When I am helping clients sort out their wardrobe or shopping, the most common question I am asked is, ‘What can I wear for smart casual?’ When it comes to dressing smart casual there is a fine line between being overdressed and looking like you are going for a walk.
As we spend more and more time on daily activities such as work, school runs, shopping, appointments, etc, our wardrobe must reflect our lifestyle and must include key items that can be easily mixed and matched.
With the arrival of spring, fresh new looks and light colours are appearing and I love the fact that these clothes are wearable, practical, and interesting. Flattering shapes is key to the smart casual look to suit you. The following will help you create or recreate looks with what you already have, and rejuvenate your wardrobe with new key pieces.
Sport luxe is a huge trend this season. Clothes are edgy but practical, with loose shapes mixed with structured pieces. The looks do not date, so you can invest in key items and wear them again for years to come. This dress from Les Jumelles is what the sport luxe trend is all about — practical and feminine, wear it with sandals or pumps. As comfort is key, combine a stylish tapered trouser (or jeans ) with a loose shimmery T-shirt under a shaped parka.
Prints are still going strong this season with patterns inspired from the fauna, flora, and landscape, with decorative detailing and luxurious fabrics of brocade, lace, and shimmer. Prints are a great way to inject some joy into your wardrobe and update your last season’s favourites. Although this trend is all about mix-matching and juxtaposing patterns, you can also pair prints with a plainer piece. Pair this snake print pencil skirt from Hobbs with a coloured plain top, a short belted jacket, and kitten heels.
Light knits are must-have items for our lifestyles and the weather. Wear loose jumpers or fitted cardigans in pretty pale shades or vibrant hues. Team an oversized jumper with coloured skinnies, or layer a fitted cardigan over a floral dress. I love this knitted jumper paired with a tulle skirt, both from Vero Moda. Finish off with a tan belt tied on your waist or a hat.
Pastels and block colours are much talked about trends this season. Experiment with delicious hues of baby pink, lemon, lilac, or pistachio. Keep the colours plain, or try a combination of block colours. This pale blue cotton dress paired with a dusty pink cropped jacket from Noa Noa is the perfect look for busy mums.
For more information on this article or on wardrobe styling and shopping services contact Delilah on 087 6391956 or delilahfashionstylist.com, or follow @DelilahStylist on Twitter.
