YOUR SMART CASUAL CHECKLIST FOR SUMMER

When your summer blends working and socialising, pieces that achieve the perfect balance of smart and casual are the solution. Here's what's on our checklist...

SHOP SMART CASUAL

Outfit on the left features a women’s blazer in navy worn with a white t-shirt, a leather belt, blue slim fit jeans, a white leather tote bag and blue women’s trainers. Outfit on the right features a pale blue blouse with blue chinos for women and tan sandals, by Hobbs.

When your summer blends working and socialising, pieces that achieve the perfect balance of smart and casual are the solution. Here's what's on our checklist...

SHOP SMART CASUAL

Women’s blazer in black paired with a white top, white wide leg trousers and a red bag from Hobbs.

1. THE THROW-ON JACKET

To master smart casual outfits, a tailored jacket is a must. Formal by design, it instantly lends polish to workwear and more relaxed styles too, whether it's a floaty summer dress or simple cotton t-shirt.

SHOP JACKETS

2. THE VERSATILE TOP

If there's one piece that perfectly treads the line between elegant and effortless, it's the blouse. Depending on the occasion, dress it up with smart trousers or pare it back with jeans – the results are equally stylish.

SHOP TOPS

Blue sleeveless top with a white leather tote bag and white white leg trousers by Hobbs.

White tshirt with blue jeans and navy trainers for women by Hobbs.

3. THE PERFECT-FITTING JEAN

Often associated with relaxed outfits, the right jeans can also look refined. The trick is to choose a contouring pair that creates a sleek silhouette, while a dark wash always looks smarter. Then, simply add a sophisticated top and heels to elevate them beyond the everyday.

SHOP JEANS

4. THE DAY OR NIGHT DRESS

Difficult to define but so useful, you need dresses you can style for any scenario. Textile and cut are key here. A dress made from a fluid fabric and in a fit and flare shape will offer the most styling potential. Just add statement earrings, heeled sandals or clutch bag to lift it enough to look nonchalantly chic, day or night.

SHOP DRESSES

Fit and flare dress with a spot pattern in blue and white featuring a frill hem and a tie waist paired with black espadrille wedge sandals by Hobbs.

Heeled sandals by Hobbs in an array of bright and bold colours such as blue, yellow, pink, green and orange. Pair these colourful sandals with an elegant occasion dress or a smart trouser suit with a blazer for a contemporary look.

5. THE SOPHISTICATED SANDAL

Not too dressy, not too ordinary – that's the perfect sandal for inbetween occasions. The deciding factors are heel height and fastening – opt for 1-2 inches to be comfortable and a secure strap to ensure they won't slip off. While bold colours and interesting details will ensure they're noteworthy.

SHOP SANDALS