When the Invite Says "Smart Casual," These Are the Pieces That Work Every Time

Whether you work in a creative office, a brand-new startup, or somewhere in between, there are a lot of casual work environments these days. Combine that with the elusive definition of a smart-casual dress code, and you probably find yourself at a loss as to what to wear to work.

Dressing for the office—no matter what type of environment you’re in—can be tricky. From finding out what types of tops are HR-approved to decoding what casual Friday entails for your office, there are a lot of things to consider. And when you work in a place that has a vague dress code, the task can feel even more overwhelming. Not to worry—that’s where we come in. To make sure you’re dressing the part for an office with a smart-casual dress code, we asked stylist Britt Theodora for her expertise.

"A smart-casual dress code is an elevation of your ideal day-to-day wardrobe,” she explains. "To turn a go-to jeans-and T-shirt ensemble into business casual, throw on a black blazer and non-ripped jeans with ballet flats.” Theodora’s other favorite pieces for a smart-casual look involve high-waisted cigarette pants with white button-downs and a comfortable pointed heel. And when in doubt, avoid wearing anything too revealing, such as plunging necklines and short skirts or dresses.

Outfit Ideas

I'm starting off strong with this denim look to show you just how elevated a good pair of jeans can look. Look for a more slim-fit pair of jeans without rips and tears and lean into accessories to take your outfit to the next level.

A black maxi dress can be as comfortable and relaxed as wearing your own blanket from home, but look incredibly elevated. Adding a belt with gold hardware and a jaw-dropping bag, and you've nailed smart casual.

Any good pair of trousers will work for the smart casual category; all you have to do is choose the perfect top to style it with. A white button-down never ever fails.

Now, scroll down to shop for your smart-casual dress code below.

The Smart Casual Jacket

Black Blazer

The Smart Casual Pants

Cigarette Pants

Sleek Flats

The Smart Casual Footwear

Comfortable Pointed Toe Heels

The Smart Casual Denim

Jeans (Without Rips)

The Smart Casual Dresses

FAQs

What does smart casual mean?

Smart casual is the dress code that is just a step-up from your every day attire. You can seamlessly blend what you already own with a few well-chosen pieces to elevate your every day style and fit into this dress code. It combines professional and casual clothing for a look that is both relaxed yet put together.

Ok so then what makes it different from business casual?

Not quite. Business casual is truly an opportunity to pop out a lowkey blazer, add a pump, and take your look to an even higher level. With smart casual you can incorporate items that might not be board meeting approved but can still feel elevated.

Are casual items like jeans and sneakers ok in that case?

That's what makes smart casual special. There's so much you can wear, it's just how you go about it. Choose a polished sneaker with a skirt or dress up your jeans with slingbacks and a nice blouse. If you style it right nothing feels too casual.

Why Trust Us

We spend our days researching, writing about, and actually wearing the dress codes you’re Googling at midnight. Our editors have tested every version of smart casual—from office-ready jeans-and-blazer combos to polished weekend outfits—so we know what really works in real life. We don’t just repeat style rules; we translate them into outfits that feel chic, wearable, and current. If we’re recommending it here, it’s because we’ve tried it, loved it, or know it’ll make navigating a “smart casual” invite a lot less confusing.