What on *earth* is "smart casual"?

LE3

Can you help solve a discussion we are having at work?
A couple of my colleagues are going to an event *tonight* that the dress code is "smart casual" - they reckon this is smart trousers & a shirt (no tie) for the men, but the women are struggling! One says it's really smart trousers (those sort of drapy type things), posh top & heels, the other says that smart cord trousers, black shoes/boots & a shirt would be fine ...
Do you think that their interpretation is correct?

bella*donna

My interpretation has always been that smart casual means no jeans or trainers but you don't have to wear a suit. You don't have to go to over the top with glitz and boots/smart shoes are fine (doesn't have to be evening shoes). Smart trousers and a shirt or top would be what I would wear. It looks like you have made an effort, without looking like you are about to attend a cocktail party!

Linda32

Yes, I'd say that sounds fine. Ladies don't have to wear evening gowns and Men don't need a tie.

I'd wear a pair of nice trousers and a smart top, or skirt with tights and high heels.

melancholly

anything that isn't a dress or a tracksuit! i think smart jeans and heels would count as smart casual (unless it was a wedding or something like that!)

i guess i don't have enough of a range of trousers to have causal, a bit smart and very smart .

adouglasmhor

"Smart Casual" is a bit of a meaningless term, but it's better to be overdressed than underdressed, I would rule out jeans, sportswear and industrial workwear.

tanith

I also think it means no Denim or T-shirts.. shoes no trainers

missPinky

My interpretation is again no jeans or trainers and for the ladies maybe leggings and a dress, trousers and a smart top not necessarily a shirt. The whole outfit must give the relaxed feel about it i think

celyn90

Sounds fine

We've got one at work this evening too - also smart casual. I'm nervous already! I have a skirt, shirt and heels to wear. cel x

goggle

whatever you like - smart casual is an oxymoron!

LE3

well the verdict was: nobody seems to understand (or amybe care?) about the dress code!
There were people there wearing:
men: suit, shirt & tie (no jacket), business shirt with no tie, casual shirt & smart trousers, chino type trousers & polo shirts, casual shirt & smart jeans & even faded jeans & a T-shirt that really sis look like it had seen better days.
women: cocktail dress with sparkly sandals, floral skirt with top & cardi (looked like she was going to a wedding tbh), plainish black dress & sparkly jewellery, trousers & simple top with a statement necklace or earrings, one of those dress/tunic things & leggings. All the women were a tad more dressed up than the men - and tbh some went totally overboard!
General verdict is men: casual shirt & smart trousers/chinos even very smart/dark jeans & women: skirt or trousers with a decent top - with the majority of the outfit in a neutral or deep colour not jade green head to toe!

SuzySu

My Ex's definition of 'smart-casual' was "clean"

Nuff said.....