Dress Codes - Smart Casual and Street Style
Today we are continuing the dress codes series talking about -
Smart Casual and Street Style
Smart casual seems to be the most confusing dress code because it can be done in a multitude of ways. This makes it both easy and difficult. The quickest way to explain it is casual wear with smart aspects. So if you think of the jeans and a t-shirt combo, then simply add a smart blazer and shoes like a court or a boat shoe. Trainers would make this casual so by changing them for a dressier shoe you transform the outfit. Now this dress code isn’t fully “dressy“ so avoid a full suit and tie combo as this could be deemed too formal, however if I was going to an event with a Smart Casual dress code, I always air on the side of over dressed rather than underdressed. It adds to my confidence and helps me enjoy myself more. My go to look for such events tends to be wide leg trousers, floaty tops or light jumper with courts. This simple outfit acts as a base so that if it’s warm and I take off my jacket then I still look put together. For men it can be a little harder to hit the nail on the head with this dress code as it can be quite similar to what they wear to work ie. blazer, shirt, slacks and smart shoes. This is a great base formula but you can add a bit more of your personality by adding colour; whether it be your shirt, buttons, pattern of your blazer, a check or stripe in your trousers or even something as simple as a pocket square. By injecting a bit of colour it will lift your outfit and your mood. Explore what brings you joy and it will increase your confidence.
Some great smart casual brands include (ranging in price):
Ted Baker
Warehouse
Victoria Beckham
J Crew
Now for Street Style. I have to say this is up there with my favourite styling groups because it’s so free. Street style is literally what people wear on the street. It’s most commonly seen in cities. It started in the 1980’s in New York and was heavily influenced by skateboard and surf culture as well as hip hop and punk with an urban, sporty, practical feel. This has evolved into a little bit of everything. In other words there are no rules. In more recent years it’s become what you see celebrities in, what you see during fashion week and what brands like Gucci and Burberry say is cool. Since this change it has become a much more polished look and is completely different for each individual. For example my street style is completely different to Rhianna’s (the fact she’s rich probably helps!) So if you want to explore your street style just start! Find the styles and colour you love and roll with it. Try anything!
Some great street style brands include (ranging in price):
Fendi
Zara
Gucci
ASOS
