Mastering the art of smart-casual dressing to create chic looks that never seem try-hard is an art form. If your #gradjob is a creative or academic role that doesn’t require full-on business dress, striking the perfect balance between ‘relaxed’ and ‘put-together’ will be a vital part of developing your work wardrobe, and it’s always nice to look your best without unnecessary fuss. Here’s a guide to how to dress well without overdoing it!
Wearing a full-blown trouser suit can feel intimidatingly corporate, but there are plenty of ways to dress it down. Try styling the suit with white trainers and swap the typical button-down for a white T-shirt. Tie your hair back with a silk scarf for a casual chic look. You can also mix and match your tailored items to create unlimited smart-casual options. Swap the blazer for a leather jacket, or the trousers for dark-wash jeans. The possibilities truly are endless!
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A good blouse or button-down is a must in the world of smart-casual dressing as it can instantly elevate more casual items like jeans and white trainers. Try tucking the blouse into high-waisted trousers or tying it at the waist for a relaxed, yet elegant look. Satin and silk blouses are both very in this season — to avoid bankrupting yourself, search vintage shops or on Etsy, where genuine silk shirts can be bought for as little as £10. It’s worth spending some time shopping for this wardrobe staple — a classic cut will probably serve you best, but by all means opt for something more avant-garde if it flatters your shape.
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Start with a smart-casual failsafe — the smart collared shirt/blouse tucked into jeans. Instead of opting for a blazer, try wearing an oversized, chunky cardigan and a statement necklace. Or keep the blazer, but throw on a cropped jumper underneath to show off your blouse and waistline. Cropped jumpers may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to looking smart-casual, but styled right they can be used to create visually interesting layered outfits that would look too dressy with a full-length knit. If full-length knits are your jam, however, wear one over a camisole and jeans and accessorise with a silk scarf for a classic vibe.
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Google the phrase ‘women smart-casual outfit’ and you will likely be bombarded with images of pencil skirts. Despite being flattering and totally feminine, they can be a little tricky to style without going the whole hog — heels, tailored jacket, pearls etc. The trick to bringing pencil skirts down to smart-casual levels is to give them a little edge. Ditch blazers in favour of a leather or denim jacket. Tie your blouse or shirt around your waist to emphasise it, or tuck in and belt. If you’re feeling daring, dispense with the blouse altogether in favour of a tucked-in tee. Keep your footwear dainty — pointy-toed sandals are a safe bet.
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When deciding on how to dress well, trouser suits are a great option! Whether you choose plaid, checkered or coloured, these suits are great for everyday attire.
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This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.
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