Workwear can be tricky at the best of times. Wearing a suit when everyone else is in jeans will make you feel out of place - and vice versa! Luckily, a quick call to the recruiter or your new boss can give you the direction you need. In the modern workplace, smart casual dress code is a common approach, and that’s what we’re looking at in this article. Are you ready to demystify office attire?

What is smart casual dress code? 

Whether you’re on your way to an interview or feeling nervous about your first day in a new job, you’ll have three things in mind when choosing what to wear: 

• Fitting in

• Feeling comfortable

• Looking professional

And that’s what smart casual is about - it blends office wear with more comfortable, modern clothes. It still looks professional, but stops shy of the formal business suit of the old days. Where a smart dress code restricts you to traditional office wear, and a casual dress code means that almost anything goes, smart casual finds the happy middle ground between the two. 

What clothes can I wear if the dress code is smart casual?

The great news about a smart casual dress code is that there are plenty of options. You can throw in some individuality and colour if you like and you almost certainly already have some relevant pieces in your wardrobe. 

If in doubt, especially for an interview or when starting a new role, veer more towards the formal than the casual. When you have your feet firmly under the table, you’ll be in a better position to evaluate what everyone else is wearing and choose appropriate items yourself. In the meantime, try these suggestions:

Tops

• Short- or long-sleeve shirts and blouses 

• T-shirts

• Jumpers and sweaters

• Cardigans

• Jackets and blazers

Bottoms

• Pants, trousers and chinos

• Skirts

• Jeans

Footwear

• Runners

• Low heels

• Flats

• Loafers

• Boots

Other items

• Dresses

• Accessories such as belts, jewellery and watches

What not to wear for a smart casual dress code

Smart casual office wear has so many options, that it might be easier to say what you shouldn’t wear! It’s recommended that you steer clear of:

• Dirty and unironed clothes 

• Ripped jeans and other fraying or holey clothes

• Bold graphics and large brand logos

• Revealing clothing 

• Footwear that shows your feet - for example, thongs

• Athletic wear, such as tracksuits

• Ties and vests

• And you can certainly ditch that formal business suit!

Is smart casual attire appropriate in every business?

Most businesses have their own dress code and it’s certainly not the case that one dress code suits all. If you have a formal meeting such as an interview lined up, it’s always best to check the dress code first. 

Many workplaces avoid the smart casual dress code - for example, some require uniforms or PPE, others - such as bars and tech industries - are very casual, and others still - such as law and investment banking - require formal suits. If you ask and you’re still not sure, it’s always best to dress up, not down. 

Frequently asked questions about smart casual dress code 

Can you wear jeans for smart casual?

• Yes, clean, unripped jeans are fine! 

Is a polo shirt smart casual?

• Polo shirts are ideal smart casual wear.

Is a t-shirt OK for smart casual?

• A clean, ironed t-shirt is acceptable, including in bright colours, as long as you stay away from potentially offensive slogans and large brand logos.

Can I wear runners for smart casual?

• Yes, running shoes are acceptable as long as they’re not tattered or smelly! Minimalistic styles are usually recommended. 

Wearing smart casual for work is a win all round!

Smart casual dress codes are a win for the business and its employees. For the business, they’re presenting a professional look to clients and visitors, whilst also upholding standards in the office. Employees in turn benefit from being able to choose clothes that fit with their personal style, are comfortable to work in, and have more variety than the traditional suit. 

Even better, smart casual is appropriate whether you’re meeting a customer, visiting another site, presenting a Zoom call, or moving on to a bar after work. It’s no wonder the modern workplace has adopted this trend. 

If you’re tempted to find a new role where you can express yourself and fit in, you’re in the right place! Send your resume for a free resume review by the experts at TopResume and you’ll find yourself picking out an interview outfit in no time!