinement to any women’s closet. These sophisticated pieces transition seamlessly from corporate lunches to evening soirées, particularly when styled with tailored trousers.

Shop the Elton Blazer in yellow check

For those moments when elegance meets ease, pair your blazer with premium denim or luxe leather sneakers. Whether you opt for a timeless light grey or stone blazer to a bold dual-toned piece, the right blazer transforms casual elements and defines smart-casual dressing. The key lies in balancing proportions and selecting quality fabrics that speak to both comfort and sophistication.

Shop the Yoko Ponti Blazer in Stone

Pants

Tailored trousers and wide-leg pants create a refined silhouette while maintaining comfort. High-waisted styles elongate the legs, while soft, lightweight fabrics ensure movement and ease. Neutral shades like ivory, camel, and black are timeless and effortlessly pair with blouses, knits, and blazers. Cropped styles work well with loafers or ankle boots for a modern look.

For a contemporary twist, consider tapered trousers that create a sleek and structured profile. Wide-leg trousers in breathable fabrics such as linen or wool blends offer a comfortable yet elevated aesthetic, perfect for day-to-night dressing. A pleated front or tailored waistband enhances the look of smart casual ensembles, adding a level of polish.

For effortless styling, pair high-waisted trousers with a fitted knit or tucked-in blouse. Straight-leg trousers work well with both sneakers and heeled boots, giving you multiple styling options. Selecting quality materials ensures longevity and enhances the overall feel of the outfit.

Shop the Tate Wide Leg Pant

Midi Skirt

A midi skirt is an item of clothing that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Midi skirts are versatile and can be worn in every season easily paired with both tops and warm knits. A flowy midi skirt with a timeless pleat or check pattern can add to the aesthetic of your outfit while also being effortlessly comfortable to wear. For a more casual look, pair with white sneakers, or for a formal occasion, pair with heels.

Shop the Crepe Pleat Skirt

White Shirt

A classic white shirt is a perfect top for a smart casual outfit. It can be styled tucked in or out depending on the occasion and worn underneath a blazer or on its own. To elevate a classic shirt look for unique details like different button shapes, blouson sleeves, stand collars or embroidery.

Shop the Jamie Shirt

Shop the Isobel Embroidered Shirt

 

Smart Casual Dresses

Midi dresses are a go-to option for smart casual attire. Choose designs with button-down fronts, cinched waists, or soft pleats for an effortlessly polished look. Subtle geometric prints and refined florals offer a contemporary edge while maintaining a sophisticated feel. A wrap dress or belted silhouette can enhance the figure while keeping the look relaxed.

Shirt dresses with defined waist belts and button-down details bring a structured yet effortless feel. Consider fabrics such as lightweight linen for summer or soft wool blends for cooler months. For a dressier take on smart casual, opt for a midi-length crepe dress with tailored cuts, delicate fastenings, and thoughtful design elements like tortoiseshell buttons or subtle ruching at the waist. These elements add visual interest without overwhelming the overall look.

Pairing a midi dress with sneakers creates an understated yet stylish daytime outfit, while swapping for heels or sleek ankle boots refines the ensemble for evening occasions. Layering with a cropped blazer or a lightweight cardigan allows for added versatility across different seasons.

Shop the Dune Dress

What About Accessories?

Accessories are a great way to dress up your smart casual outfit while adding a sense of sophistication and individual style to your look. Enhance your look with the following jewellery options:

• Necklaces: A necklace can transform any outfit, especially one that is more on the casual side. A thin necklace works well over the top of a knit for more of a chic look. If you’re wearing a plain or block-coloured shirt with dress pants, then a chunkier necklace with more detailing or colour can add a nice contrast to your outfit.

• Earrings: Statement or colourful earrings are an excellent option for those wanting to add intrigue to a monochrome or simple look. If your outfit is on the bolder side or already contains patterns, stick to simple studs or thin dangle earrings for timeless elegance.

• Belts: Belts are a great way to add contrast to an outfit and bring a sense of smart style. A block-coloured belt can be added to most pants for an extra detailed look or when wearing a dress, to cinch in your waist.
   

Common Smart Casual Occasions

When it comes to different occasions, you may need to alter your smart casual outfit depending on whether it is a slightly more formal or casual event.

Office

For days at the office, and depending on each different profession, your smart casual outfit can be a little more flexible. For a more casual office setting, try wearing a pair of tailored pants with a comfortable blouse or linen shirt and sneakers. If you work in a more corporate office, a mid-length skirt with a short-sleeve or cashmere top and loafers will fit your office’s dress code perfectly.

Shop the Pure Cashmere V Cardigan and Evie Wide Leg Pant.

Party

For a party setting, like an engagement party or office Christmas party, your smart casual outfit can encompass a little more style and creative flair. At an engagement style party, try wearing a pair of black jeans and a white top with a pair of heels. Depending on the season, you could also add a colourful blazer or a crepe jacket.

Shop Astoria Crepe Jacket

For a relaxed office party with colleagues, reach for a stylish flowy dress or a midi dress and finish off the look with a pair of white sneakers.

Shop the Provence Maxi Dress

Dinner

A smart casual outfit for going out to dinner can, again, be dressed up or down depending upon the venue. If the setting is more on the casual side, try combining a pair of dark or light-coloured jeans with a turtleneck sweater, and a pair of sneakers. If the venue calls for a more refined smart casual look, select a pair of fitted pants and a flattering blouse.

Shop the Willa blouse and matching pant.

When it comes to smart casual, the number of outfit creations and pairings are limitless. At Cable Melbourne, we understand that putting together an outfit that meets a specific smart casual aesthetic can be daunting. Though, with the tips above, you’ll be able to create easy to wear and fashionable smart casual outfits with confidence.

Explore the latest arrivals available at Cable Melbourne now.