What I wore: The 5 day working week in a smart casual office

I've often been asked what do you wear in a smart casual office.  Have you ever wondered what smart casual means? I have, because I can tell you that my definition of smart casual is very different from the guy who comes in to work in ripped jeans, thongs and a thrash metal T-shirt.


According to the oracle Wikipedia this is the definition of smart casual!


Smart casual (as distinct from business casual) is a loosely defined dress code, casual, yet "smart" enough to conform to the particular standards of certain Western social groups. ... 


Clear as mud.


So I decided to do an experiment and take a photo of me each day and make some notes based on what I was wearing to form a bit of a laundry list for the smart casual office. 

My 5 day overview

But I must preface, I work in advertising (My real day job) so my definition of smart casual is bound to be different than if you are a lawyer or work in finance. I also must say that these are ridiculous photos of me, taken first thing in the morning before I am awake, so forgive the quality but you get the jist. 


I've also discovered there was a little bit of a red theme going on with me last week! 


Ok so lets go through them


Day one.

I picked this maxi skirt up on a recent trip to Noosa, its from Mink Pink and cost about $90 but its one of the most versatile pieces I own. The cherry singlet is from Topshop which I bough last week stocking up on basics. In fact the jacket which completely dresses up the whole outfit is also from Topshop, bought about 3 years ago. I also have on a gorgeous broach that I bought at a market at McLaren Vale in South Australia. Its completely made out of old watches. Lastly I have on suede second hand tan wedges that I bought from an Op shop in St Kilda. It was about 30c and muggy so it was perfect to take the blazer off at lunchtime. This skirt and singlet look is one of my favourite for summer at the moment. It totally works for the office as I can wear so many different tops with it. 


Day two

You can always tell when my hair needs a wash when I tie it up. I like to go at least 4 - 5 days without washing it. Lazy I know, but the whole inspiration for this outfit came from the cute hair scarf that is in my hair in a patterned purple that I got from Topshop Melbourne. The cardigan is very old from Sportsgirl and is great is it has a beautiful vintage pattern on it. The pink top is from Banana Republic which I bought in Singapore on my honeymoon in a bid to wear more pastels. The jeans are my favourite, True Religion straight cut jeans in Billy style. Don't they look like work pants! See my earlier posts on the black jean, its an absolute staple. The lilac shoes, (I'm actually wearing them as I write this) are one of my faves, bought from Ebay second hand from UK boutique shoe store Office. The bag I picked up in the UK in September from Zara and I love love love it.


Day three

Look at the cheesy grin, its because I love this skirt! I bought this recently from ASOS and its a gorgeous midi skirt. The only problem was when it arrive it had lined pockets that sat right on my widest part and accentuated my hips. I had the pockets removed and now it fits perfectly. The singlet is another one from Topshop. The cardigan is from Ebay and it a lovely little second-hand Wayne Cooper number. The bag and shoes are both Witchery. I had a very big meeting this day, so this outfit was perfect for the smart business men I was meeting. I love this outfit, I went out to dinner this night too, and when this cardigan comes off this look can be a little bit sexy. 


Day four

I could be a bit more casual on this day as I had no meetings. It took me ages to find a great pair of coloured jeans. These are a cropped pair from Country Road (they also come in blue and white) I might be picking up another pair in the sales. I have one of my millions of white singlets on underneath and a slouchy knit from Country Road. These shoes are another vintage find, from an Op shop. Suede sling backs from Office again and only worn a few times. I love them. 


Day Five

OK so excuse the terrible pose. I also had just been outside hence the sunnies, but you get the drift. It was a very very hot day and I wanted to road test these new white cropped chinos from Country Road. Good old fashioned Haviana thongs, a snakeskin thin leather belt and a top so old I can't even remember where I got it from. This old singlet is at least 10 - 12 years old and from the UK. 


So what have I learnt? 

1. A splash of colour goes a long way! Don't be afraid to mix it in. And while we are at it, don't be afraid to mix old and new. A bit of vintage goes a long way. 
2. Black jeans are your friend, smart enough for work but comfortable and versatile
3. The midi skirt is a great day to night combo, and bonus - its Christmassy.
4. You can never ever own too many singlets. Make sure you have them in a variety of colours and lengths. Each one of these outfits makes use of a cheap singlet.
5. Maxi skirts are your friend on a hot day. They can be dressed up or down. Patterned skirts give you more options to mix and match other items.
6. A black blazer goes with anything and can dress up the scruffiest outfit.
7. When its hot, try to stay classy. You don't need to bear loads of skin to stay cool.
8. Chinos are my new best friend, so versatile. 
9. Don't forget the accessories. A smart bag, broach, or hair clip can transform an outfit.
10. Start investing in shoes. Sometimes my outfits stem from a shoe I want to wear that day. You don't have to spend a lot of money. 3 pairs of shoes here are all second-hand.
11. Staples staples staples. There are a reason shops like Country Road and Witchery do so well, they provide classic pieces that should be in every wardrobe for work at reasonable costs.