Smart/casual help!

[Whatadayyyy]

I am starting a new job and the dress code is smart/casual. Help a girl out! What does this mean? Can someone give me outfit ideas? Anything to avoid?

Well no blue jeans or sportswear.

I'm a teacher and I would say our dress code is smart casual in that some days I wear a dress and pumps and others I wear black jeans, a T-shirt and a casual blazer.

I would also wear a blouse and black jeans
Skinny trousers and a nice top

So it's not suits and it's not jeans and trainers.

Well it could be smart jeans and trainers to dresses and jackets and everything int between! It's quite a range.

I'd for for the first week/ few days no denim/sportswear/trainers etc an gauge it from there. It also depends on the type of business it is.

I'd wear a midi skirt and nice t shirt with a blazer or a cardigan and some sandals or loafers.

What's the industry / sector?

Civil service

I would say no obvious jeans, no sportswear, no shorts, no strappy tops, no running trainers. Open sandals can be a grey area but flip flops generally unacceptable.

I have had this dress code for years, and there is a bit of a spectrum. A dress with shoes rather than trainers is a safe bet or trousers and a blouse.

Some places you might find black jeans or smarter trainers are ok others not.

Depends on the grade in cs

It is basically saying you don’t have to get done up in a suit - things are quite relaxed but don’t come looking like you just came from gardening or doing DIY.

Smart casual is in flux at the moment since many people are wearing trainers to work with smarter things, the epitomy of smart/casual really. I’ve always though it’s more about wearing clothes that fit and flatter than some arbitrary dress code - employers and clients want people who look put together and engaged. For example I could wear some black trousers and a white blouse but look less put together and considered than in dark jeans and an orange blouse, especially if the first items are very cheap. Accessories can really help as even a T-shirt is often fine with a nice necklace, again looking like thought has gone in rather than just grabbing first thing off the rail in your wardrobe.

For a man, it's trousers and shirt, no tie, with a typical look being chinos and oxford shirt, isn't it.

I'd go with a dress or skirt and blouse or trousers and blouse, shoes - ankle boots, sandals or brogues/derby - or plain plimsoll shoes, no open toes or very high heels.
Blazer-type jacket or cardigan.

No jeans, no sportswear, no denim, no distressed clothes, No body con or cleavage.