10 Ways to Nail Smart Casual Like a Style Blogger

There are very few other dress codes that require two totally different vibes in the same way that smart casual demands—no wonder it's the trickiest of them all. No one ever says I want to turn up in evening sportswear, right? So don't beat yourself up if acing that 50/50 mix of pulled togetherness with laid-back pulled-off-the-floor–ness isn't always making itself clear in your wardrobe. This is a skill many a style blogger has now mastered, party because they are naturally adept at styling, but partly because in the creation and documentation of so many outfits you can start to see patterns that emerge (that's why we fully encourage you to take snaps of your own looks that work for future reference). 

Scroll down for the kind of ensembles you can cut and paste into your own closet this weekend and beyond!

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Smart-Casual Tip #1: Throw a long white coat over your regular denim look.
(Image credit: Five Five Fabulous)

On Reem Kanj of Five Five Fabulous: ASOS Matador Felt Hat (£22); Charlie May coat; Topshop Petite Pretty Mom Jeans (£40); Burberry The Medium Rucksack in Technical Nylon and Leather (£795); Office Incense High Cut Boots (£90).

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Smart-Casual Tip #2: Punctuate minimalism with a standout pair of low heels.
(Image credit: The You Way)

On Pernille Teisbaek of The You WayCéline coat and shoes; Acne Studios jeans; Loewe clutch.

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Smart-Casual Tip #3: Add posh espadrilles to easy separates.
(Image credit: Peony Lim)

On Peony LimRay-Ban Round Metal Sunglasses (£125); Isabel Marant jacket; Gap Utility Chino (£30); Hermès bag; Chanel shoes.

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Smart-Casual Tip #4: Style out a smart skirt with grunge attitude.
(Image credit: Natalie Off Duty)

On Natalie Suarez of Natalie Off DutyC/Meo skirt; Marie Turner The Libertie Bag (£383).

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Smart-Casual Tip #5: Wear oversize shapes with slick accessories.
(Image credit: Fashion Vibe)

On Zina Charkoplia of Fashion VibeZara coat and culottes; ASOS Trapeze White Shirt with Lace Insert (£25); Chloé Medium Faye Bag in Embossed (£1280); Gucci New Power Horsebit Loafers (£450).

Related: Remember Shoulder-Robing? This Is What to Do With Your Jackets Now

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Smart-Casual #6: Shoulder-robing over a casual outfit instantly transforms a look.
(Image credit: Fashion Me Now)

On Lucy Williams of Fashion Me Now: Maje coat; Isabel Marant Étoile Seersucker Button Down Shirt (£170); Vintage Levi's; Céline sunglasses; Mulberry Kite Clutch (£495); Gucci Leather Belt with Double G Buckle (£200); Tony Bianco Sugar Boots (£126).

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Smart Casual Tip #7: Pair black ankle boots with a pretty dress.
(Image credit: Alice Point)

On Alice Zielasko of Alice PointPrivacy Please dress; Louis Vuitton Twist Malletage Bag (£2000); Topshop Master Tortoiseshell Heel Boots (£85).

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Smart-Casual Tip #8: Two strap sandals will always add a sleek edge to denim.
(Image credit: Aria Di Bari)

On Aria Di BariTheory Gabe Stretch Blazer (£160); Zara shirt; Topshop Moto Dark Blue Mom Jeans (£40); ASOS sandals.

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Smart-Casual Tip #9: High-shine shoes add polish to any ensemble.
(Image credit: Amlul)

On Gala Gonzalez of AmlulMarks and Spencer Limited Edition Pinstripe Jumpsuit (£50).

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Smart-Casual Tip #10: Wear a printed tee with grown-up tailored trousers.
(Image credit: Always Judging)

On Courtney Trop of Always JudgingAlways Judging x Velvet by Graham and Spencer Rhiannon Graphic 1987 Tee (£95); Chanel trousers; Balenciaga Le Dix Cartable S Leather Bag (£1195); Jenni Kayne shoes.

Do you have a combination you always rely on? Let us know in the comments box below...

Hannah Almassi
Editor in Chief

Hannah Almassi is the Editor in Chief of Who What Wear UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. She joined following a seven-year tenure at Grazia magazine, where she led front-of-book news, fashion features and shopping specials as fashion news and features editor. With experience in both print and digital across fashion and beauty, Hannah has over 16 years in the field as a journalist, editor, content strategist and brand consultant. Hannah has interviewed industry heavyweights such as designers including Marc Jacobs and Jonathan Anderson through to arbiters of taste including Katie Grand and Anna Dello Russo. A skilled moderator and lecturer specialising in the shift to digital media and e-commerce, Hannah’s opinion and work has been sought by the likes of CNBC, BBC, The Sunday Times Style, The Times, The Telegraph and MatchesFashion.com, among many others. Hannah is often called upon for her take on trends, becoming known as a person with their finger of the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion space for stylish Brits. Hannah currently resides in Eastbourne with her photographer husband, incredibly busy son and highly Instagrammable cat.