June 08, 2014

Please Explain! 'Smart Casual'

Have you ever opened up an invitation and gone blank at the words "smart casual"?  If you ask someone what they define as smart casual, odds are that the next person is probably going to have a different interpretation, which is why it can be a potential minefield when dressing for these occasions. Even dictionary meanings of  'smart casual' are not in agreement.
 
For us, smart casual is about finding that happy medium between black tie and lunch date attire. But the next time you receive an invite with these two words printed on it, don't panic and assume that it calls for a hefty new frock! As with any other occasions, it's about making the most of your existing wardrobe.
 

Monochrome Belle
If ever in doubt, monochrome is your safest bet. The classic black and white combination is guaranteed to put the 'smart' in smart casual. Crop tops are probably the last thing that comes to mind when you're putting together an outfit for a fancier event, but paired with trousers that sit higher up on the waist, it can make for more than a tasteful ensemble.



TOP: Zara / Pants: UniQLO / SHOES: Portland / RING: gift 


Blazin' Up
This is the perfect example of taking full advantage of your current wardrobe. To snazz up your favourite sun dress, or in our case romper, throw on a black blazer. The classic blazer is such a fail safe staple. It's the chocolate of the fashion world, it goes with almost anything!
 
 


ROMPER: Cotton On / BLAZER: Cotton On / RING: Lovisa / SHOES: Portland


 Lace Up
Another lifesaver when it comes to ambiguous dress codes is the good old botton up blouse. A blouse is so versatile. It can be dressed up or down with the smallest details. The lace skirt and bright statement necklace bring a high-tea element to this outfit, but something as simple as rolling up the sleeves of the blouse



 *BLOUSE: Pop Basic / NECKLACE: gift / SKIRT: Chicabooti / SHOES: Sandler
 
What kind of fashion posts would you like to see more of?
 
For more fashion and beauty talk, follow us on GFC, Bloglovin'Twitter and Instagram.
 
M + K
 
Disclaimer: Products marked with a * were kindly sent to us for consideration, but as always, our reviews and opinions are honest ones.

18 comments:

  1. love the necklace and the first top! ;)

    http://letrad.blogspot.pt/ - Another Lovely Blog!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So do we!! The texture of the top is like nothing we own, and we love the pop of colour the necklace adds!

      X
      M + K

      Delete
  2. Hello from Spain: Great outfits. I like your firts ring. Nice top. Keep in touch

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the details on the dress on the 'Blazin' Up' outfit. (= (That's a lot of 'on the') haha

    xx

    itsksquared.blogspot.com | kim&kyle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. A cute piece can do that to you!!

      X
      M + K

      Delete
  4. Amazing post! I don't know which I like the most because each was so stylish and lovely :) The first was probably my fav as I love how you paired that lovely print top with the slim fit cropped pants and those sandals (and that cute bow ring). You can never go wrong with lace or floral rompers in the summertime!

    I definitely understand what smart casual is now! :P

    xx Debbie

    www.whatdoffydoes.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I like the second one!!
    www.agoprime.it

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh my gosh these outfits are perfect!
    Want!

    www.kindoflovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is such a great post! Really helpful in terms of outfit inspiration but also not an overload of information.
    I think the first outfit was my favourite.. but then i just fell in love with the top! It's gorgeous!
    Really nice stuff, I will be sure to watch the space for new posts :)

    Laura xx
    http://somethinglauralikes.blogspot.com.au/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dear, your blog is amazing! i’m impressed by your design & photos!
    everything is magnificent!

    will be happy to see you in my blog)

    www.dianacloudlet.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've had this dilemma before, but these outfits look like they fit the bill! I love your pholosophy of reworking what you already own instead of splurging on new items

    ReplyDelete
  10. Adorable :)

    Liv • blushnglow.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. All cute outfits.

    Deedee

    http://madeupgirl-madeupgirl.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment!

We love new followers but please don't comment "follow me and i'll follow you" or the like. We would like to know that our followers are genuine and not following us in hope that we'll return the favour. Leave your link and we'll be happy to check out your blog!

Back to Top