How To Master Smart Casual

It's the dress code we all dread and the two words that can instil fear into the most fashionable gals around - smart casual. Dun dun dunnnnn! Even those events and days that aren't "officially" smart casual can still cause so much wardrobe stress. Is a dress too dressy? What about shoes? Shall I just go for jeans and a nice top? Fear not because jeans and a nice top is not the only option and smart casual is actually such a great way to dress because it's kind of an "in-between" outfit, giving you the chance to wear things that might just get forgotten about otherwise. 

WHITE SLOGAN T-SHIRT: ZARA (similar) / *PRINCE OF WALES LONDON TROUSERS: c/o JIGSAW / SILVER BROGUES: ZARA (similar) / *WEEKEND FAIRFIELD WATCH: c/o TIMEX / *NAVY BAG: c/o RADLEY / 

SHOP THE LOOK

I'm someone who dresses quite smart no matter where I'm going. I'm certainly not someone who lounges in tracksuit bottoms or joggers and even when I am having a lazy day, I'll probably be wearing jeans and a jumper rather than any kind of loungewear. I think that's why I probably don't struggle too much with a smart casual dress code as quite a lot of my wardrobe could probably fall into that category and of those pieces is definitely this pair of trousers from Jigsaw.

The beauty with trousers like this, is that they are actually more versatile than you think. Trousers are about more than just work or suits and I absolutely love them dressed down with some flat shoes and even trainers and contrary to popular belief, trousers can be so comfy. These checked trousers are wool and have a beautifully subtle check pattern so no matter whether you are wearing them for work or for smart casual like me. For a work or an actual smart outfit, I would have teamed them with a shirt, possibly a blazer and some small heels but I went the opposite; I chose a slouchy slogan tee, some flat, chunky brogues and a choker, something which completely changes the look of any outfit. It's about thinking outside the box, teaming things together you didn't think would match and in my opinion, it's all in the shoes. Shoes can totally transform an outfit and simply substituting a pair of heels or slingbacks for some flats or trainers can make an outfit so much more wearable. 

The watch is another key piece here for me. I'm a huge fan of Timex and have a couple of watches from them now and this one is perfect for everyday wear. It's subtle, classy and the neutral colours of the strap with the gold tones mean it's so wearable and if this shade isn't your cup of tea, the Weekend Fairfield Collection has a whole range of different straps so make sure you have a lil look! 

This is actually what I wore to the #BloggersBlogAwards last weekend (hence the smart causal look!) and I honestly can't thank you enough for voting me Best Fashion Blog. I'm still pinching myself to be honest, I just can't believe it!!

What do you think of smart casual?

Amy x