What does smart casual mean?

[bishboschone]

Can white / grey smart jeans with a pretty top ever qualify for smart casual ?

No. I'd go for a dress. Or trousers and a top. Not jeans.

What sort of event is it?

I think it can mean almost anything depending on the host. It's not very helpful! Some times smart jeans will be fine, but not always. Ask the host or others who are going if you are not sure.

A daytime celebration ( not wedding ) at a hotel .

To me, smart casual includes smart jeans. Business casual (not relevant in this context) means no tie/jacket required, but not jeans.

So yes, I think what you describe sounds fine for a smart casual dress code.

I once didn't read a dress code and turned up at a black tie celebration of my friend SURVIVING FUCKING CANCER in jeans and pretty top. I was so embarrassed - I thought it looked like I didn't give a shit. Fortunately said friend is lovely.

I think the dress code effects men more than woman. Women can get away with almost anything as we've got the option to dress things up or down with hair, make up and accessories. I think you can make grey jeans work.

I would say no to jeans for anything celebration-esque (christening/significant birthday etc) that declares itself smart-casual.

Said grey / white jeans are both smart versions .. Top is very pretty ... I jsit don't suit dresses . ????

Definitely Not Jeans. Smarter trousers with a suitable top. Trousers could be tapered with high heels and a silk type shirt with a collar. Wear a chunky necklace or a chain style one. Try navy trousers and a cream or pale blue top. Smart casual is less boring than work wear but not as formal as a wedding. A jump suit would also work. Don't wear strapless or spaghetti straps or a sun top. Think luxury shirt and quality trousers if you don't like dresses.

I was at a 50th birthday party at the weekend. Smart marquee in pub garden, 3 course meal, Irish band, 5pm until late. Dress code was smart casual. There were jeans. There were also sequins. All were absolutely fine - but then the hosts (and most of the guests) were not the type to worry.

These are people that wouldn't worry what I wear to be honest . I have a 4 year old son who I need to keep in line so I need to be comfortable .. I just look so drab in the dresses I have tried .. A search for something a bit more me and been fruitless .

I always think it is odd to advise guests of a dress code and then don't give a xxx about what they come dressed in! Might as well say wear what you like! And there is nothing wrong with that. At least guests don't have to give it any consideration at all and the hosts, who don't give a xxx, communicate that to their friends and guests at an early stage before any shopping is done.

Maybe a onesie is the best solution?

I think it's the location that might have rules .

I always think of Alan Partridge but he was more 'sports casual'.

Smart jeans or trousers but NOT blue jeans. White or black with some fancy top. No trainers.

Check with the location then.

To be honest, I don't remember ever seeing a dress code on the original 50th invite, but I overheard someone asking and the response was "smart casual"

There's 2 lame excuses in there - I feel you don't want to buy something you'll never wear again ? (Which I can understand).

Please do make an effort, if you work, I'm sure you don't wear jeans to work ?

I have tried to find something and money isn't the issue .. I'm a stay at home mum so only wear jeans ..I just can't find something that suits me despite various shopping trips ..

Find out if there are rules at the location, but if these are people who know you and who aren't rules-driven, they will be able to see whether you've made an effort with your clothes, so they probably won't mind as long as you have made some effort!

A smart jacket and chunky jewellery or a scarf, with nice shoes not trainers, will lift jeans into smart casual for many occasions. IMO.

Well personally I think smart jeans would work in these circumstances.

I have a white pair which I have worn to similar events - pretty top, heeled sandals - looks perfectly presentable, imho.

I always look smart and presentable and will make an extra effort with hair etc ..