It absolutely is, but you can easily master it with the right advice.

What accessories should you consider purchasing for smart casual attire?

First, look for basics like blazers, dress pants, button-up shirts, and skirts that you probably already own for work. The next step is to consider ways to dress them down, such as pairing a casual tee with a sleek skirt or a dressier blazer with jeans. It all comes down to that contrast. Even if you’re wearing jeans, sleek accessories like a leather shoulder bag or chunky loafer will elevate any look and make it feel more formal. 

It is certainly an art to strike the right balance between dressed up and casual attire; fortunately, a few well-known celebrities have recently perfected the look. These eight stylish celebrities, which range from actresses like Gabrielle Union and Katie Holmes to models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, offer a variety of easy-to-do styling tricks. Additionally, check out how simple it is to shop their looks. Combine casual and formal attire.

A classic pinstriped suit may appear too formal and buttoned-up for a “smart casual” look, but with the help of an edgy leather bomber jacket, supermodel Gigi Hadid shows how to dress it down for a night out. After all, mastering the art of “smart casual” means finding a balance between smart and casual. Keep in mind that for every smart thing you wear, you can wear something more casual.

How to Follow a “Smart Casual” Dress Code: A Celebrity’s Guide

1. A Classic Button-Down Over It

A clean button-up shirt will always be a wardrobe staple. But you can, in fact, make the basic look more casual and cool—it’s all about the way you style it. Take a cue from Margot Robbie, who recently stepped out in New York with a smart approach to layering: the actor wore a boxy Bottega Veneta blazer and, underneath it, an unbuttoned cream shirt and white tee. It’s smart-casual dressing at its finest when paired with slouchy jeans and a sleek leather shoulder.

2. Do Invest in the Perfect White Tee

A timeless white t-shirt that can be dressed up or down at any time is a wardrobe staple. It is an excellent addition to any smart casual wardrobe. Take a cue from Jennifer Lawrence and wear it with a pleated wide-leg dress pant for a clean and polished look—especially when paired with a leather shoulder bag and a statement sandal in the summer. A dad cap and some gold necklaces layered on top complete the look.

3. Make the Trouser the Center of Attention

A smart casual look is all about allowing one dressy piece to ground the entire outfit. One example is Jennifer Lopez, who centered her well-groomed ensemble on a pair of wide-leg white trousers. She paired it with a sandy silk button-up shirt and matching top-handle bag—hers is a luxurious Hermès Birkin, but any sleek style will do—for a professional summer look. You can have fun with your accessories—like her giant aviators—to make it feel more relaxed and casual.

4. Think in Neutral Tones

Even if the items themselves are casual, neutral colors like black, brown, white, and gray will always read more formal. Just take Gabrielle Union, who stepped out in a silky white two-piece set this summer. Despite the fact that it is essentially loungewear, she still appeared elegant and effortless—the ideal combination for adhering to a smart casual dress code. Her square-toe heels and color-block Prada bag helped in that department too. (Accessories have a lot of power. Don’t underestimate it.)

5. 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. For instance, Katie Holmes wore jeans and knitwear, but her jeans were embellished and her cardigan had an oversized, boxy fit. Her satiny ballet flats and great statement earrings instantly elevated the ensemble and gave it a more formal feel.

6. Reevaluate the Blazer

Kendall Jenner, a model, is an expert at dressing casually, and she often pulls it off by wearing a classic blazer, which is a must-have item for your office wardrobe. She often wears micro shorts and skirts to dress it down instead of the traditional two-piece suit, then wears an oversized white button-up shirt with it. Her accessories, like a dad cap or leather loafers, also give it a more casual slant. Don’t forget the structured leather tote.

7. Put Your All into a Power Coat

Is there a quick styling tip for smart casual in the fall? arranging an outfit around a great coat that makes a statement. 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. For example, Hailey Bieber paired her trench with a white t-shirt, denim sneakers, and fisherman sandals. If you put on a smart coat, it can instantly change your entire look. Who doesn’t like a quick way to style?

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