Casual chic, dressy casual, country club chic, business casual, smart casual – these are a few of the new terms for suggested attire for events. Dressy casual in itself is an oxymoron. I think this category is the hardest to figure out. It’s somewhere in between… not a cocktail dress, but please don’t wear your sweat pants.
Here are some guidelines and suggestions:
1) Classic silhouettes – it’s important to choose styles that are the most flattering to your body type. Midi dresses can be dressed up or down and come in a variety of shapes to work for you. This year’s beautiful satin blouses can be paired with a trouser to go anywhere.
2) Tailored pieces – a tweed Chanel jacket paired with dark wash jeans is timeless. Structured pieces create a more polished look.
3) Finish your look – layering adds polish to your ensemble. A jacket or sweater can pull it all together. Put a jean jacket over a midi dress or a sweater jacket over a satin blouse and jeans.
4) Footwear – the most wonderful feature of casual dressing is comfortable shoes. You can choose from a stylish sneaker, booties, traditional loafers or a block heel pump.
5) Elevated accessories – this is the icing on the cake. Scarves, belts, necklaces, bracelets and earrings take your dressing to the next level. Accessories are where we individualize our look and make it our own.
The important thing to remember with a “casual chic” dress code is to strike a balance between comfort and style. You can be comfortable while still looking put together and fashionable.
“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they notice the woman.”
–Coco Chanel
-by Nicki Smith
About the Author: Nicki Smith has been in the fashion industry for over 40 years. She is the owner of and buyer for Pappagallo, located at 2020 Scottsville Road in Bowling Green (The Pines Shopping Center, next to Chico’s).
