The "smart casual" dress code is among the most ambiguous. ("Beach formal" gives it a run for its money.) So if the term is confusing or simply new to you, you're not alone. If you've lived or worked abroad, especially in the U.K. or Australia, you've probably seen it more often.
You're also seeing it more now because workplaces have gotten a lot more relaxed. Only 3% of U.S. workers say business professional clothes are their everyday norm, according to Gallup, the lowest share Gallup has measured. In a 2025 Monster poll, 43% of workers said they hadn't worked anywhere with a dress code in the past year, and among those who had one, 9% described it as smart casual. So "smart casual" tends to land on the invite for the moments that still matter: a hybrid office day, a client dinner, a conference, a team offsite, or a job interview.
When it comes to smart casual, there's one rule that transcends countries: If it reminds you of the bedroom, the beach, or the boardroom, leave it at home.
Here's a more specific framework for deciding what a smart casual outfit looks like. First, picture an office with formal business attire, where dark slacks, skirts, and dresses are standard. That's a conservative business dress code. Business casual is one tier down. Cuts, fabrics, and colors are still fairly conservative, but you can lose things like the tie, the heels, or the skirt-and-jacket combo. Smart casual sits one more step toward relaxed. The Oxford Learner's Dictionary sums it up as "neat but not formal." In practice, that means you look put together, and you're comfortable.
Here's what you should keep in mind:
Think: Blouses and Tops That Are Interesting but Professional
A smart casual look is about mixing separates into one cohesive, polished outfit. For tops, say "no" to a tank, a faded T-shirt, or anything too stuffy or formal. This is where you can play around with a beautiful blouse in an interesting pattern, cut, or color. A fine-knit sweater or a crisp, heavyweight tee under a blazer also works, as long as it looks intentional. Avoid sequins or anything that screams cocktail hour.
Think: Pants and Skirts That Skim, Don't Cling and Have Interesting Patterns or Colors
Traditional slacks can be boring. Done right, though, they're the base for a more interesting look. Try a slim, cropped trouser in a pattern small enough to still read as a neutral. Or go the opposite direction with a wide-leg trouser in a fun color. A midi skirt in a substantial fabric does the same job.
Steer away from anything too sheer or too clingy, and save leggings and joggers for the weekend. Remember, the idea is to be polished but comfortable.
Think: Dresses That Are Simple, Elegant and Easily Dressed Up or Down With the Right Accessories
If you choose a dress, try one that's a little more fashion-forward. Consider an asymmetrical cut or a bold pattern in an otherwise simple wrap style. If you opt for a simple silhouette, dress it up with bold accessories or a structured jacket.
Whatever you do, don't pick a dress that's too casual. A floor-length sundress belongs at the beach or poolside, so a midi or knee-length dress is the safest choice. As for fabrics, avoid anything too silky, lacy or stiff.
Think: Shoes That Add a Dose of Polish, From Block Heels to Clean Sneakers
This is the section that's changed most since we first wrote it. Sneakers used to be a risk. Now a pair of clean, minimal leather sneakers is one of the most common smart casual shoes around, and in Monster's poll, sneakers with suits topped the list of looks workers secretly love. The test is condition and material: no scuffs, no running shoes, and nothing that looks like it's been to the gym.
Block heels (a.k.a. stacked heels) are still a comfortable but stylish option. Loafers, ballet flats, mules, and slides also do the trick. Stilettos can work too, but aim for less than three inches and balance them with a more relaxed top and trousers.
Sandals are a judgment call. A polished leather sandal can work in a warm climate or a creative office, but flip-flops and anything rubber are still a no. If you're unsure, closed toes are the safer bet.
And when the weather gets too hot, here's a guide to looking put-together in sweltering heat.
Think: Denim, and What to Do When You Still Can't Tell
Dark, well-fitted jeans with no rips usually pass as smart casual, especially paired with a blazer or a great blouse. Light washes, distressed denim, and anything cropped and frayed lean too casual.
If the dress code still feels like a riddle, ask. For a job interview, it's completely normal to email the recruiter and ask what people usually wear, and it shows you're thinking ahead (here's more on how to stand out in an interview). For a new job or event, check the company's social channels or careers page for photos of real people at work. And if you're picking between two outfits, go with the slightly dressier one. You can always lose the blazer once you see the room.
Figuring out the unwritten rules at work is half the job, especially when your schedule shifts between home and the office. Sign up for Girlboss Daily for practical career advice, on your terms, delivered every weekday.
