A Week of Smart Casual Outfits

I’m excited to get back to sharing daily outfit ideas after a few weeks home sick! From polling you guys on IG, it seems that many of your formerly business casual offices have now adopted “smart casual” or “dress for your day” dress codes. There’s varying guidelines on what smart casual means, but generally speaking, the key to smart casual is finding a balance between your more tailored pieces and your casual pieces.

My go-to formula is usually pairing 1 traditional workwear item (i.e. trousers, jeans, button-down shirt, blazer) with a casual piece. Denim is a great base, but I’d avoid distressing or frayed hems for the office. I find solid black jeans (like this pair – love the cut) to be super versatile for smart casual looks as they sub in easily for dressier work pants.

Below are 5 smart casual outfits I put together using staple items from my wardrobe!

1. Cream jeans + button down shirt

everlane straight jeans ecru petite smart casual outfits

Two of my favorite Everlane staples combined. I love how light and airy this button-up is and the oversized casual fit works well dressed down with denim shorts or dressed up as workwear. Off white jeans are a must have for me and this pair is the closest I’ve found to a very old favorite. I’m 5′ tall and did hem the shortest inseam a bit for a cropped length that also works with flats and sneakers (see the length on me prior to hemming).

2. Pleated skirt + blouse

edited pieces petite pleated skirt outfit

Express shirt xxs, EDITED PIECES skirt xxs, POLENE BAG c/o, SARAH FLINT PUMPS 5.5 c/o (SARAHFLINT-JEAN50 for $50 off)

This looks like a basic black button-down shirt at first glance, but it’s one of my favorites thanks to little details. I love the subtle puff shoulders and the feminine ruffled neckline.

3. Blazer + slim straight jeans

petite white blazer banana republic jeans

WHBM blazer 00P (my review), Ann Taylor shell xxsP (best basic!), BR jeans 24 petite, shortened 1″ (my review), EP slingbacks 5.5, two tone watch (links removed)

4. Black straight jeans + long cardigan

jcrew juliette cardigan petite outfit ideas

5. Trousers + sweater tank + striped pullover

zara high waist pants petite reformation julie top

This Reformation sweater tank is a great staple in both black and white. The ribbed material is medium weight so a little thicker than a regular tank, but not too thick that it’s hot for summer. I’ve been eying these popular Zara pants forever and while the XS waist runs small and is a perfect snug fit on me, I did hem the bottom a few inches. Note the waist on these is a little higher rise than most of my other pants that come in petite sizing.


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