Smart casual. Grrr, I hate invites that say that. What would you wear??

[Skyler]

I have a do on Sat (if I can sort the babysitter) and the dress is smart casual. My DH and I never go out together so this is exciting but the dress is 'smart casual' and I don't have a clue. DH is wearing trousers (rather than jeans) and a shirt but no tie. It is so easy for men. What would you wear? Please help. I can't seem to wear heels for long any more so that is not helping my mild panic. TIA

My groovy suede skirt and boots (now that it's getting a bit autumnal) or smart jeans, sexy top, wedges/heels and jacket??

A nice skirt and top. Or smart trousers. Jeans is casual wear I would say. You don't want to be too casual.

I think they don't want you to turn up in jeans and a t-shirt, but also they don't want wedding attire either. So opt for something inbetween and you'll be ok.

This is good so far. I have long boots with a small heel that I know I can wear all night. I also have new smart jeans that I got in the Next sale, dark denim..... I am feeling better already, thank you ladies.
Keep them coming........

I started a thread on this once.

It is actually surprisingly easy. You just wear anything other than scruffy jeans and trainers.

For example:

Smart jeans, evening top, heels, jewellery.

Casual trousers, vest, hels, jewellery.

Skirt, top, pumps.

Dress, pumps.

At the do I went to recently the older women were quite dressed up. The younger contingent wore jeans/trousers and smartish vests etc.

Might have to get a new skirt to go with the boots.... I was trying to avoid jeans if poss.

Nice trews or skirt (not jeans). Top that you wouldn't wear to the supermarket or to a wedding. Jewellry. You can get away with flats so long as they're not grotty. Maybe a small heel, that moves you out of casual to smart casual with great ease.

Thanks Lady Macbeth. So I could wear a smart ish dress and casual it up a bit with flat pumps.... or dress up the casual with glitzy jewellery and heels....
I want to try and suss what others might wear so this is all good thanks.

I tend to agree about the jeans not being very apropiate. But why would they ask for smart casual in an invite? seems like the sort of thing you would ask people at work but not for a do (you would expect people to wear that anyway, I would say?)

Anyways, no idea. But I join you in hating dress codes in invites. What's wrong with letting people be themselves?

Yes, I guess it is a bit of a balancing act.

New jeans are fine I would say and I'd choose a dressy top to go with them.

Or boots and skirt with a nice top.

Or dress and sandals.

Here a bit cringeworthy but nevermind

And haven't read it all but looks v useful

I am now hoping for rain so I can wear the boots and not look too silly / wintery. The jeans look like dark denim trousers if you know what I mean ie no big back pockets, just little openings so may well be OK. I actually like dress codes as it is a buffet dinner and dancing not a house party. I just wish it was formal / smart as I do have a dress.....

Hilary Alexander talks sense there. Posh frock with flip flops makes sense to me lol. I am def panicking less now. Thank you.