https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 05 May 2026 00:45:49 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209096 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:54:24 +0000 Barbara 209096@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great question, Queenie. I concur with Angie's list. As always, she covered it all!</p> <p>For me: perfect, appropriate footwear and impeccable grooming give your look polish like nothing else can. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209085 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:40:32 +0000 Polly (thunalata) 209085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Kate - that's a fun idea - you could ask people what dress code they think it is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209061 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:50:52 +0000 Kate 209061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was contemplating this while getting dressed this morning. </p> <p>Here's what I think is certain: Heels are not casual. They can be smart or business (or both).</p> <p>The rest seems to be all about the pairings - even dress pants or a nice blazer can be dressed down to be casual with the right shoes, graphic t, etc.</p> <p>Maybe if I start posting WIWs I can find out how my outfits rank. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209060 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:48:16 +0000 Angie 209060@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice question, Kim!</p> <p>o Fabric<br /> o Fit<br /> o Colour<br /> o Accessories: the type of shoes, handbag and jewelry that accompany the outfit<br /> o Your level of polish </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209053 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:35:41 +0000 Vix 209053@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Queenie, you're not alone, ha...am enjoying/looking forward to the responses.</p> <p>I think I said on another thread that I saw lots of overlap between the two; I do think one difference might be that a bizcas look might go "over" to smart casual but (depending on the workplace) not all smart casual can go "over" to business casual because of shoe, skirt length, etc.</p> <p>Or basically what Chewyspaghetti said. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-209006 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:37:20 +0000 chewyspaghetti 209006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm going to go backwards in answering the second question first and say that the difference between smart casual and business casual would be either denim or a non-conservative piece. I think in a business casual outfit you will either have a conservative top or bottom (or both), or a structured jacket and conservative footwear.<br /> I think what takes an outfit from casual to smart casual is wash of the denim (if worn), dressier fabrications, and less casual shoes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-208992 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:19:10 +0000 shana 208992@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I missed the second part of the question - I immediately think of jeans. To me, jeans still don't mean business casual though I know that it depends on the industry &amp; others do include it. I guess I would say trouser jeans vs skinnies/bootcuts/straight leg. Definitely the better fabrics - woven silks, button downs etc. Shoes - when I think of smart casual, it can include trendy shoes like a smart pair of gladiators while I don't think that necessarily reads business casual. Again, it's so industry specific that it's hard to say. I'm definitely thinking of more conservative industries when I speak of business casual. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-208990 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:16:03 +0000 Jayne 208990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If someone's casual outfit catches my eye as looking particularly "smart", it's usually because of the little details. Jeans and a white t-shirt is casual, but when the jeans are the exact right length for the shoes (which they usually aren't :P) and the shoes are a step up from sneakers (like ballet flats), and the shirt is a bit fitted instead of baggy and has a flattering neckline, and there's a nice handbag involved - I think that elevates it from "casual" to "smart." Also, accessories. And grooming! Not necessarily a full face of make-up, but a little bit of polish and tidy hair.</p> <p>If you took all that and then added something like a blazer and/or dressier pants, I think it would be moving into business casual.</p> <p>The other day I saw a lady in her 70s (at least!) wearing plain, slim black pants, red ballet flats, a plain black T and a red wool coat. She also had fantastic snow-white hair. I'm kicking myself I didn't ask to take her picture, she really did look fab. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-208988 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:13:13 +0000 shana 208988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Slightly dressier fabrication (maybe woven vs knit or better quality knit), attention to details, especially when it comes to accessories (actually wearing accessories!!). Construction - so instead of a simple v-neck tee in a knit fabric, wearing cowlneck instead (still in knit). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-puts-the-smart-into-an-outfit#post-208982 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:00:55 +0000 Queen Mum 208982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not that it really matters all that much... but I am trying to wrap my mind around what sets an outfit apart as "smart" ... and then what keeps it from moving into the business casual realm? </p>