Modern city women who lead an active lifestyle sometimes find it difficult to find a bright, expressive style in clothing. However, this situation has been rapidly changing lately, smart casual for women is coming into fashion; this trend is distinguished by both originality and simplicity. There is a wide variety of models for any age and figure, the main thing is to maintain the image in a single key. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a balance between business and informal style.
What is it
Smart casual style is a fashion trend based on improvisation with familiar things. The characteristic features of this trend are officially recognized as:
- Apparent simplicity.
- A combination of seriousness and playfulness (coquetry).
- Active use of classic trousers and strictly straight-cut skirts (pencil type).
- Increased functionality, ergonomics.
The golden rule of style is to wear only what you feel most comfortable in. The trend was formed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when the development of modern information technology sharply increased the number of people spending their entire working day in the office. At first, adherents of the trend relied on strictness and formality, but in the late 1980s and early 1990s, playful notes and bright accessories were added to the wardrobe. The number of young people who loved this type of clothing increased. Giorgio Armani is considered the founder of the trend, because he was the first to rely on comfort combined with apparent strictness.
The motto of this stylistic direction can be described in two words as convenience, elegance at the same time. If you remove one of these components, you will not get a fashionable image.
Smart Casual Wardrobe Basics
The choice of smart casual wardrobe items for women depends on the season. The golden rule of an ensemble for the cold season is layering. Such outfits are warm, and you can easily remove excess clothing if necessary. Basic recommendations for choosing combinations for the whole year are given in the table.
| Winter | Turtleneck, long sleeve shirt, classic trousers |
| Summer | Midi pencil skirt, strict straight-cut blouse with three-quarter sleeves |
| Spring | Light jeans, double-breasted jacket |
| Autumn | Long-sleeved shirt made of thick denim, black, slightly flared trousers. You can throw a cardigan on top |
When choosing styles, you should forget about clothes that are too loose or, on the contrary, tight. Everything should be proportionate to the figure, since the style motto is maximum naturalness. The preferred length of skirts is midi.
Shoes should have a medium stable heel. Bright decor is not welcome, with the exception of one or two accessories in the same tone as the suit. Principles of combining things: neutral color combinations, the same cut of the top and bottom (for example, loose or straight). Clothes of different styles are not used in the ensemble.
Color scheme
The main colors in smart casual style are neutral. One or two bright accents are allowed. The most popular are:
- white;
- all shades of gray;
- brown, chocolate;
- olive;
- black;
- sand, beige tone.
Current prints are those with small inscriptions and logos. They should be made in a well-readable font and not irritate the eyes. No more than one inscription is allowed on clothes or a bag. Popular patterns in the smart direction are: small stripes, checks, herringbone patterns, zigzag lines.
Clothes of bright, acidic colors are prohibited. The smart casual trend is initially aimed at young people, but is intended for the office, so the suit should not play the role of a distraction during work. To correctly combine the colors of clothes with each other, it is necessary to adhere to a single cold, warm or neutral range in the suit. A white blouse or turtleneck will liven up any outfit, regardless of its main tone.
Design and texture
For sewing clothes in smart casual style, mainly materials with dense texture are used. This is wool (in winter), denim (in the off-season), any natural fabrics. Design features:
- Moderation, reasonable approach to the length and width of the product.
- A minimum of decor, with the exception of one or two bright moments that enliven the entire female ensemble. This trend is caused by the requirement for restraint.
- Avoid folds and draperies, and avoid transparent flowing fabrics (women don’t wear them to the office even in summer).
- The predominance of a smooth to the touch texture.
The most popular trim elements: a variety of collars on blouses and jackets (turn-down, stand-up), small pockets (mostly on denim). Interesting types of decor: artistic stitching, large buttons, zippers, narrow belts. The main thing is to follow the dress code.
It is strictly forbidden to use decorative elements that are associated with other styles (sports, romantic). However, it is difficult to maintain a fashionable casual look in a single key from beginning to end. To do this, a woman must have impeccable taste.
Selection of shoes and accessories
Shoes are selected for the image depending on the season and clothes. To select the right combination, you need to:
- Take into account the length of the skirt or trousers.
- Avoid unstable heels (platforms, stilettos).
- Give preference to neutral colors.
- Do not use decorative elements that are out of keeping with the strictly office style (for example, perforated shoes over the entire surface or upturned toes).
Shoes should be practical, made of genuine leather, textile or suede. Spikes and flower-shaped decor are not recommended, but lacing and various inserts are possible. Suitable bag models: rectangular with a zipper, with one large compartment and a short strap. Small backpacks made of black or brown leather are allowed. Other recommended colors: classic white, dark blue, gray.
| Time of year | Suitable footwear |
| Autumn | Shoes that look like men's boots |
| Winter | Low leather boots in a neutral color with a low, stable heel |
| Spring | Solid color sneakers with dense texture |
| Summer | Classic closed pumps |
The shoe models that are prohibited in autumn and spring are sneakers and trainers; in winter, fur boots with ethnic patterns and appliques. In summer, it is not recommended to combine open sandals and sandals with a business suit. It is important that the style of clothing is uniform.
Fashionable outfit ideas for different seasons
Interesting ideas for stylish looks depend on the season and the woman's age. Young people under 20 rarely choose smart casual, preferring a sporty, romantic style. The main target audience of the trend are fashionistas over 25, focused on the most active, mobile lifestyle.
| Summer | For girls over 20: blue thick jeans, a white blouse with a turn-down collar and three-quarter sleeves. For women over 30: a formal pencil skirt with a neutral-colored turtleneck and jacket. For ladies over 45: a sand or beige trouser suit with a vest |
| Spring-autumn | For young girls: a denim shirt and trousers with a loose, but not oversized, knitted cardigan.
An outfit for women over 30: a closed midi-length sheath dress paired with a thick fabric windbreaker. For ladies over 45: black, slightly flared trousers, blouse. Summer is the time when even for the office you need to dress up, clearly showing your individuality |
| Winter | Clothes for girls over 20: a slightly fitted coat and a long, thick skirt without decoration.
Look for women over 30: a grey wool jumper with long sleeves, any jeans, a hat similar to a man's headdress. For women over 45: classic black trousers, a blouse with a stand-up collar and a warm, thick jacket |
You should focus not only on age, but also on your body type. A smart casual suit for women should not show off obvious body defects. To disguise them, you can successfully use various styles of outerwear (jackets, windbreakers, cardigans). This will help diversify your wardrobe.
The material from which individual wardrobe elements are sewn must correspond to the season. Thick fabrics are typical for winter, airy and light fabrics are typical for summer, but not transparent or flowing.
Smart casual is currently one of the most popular styles. The main advantages of this trend are: a variety of fashionable and original images, textures, as well as a wide range of colors. Experts say that the main trends of this trend and the clothes belonging to them will be relevant for a long time.
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