A “smart casual” dress code is one of the trickiest to dress for. But what does that even mean? Often suggested for informal work socials or networking events, smart casual style revolves around building an outfit that’s relaxed yet still professional. Sound like a sartorial challenge? It certainly is—but with the right tips and tricks, you can easily nail it.
What pieces should you think about investing in for smart casual dressing? First, look out for staples that you likely already own in your work wardrobe: blazers, dress pants, button-up shirts, skirts. Then think about ways to dress them down: pairing a dressier blazer with jeans or a casual tee with a streamlined skirt. It’s all about that juxtaposition. Sleek accessories—a leather shoulder bag, a chunky loafer—will also elevate any look and make it feel dressy (even if you’re in jeans).
Striking that right balance between dressy and dressed down is certainly an art—but luckily there’s a handful of style stars who’ve nailed the look this summer. These five stylish stars below offer a variety of styling tips that are easy to replicate. Plus see how you can easily shop their looks too.
Do invest in the perfect white tee
A classic white tee is a forever wardrobe essential, and it can always be dressed up or down. It’s the perfect piece for incorporating into a smart casual wardrobe. The minimal pairing feels clean and polished—especially when coupled with a statement leather sandal and leather shoulder bag in the summer. Layer in some gold necklaces and add a dad cap, and you’ve got yourself a look.
Let the trouser be the focal point
A smart casual look is all about allowing one dressy piece to ground the entire outfit. You can have fun with your accessories—to make it feel more relaxed and casual.
Think in neutral tones
Neutral shades like black, brown, white, and gray will always read dressier—even if the pieces themselves are casual.
Look out for elevated basics
You likely already own a great cardigan and pair of jeans in your closet—but for an outfit to read smart casual, you’ll want to slightly upgrade these everyday pieces.
Go all in on a power coat
An easy styling trick for nailing smart casual in the cooler months? Revolving an outfit around a great statement coat. A classic khaki trench coat, for one, will never go out of style—and you can pair your more dressed-down pieces with it to make it feel smart casual.
This article was originally published on Vogue US.
SatisfashionUg@gmail.com
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
[{"id":84743,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ramsey-nouah-joins-the-premiere-of-the-2024-ikon-young-filmmakers-fellows-short-films-the-unveil-of-kwiso-tv\/","name":"ramsey-nouah-joins-the-premiere-of-the-2024-ikon-young-filmmakers-fellows-short-films-the-unveil-of-kwiso-tv","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2024-Ikon-Young-Filmmakers-7.webp","alt":"Ramsey Nouah joins the premiere of the 2024 Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellows short films & the Unveil of Kwiso TV"},"title":"Ramsey Nouah joins the premiere of the 2024 Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellows short films & the Unveil of Kwiso TV","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 28, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-28 12:20:54","modifiedDate":"2025-03-28 16:11:44","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-28 13:11:44","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/ikon-young-filmmakers\/' rel='post_tag'>Ikon Young Filmmakers<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":4,"sec":4},"status":"publish","excerpt":"This event crowned the 2024 Ikon Fellowship program"},{"id":84720,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards-2025-to-honour-culture-heritage\/","name":"ikon-awards-2025-to-honour-culture-heritage","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ikon-Awards-2025-To-Honour-Culture-Heritage.webp","alt":"Ikon Awards 2025 To Honour Culture, Heritage"},"title":"Ikon Awards 2025 To Honour Culture, Heritage","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 26, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-26 14:45:56","modifiedDate":"2025-03-26 17:45:58","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-26 14:45:58","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/ikon-awards\/' rel='post_tag'>Ikon awards<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":25},"status":"publish","excerpt":"All guests including nominees, VIPs will don traditional outfits"},{"id":84713,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/julius-kyazze-embarks-on-a-new-media-chapter-with-nrg\/","name":"julius-kyazze-embarks-on-a-new-media-chapter-with-nrg","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Julius-Kyazze-NRG-3.webp","alt":"Julius Kyazze Embarks on a New Media Chapter with NRG"},"title":"Julius Kyazze Embarks on a New Media Chapter with NRG","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 25, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-25 14:17:11","modifiedDate":"2025-03-25 17:17:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-25 14:17:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Entertainment<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Entertainment<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/julius-kyazze\/' rel='post_tag'>Julius Kyazze<\/a><a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/nrg\/' rel='post_tag'>NRG<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":22},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Julius Kyazze has officially embarked on a new chapter in his business career"},{"id":84707,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/everything-you-missed-at-the-beleza-bridal-store-grand-opening\/","name":"everything-you-missed-at-the-beleza-bridal-store-grand-opening","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/The-grand-opening-of-Beleza-Bridal-Store.webp","alt":"Everything You Missed at the Beleza Bridal Store Grand Opening"},"title":"Everything You Missed at the Beleza Bridal Store Grand Opening","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 25, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-25 12:32:48","modifiedDate":"2025-03-25 15:32:50","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-25 12:32:50","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/beleza-bridal-store\/' rel='post_tag'>Beleza Bridal Store<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":2},"status":"publish","excerpt":"A breathtaking bridal showcase was the highlight of the day"},{"id":84693,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/uganda-dance-nights-unites-cultures-through-music-and-movement\/","name":"uganda-dance-nights-unites-cultures-through-music-and-movement","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Uganda-Dance-Nights-Unites-Cultures-Through-Music-and-Movement.webp","alt":"Uganda Dance Nights"},"title":"Uganda Dance Nights Unites Cultures Through Music and Movement","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 25, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-25 08:44:20","modifiedDate":"2025-03-25 11:44:22","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-25 08:44:22","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/uganda-dance-nights\/' rel='post_tag'>Uganda Dance Nights<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":10},"status":"publish","excerpt":"The event set the stage for unforgettable moments"},{"id":84638,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/smirnoff-fiesta-ignites-mukono-with-debut-pre-fiesta-experience\/","name":"smirnoff-fiesta-ignites-mukono-with-debut-pre-fiesta-experience","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Smirnoff-Fiesta-2.webp","alt":"Smirnoff Fiesta Ignites Mukono with debut pre-Fiesta Experience"},"title":"Smirnoff Fiesta Ignites Mukono with debut pre-Fiesta Experience","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 24, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-24 15:32:27","modifiedDate":"2025-03-24 18:32:29","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-24 15:32:29","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/smirnoff-fiesta\/' rel='post_tag'>Smirnoff Fiesta<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":52},"status":"publish","excerpt":"One thing Smirnoff will do, is throw a good party!"},{"id":84636,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/guinness-smooth-unveils-make-it-yours-a-celebration-of-reimagination-creativity-and-self-expression\/","name":"guinness-smooth-unveils-make-it-yours-a-celebration-of-reimagination-creativity-and-self-expression","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Guinness-Smooth-Make-It-Yours-campaign-31-scaled.webp","alt":"Guinness Smooth Unveils \u2018Make It Yours\u2019: A Celebration of Reimagination, Creativity, and Self-Expression"},"title":"Guinness Smooth Unveils \u2018Make It Yours\u2019: A Celebration of Reimagination, Creativity, and Self-Expression","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 24, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-24 15:06:32","modifiedDate":"2025-03-24 18:15:54","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-24 15:15:54","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/entertainment\/events\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Events<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/guinness-smooth\/' rel='post_tag'>Guinness Smooth<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":2,"sec":9},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Bringing together Uganda\u2019s most dynamic creatives, fashion enthusiasts, and music lovers."},{"id":84620,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/zozibini-tunzi-and-luthando-mluleki-bolowana-say-i-do-in-an-elegant-cape-town-wedding\/","name":"zozibini-tunzi-and-luthando-mluleki-bolowana-say-i-do-in-an-elegant-cape-town-wedding","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/former-Miss-Universe-Zozibini-Tunzi-Wedding.webp","alt":"Zozibini Tunzi and Luthando Mluleki Bolowana Say \"I Do\" in an Elegant Cape Town Wedding"},"title":"Zozibini Tunzi and Luthando Mluleki Bolowana Say \"I Do\" in an Elegant Cape Town Wedding","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 23, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-23 16:05:09","modifiedDate":"2025-03-23 19:05:11","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-23 16:05:11","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/weddings\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Satisfashion UG Weddings<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/weddings\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Satisfashion UG Weddings<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/zozibini-tunzi\/' rel='post_tag'>Zozibini Tunzi<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":16},"status":"publish","excerpt":"The couple exchanged vows in a serene setting just outside Cape Town"},{"id":84608,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/shwanda-kollections-new-lookbook-elevates-minimalist-elegance\/","name":"shwanda-kollections-new-lookbook-elevates-minimalist-elegance","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Shwanda-Kollection-new-Look-Book.webp","alt":"Shwanda Kollection\u2019s New Lookbook Redefines Classy Minimalism"},"title":"Shwanda Kollection\u2019s New Lookbook Elevates Minimalist Elegance","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 21, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-21 10:01:04","modifiedDate":"2025-03-21 16:47:28","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-21 13:47:28","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/accessories\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Accessories<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/accessories\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Accessories<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/shwanda-kollection\/' rel='post_tag'>Shwanda Kollection<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":14},"status":"publish","excerpt":"Elegant brass designs for everyday wear."},{"id":84600,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/flavia-tumusiime-patrick-salvado-to-host-the-2025-ikon-awards\/","name":"flavia-tumusiime-patrick-salvado-to-host-the-2025-ikon-awards","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/2025-iKon-Awards-13.webp","alt":"Flavia Tumusiime & Patrick Salvado to Host the 2025 iKon Awards"},"title":"Flavia Tumusiime & Patrick Salvado to Host the 2025 iKon Awards","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 21, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-21 09:25:32","modifiedDate":"2025-03-21 12:25:33","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-21 09:25:33","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/ikon-awards\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ikon awards<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/ikon-awards\/' rel='post_tag'>Ikon awards<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":46},"status":"publish","excerpt":"The night is set to be one to remember!"},{"id":84582,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/sisimarie-unveils-urbane-femme-2-0-a-bold-fusion-of-corporate-wear-and-batik\/","name":"sisimarie-unveils-urbane-femme-2-0-a-bold-fusion-of-corporate-wear-and-batik","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/SisiMarie-Unveils-Urbane-Femme-2.0-collection.webp","alt":"SisiMarie Unveils \"Urbane Femme 2.0\" - A Bold Fusion of Corporate Wear and Batik\u00a0\u00a0"},"title":"SisiMarie Unveils \"Urbane Femme 2.0\" - A Bold Fusion of Corporate Wear and Batik\u00a0\u00a0","author":{"name":"Isa King","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/isa\/"},"date":"Mar 20, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-20 11:04:11","modifiedDate":"2025-03-20 14:04:13","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-20 11:04:13","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/fashion\/fashion-collections\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Fashion Collections<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/fashion\/fashion-collections\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Fashion Collections<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/sisimarie\/' rel='post_tag'>SisiMarie<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":0,"sec":54},"status":"publish","excerpt":"A sophisticated blend of modern corporate wear infused with the richness of batik fabric"},{"id":84553,"link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/abryanz-style-fashion-awards-asfas-are-back-under-the-theme-the-fashivists\/","name":"abryanz-style-fashion-awards-asfas-are-back-under-the-theme-the-fashivists","thumbnail":{"url":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Abryanz-Style-Fashion-Awards-ASFAs.webp","alt":"The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards (ASFAs) Are Back Under the Theme \u201cThe Fashivists\u201d"},"title":"The Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards (ASFAs) Is Back Under the Theme \u201cThe Fashivists\u201d","author":{"name":"satisfashionug","link":"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/author\/hssentongo\/"},"date":"Mar 19, 2025","dateGMT":"2025-03-19 12:03:24","modifiedDate":"2025-03-19 17:09:24","modifiedDateGMT":"2025-03-19 14:09:24","commentCount":"0","commentStatus":"closed","categories":{"coma":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/asfas\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ASFAs<\/a>","space":"<a href=\"https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/asfas\/\" rel=\"category tag\">ASFAs<\/a>"},"taxonomies":{"post_tag":"<a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/abryanz\/' rel='post_tag'>Abryanz<\/a><a href='https:\/\/satisfashionug.com\/tag\/asfas\/' rel='post_tag'>ASFAs<\/a>"},"readTime":{"min":1,"sec":3},"status":"publish","excerpt":"It's more than just an award ceremony; it's a movement"}]