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          How to wear Scarves through the Seasons
          August 25, 2020

          How to Dress Smart Casual

          October 14, 2020
          Relaxed tailoring

          The smart casual vibe has always added a sense of fear when getting your business outfits right. A good starting point to remember is to that you probably already have many options hanging in your wardrobe that can be worn in multiply ways.

          The 6 key items to start off your smart casual business wardrobe. 

          Concentrate on the key wardrobe staples to mix and match. Once you have these, adding different coloured tops, either blouses or t-shirt shapes are a great start.

          SUIT Dark trouser suit (I’m counting this as one suit, but obviously it’s two items)

          TROUSERS If the above trouser suit has a slim trouser, find a wide leg in a similar fabric, or visa versa.

          SKIRT Dark skirt, that suits your shape. Pencil, aline or midi.

          JACKET Another jacket, a different fit from your suit style, cropped, blazer or slim fit. 

          DRESS Simple dress, a go-to style you can dress up or down.

          How to wear your business wardrobe 

          Tops and Bottoms

          Bottom half garments like classic cut trousers and skirts, can be worn on most occasions, but having a larger selection of top half styles will add the changes. This is what clients and colleagues will notice first. An ivory cropped jacket is a great item to wear with dark trousers, adding new alternatives, as will a simple slim fitting black polo neck.

          Model showing ivory blazer worn with classic black slim trousers
          Ivory jacket, great to break up dark suiting

          Colours

          Do you like bold or softer tones? Both will work depending on your own skin tone and also the make up that you use. Experiment with jewel colours near your face and compare with softer pastel shades in the same lighting. Suiting colours can sway to softer tones like khaki, grey and camel, as these are perfect to mix and match with the darks like navy, black, plum and browns.

          Model showing bold colour in choice of tops
          Add some bold colour

          Necklines

          How low is your neckline? You don’t want to be worried about details when you are speaking professionally. Yes it’s often flattering to see a little skin, especially under a blazer, but too low or too ‘booby’, will distract from your business message.

          Model showing a neckline design, a tie fronted blouse
          Find your comfort neckline, not too high or too low

          Prints

          A printed dress or blouse under a jacket, can add a creative edge, but take time to find the right amount of pattern. Small to medium prints using two or three colours are often best, especially if one of the colours is black or navy to work with your suiting shade.

          Model showing a printed blouse that fits the smart casual ideal
          Find your preferred size in print

          Dress for your role

          Obviously your image has to match your job description and some businesses require more classic looks and others are open to creative expression. A mood board to really helpful to find your preferred looks and then be selective for your own style. Small details, like a simple suit and leopard shoes will add more impact than a leopard print jacket!

          Model showing classic clothes with leopard shoes, adding a modern detail.
          A leopard heel – a small hint of creativity shows character

          Quality Basics

          A simple white T-shirt will always look sharp under a trouser suit, but it has also got to work on its own once you take the jacket off. Heavier cotton Lycra blends offer you the stretch and non transparency is something worth paying for. Just take care with cleaning by only washing pure whites together.

          Model showing classic white T-shirt from a quality brand.
          Quality basics count, a perfect white T-shirt

          Split up suits

          Neater suit jackets, those that are slim fitting and a little cropped, are the perfect jacket to wear over a dress. Longer, blazer styles suit a slimmer trouser, which can also be in a different colour. Wide suit trousers look great with a tucked in blouse and a pencil skirt works beautifully with simple good quality t-shirt.

          Model showing trousers as a separates outfit, with a beautiful blouse instead of a jacket.
          Separate suits to offer more outfit options

          Accessories

          Well chosen accessories, like a simple belt for a trouser suit are details that make a difference. The less is more mantra definitely works here. A statement ring requires simple studs and a bold necklace is often enough so play down other areas. Shoes will obviously depend on your job and how often you are on your feet, but comfort, quality and clean, are key words, with a heel at the ready for a quick evening change.

          Keep accessories minimal, this model is showing how a simple belt can lift a classic outfit
          Eye catching accessories add to simple separates

          Makeup and Nails

          To keep professional, makeup is best when it’s not too obvious.  A great base that matches your own skin tone will disappear so that the focus comes back to what you are saying. Simple but effective eye makeup without heaviness is ideal. If you focus on your eyes, keep your lipstick softer, but if you are able to wear a red lipstick, tone down your eyes. Nails are often better in neutral shades or darker power colours, but neat and well groomed is essential. 

          Shorter nails with a simple manicure offer a clean professional look
          Simple and neat nails

          What is soft suiting?

          Tailored suits will always play their part in business but softer options are beginning to creep into the mainstream. Colours are important, and by keeping tones similar, this will create a suit like appearance. Mixing different fabrics including knits instead of woven jackets, allows the overall image to shout confidence.

          This look shows how you can be smart casual with a knitted jacket instead of a tailored jacket
          Soft suiting in similar tones.

          TOP TIPS to Remember for Smart Casual

          Focus on key items that fit you very well.

          • Simple uncluttered designs are the easiest to wear in multiply ways. 
          • Look at the fabric content, it’s important to balance the breathable with minimal crease fabrics.
          • Quality suiting items are important, so the fabric lasts.
          • Don’t forget to add some creativity so people remember you.
          • Take photos of your favourite looks for those days you need to feel super confident. 
          • It is important to make alterations where needed, shorten sleeves and hems.
          • Work out simple jewellery and shoe changes to take up a notch for evening meetings. 
          • Collect a good range of coloured camisole tops that sit neatly under jackets, for when a jacket stays on. 

          The little extras.

          A lint roller, to remove fluff and stray hairs. Look HERE.

          Underarm pads to elongate the wear of dresses and slim fitting jackets.

          A permanent black marker to touch up a scuffed heel.

          A mini sew kit to be prepared for the loose button, one you you might be given from a hotel.

          A snag needle, ideal to pull through any tags that catch on your suiting. Look HERE.

          A mini steamer at your desk, for those last minute meetings. Look HERE.

          Spare pair of the most comfortable shoes when in need. 

          If I can help…?

          If you need more direction or feeling stuck in a style rut, take a look at my services, Work with Me. HERE. I would to help you feel amazing in your own wardrobe.

          Share
          Kirstie
          Moving through my forties I've gained confidence to believe in 'style over trends' - quality wins (most of the time) and not to take it all too seriously. A great jacket is always my motto, and I like to play about with old and new and mix in some craft ideas too. I work with lovely clients who want a concise wardrobe or a unique outfit for a special occasion. I hope to inspire you.

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