Smart Casual?

Can someone define Smart Casual for me in terms I can understand?   I read Wikipedia's definition and I'm still not sure.  I'm wearing linen gaucho pants (I think that's what they are when they are capri length but loose) and a pink button down short sleeved top.  Does this count?  When I share that I'm wearing my black Bite shoes (2nd pair in the post), does that make it less smart casual?  Help!

Comments

[Hazel]

I never heard the term "smart casual." I guess I'm dressing stupid casual.

[BuffaloJenn]

Based on the Wikipedia definition (which is more confusing than elucidating), I think you're fine. I like those new shoes a lot! Who makes them?

[jo]

The company is called Bite. www.biteshoes.com. They are now owned by Crocs actually so they have croc footbeds. The innersole is removable so that you can put in a custom orthotic if you need to.

[Teresa]

Sorry but those shoes may be smart... and sure are casual but they aren't "smart casual."

Do you have a foot problem that prevents you from wearing sandals? Even a dressy flip flop would be acceptable...

[jo]

Teresa, does it help if I say I live in the ultimate hippie town of Seattle? :) I didn't figure they'd work. I do have a foot problem but I did just remember my bronze flip flops that I wear with dressy skirts. I don't know why I always forget about them, they're the definition of smart/casual. :)

[Peeved Michelle]

It is only in violation of your dress code policy if one of your superiors tells you it is. We are technically Business Casual at my company, yet here I sit, wearing jeans, a black t-shirt and my black Converse, while the guy next to me is wearing a baseball jersey, shorts, sandals and backwards baseball cap.

[Peeved Michelle]

Also, my friend Shannon had to dress "smart casual" when she worked a Wilson Suede & Leather in the mall when we were in high school (college?). That meant no jeans or t-shirts.

[blaugra]

Smart casual means (to me) that your clothes are clean, stain-free, not wrinkled or ripped, and somewhat stylish. No athletic shoes although Merrells and cute sneakers could work with the right proportions and overall look. No t-shirts unless you wear them with a structured jacket like Ellen. No jeans unless they are a neat dark wash or a solid color (not faded denim.)

I think your outfit is smart casual as long as your linen pants don't get too misshapen and wrinkled the way mine do and a pair of more streamlined sandals or loafers or flats would make it "smarter."

This from a girl who wears yoga pants and flip flops to work. But when an event calls for "smart casual" the above detailed explanation is what I use to guide myself. :)

[Jen14221]

Smart casual to me means no flip-flop type shoes. Sandals, Peep Toes, of Mules. Then, a skirt or nice pair of pants with a fitted T-shirt should do.