10 Ways to Dress Smart Casual for Women in 2021

Women in the workplace are always looking for ways to dress smart casual. When asked what is smart casual, many women will answer by telling you what not to wear. It is essential to have a look that is professional but relaxed enough to stay comfortable throughout your workday. Our list of tips will give you great ideas on how to put together an outfit that will make you feel smart and confident while still feeling casual and getting things done! But first, let’s take a look at what is smart casual?

What Exactly Is Smart Casual For Women? When To Wear?

You might ask what smart casual is all about. It is the most confusing dress code out there because it can mean anything that is less formal than a suit, but smarter than a jogger. To keep it simple, this can generally mean a pair of (non-ripped) jeans, a crisp and clean shirt, and clean sneakers. 

Meeting for a coffee with colleagues or friends is a part of Australian working culture, as well as summer afternoon hangouts. So, what are some more ideas on how to put together a smart casual outfit for, not only the office environment, but also for those occasions?

General Rule of Thumb

1) Avoid dark colors like black, navy blue, or gray; they can give a too-formal vibe. Instead, try wearing light color clothes like white, blue or cream-colored items with patterns like stripes or polka dots. These options are more feminine without being girly (which may not be appropriate at the office).

2) Unless company norms say differently, you should not wear something too short, too tight and see-through.

3) A t-shirt can qualify as smart casual, provided that it's not too fancy, well-fitting, good-quality material and not washed to death.

How to Dress Smart Casual for Women in 2021

The smart casual dress code has experienced a rise in popularity over the past couple of decades and is set to continue into 2021 and beyond. As we move forward into the 21st century, intelligent casual dress will become more and more popular as women embrace innovative styles for their own modern needs and preferences.

That's why we're here today: to help smart casual women everywhere discover and embody their smart-casual style. We're going to cover twelve smart casual outfit ideas that will work perfectly for any smart casual woman in 2021 that wants to embrace the simple dress code.

1. Casual Blazer Outfit Idea: Get Smart with Stripes and Checks

Like most smart casual clothing ideas, this 2021 fashion trends casual is about balancing and combining different patterns and textures. We've opted for a simple top with skinny jeans and a striped smart-casual blazer to tie everything together into an intelligent ensemble that will work just as well at the office as it does at smart-casual events.

2. Casual but Classy Outfit Idea: The Back to Business Suit Trend

This casual look takes the now-infamous smart business suit trend and turns it on its head by removing the blazer or jacket to create a smart but casual outfit with hints of business class. This simple look is smart enough for casual events or workplaces but still allows women to stay comfortable at the same time.

3. Simple Outfit Idea: Keep It Casual with Cropped Pants

This smart casual for women outfit plays off casual cropped pants and high heels to create a smart look that's perfect for a meeting. Wear smart casual relaxed like this when you're going to have an informal meeting with clients, and make sure to wear comfortable pants to stay comfortable in the process!

4. Casual Chic Outfit Idea: The Ultimate Smart-Casual Combination

These smart casual women's outfits are the ultimate combination: it takes a smart-casual staple like smart-casual jeans. It combines them with another smart-casual classic like smart casual sneakers to create an innovative but relaxed ensemble that looks stylish. This is elevated to a new smart-casual standard! Dress one down with a blazer tunic.

5. Casual Cool Outfit Idea: Slip into Denim

Jeans are classic, but smart casual women in 2021 know that smart jeans can sometimes be too smart for smart-casual events or smart occasions. That's why they are stripping smart jeans back to become smart-cool trousers by pairing them with a denim jacket over a simple tee.

6. Smart but Stylish Outfit Idea: Go Minimal With a White Tee and Slim Pants

Some smart casual outfits are smart but stylish ensemble sticking essentials: casual trousers and a smart casual tee. This smart-chic gone street is perfect for smart women who want to embrace the smart casual attire without looking overdressed.

7. Cool and Casual Outfit Idea: Smart-Casual Minimalism

There are smart casual and smart casual outfit ideas like this: a smart-casual ensemble that strips clothes right back to the bare minimum. This smart casual ensemble includes smart-casual essentials like a crisp tee and jeans with sneakers to give it a relaxed and informal vibe.

8. Smart Casual for Modern Women: Take the Office Outfit on Holiday

Some smart people do smart stuff while they're at work, and then some smart people do smart things while they're on holiday all at the same time. Smart women know that smart casual for women in winter often requires a step up from your typical 17-hour smart workday so opt for a stylish but functional look like this one with a tunic and a pastel pink (or any pastel color) coat. Let all those who aren't on holiday know that you are an intelligent person who does many things while also relaxing.

9. Smart Casual Look for Office Women: Skirt Suit Meets Smart Casual

One skirt suit plus one pair of stylish but relaxed heels equals one seriously official smart casual look. This office-ready outfit is perfect for summer days in the office and other casual events that demand a smarter style.

10. Smart Casual Outfit Idea: Wear Your Sleeveless

Some sleeves are too revealing, but in summer 2021 it's acceptable to wear your favorite sleeveless blouse! (in a casual office setting) Sleeveless blouse is appropriate in most workplaces as long as it is not too tight and too revealing. Try this romantic but still professional look with a smart casual button-up blouse over an uber-smart casual full skirt.

We hope we've helped you find your style! And if you need help putting together a company t-shirt design that suits your personal needs and lifestyle, let us know – we would love to hear from you!