smart casual attire

calleyw

I am asking this question as I have no female friends to ask.  I have a family meal to attend and been told its smart casual no jeans (don't wear them) and no t -shirts.

I don't really have any money to buy anything.  But I have 2 dresses in the wardrobe.  They are lindy bop print swing dresses they have a print going around the skirt and can be worn with or with a under skirt.  I will wear with out.  And wear wedge heels (only nice shoes I have) and with a cardy that I already own. 

Does that sound ok or over the top?

DullGreyGuy

Are you the only female attending this event? Why not ask another of your family what outfit they are wearing?

Is it at someone's home or at a restaurant? If the later have a look at photos from the restaurant to see what sort of thing people are wearing? 

Is it for a particular event? A memorial dinner is likely to be darker and more formal than a nieces 21st birthday. 

A link to something very vaguely like what you are thinking of wearing would be helpful, a google shows a vast array of styles of dresses if you search for "lindy bop print swing dresses". That said none I saw would be inappropriate for a basic family event unless its to mark a sad event. 

calleyw

Sorry should have said a meal out a pub that I have been to before, Its a nice little country pub, nothing fancy.  Its a wedding anniversary. 

I have this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186073686102 but can't find the other one on line.

DullGreyGuy

calleyw said:

Sorry should have said a meal out a pub that I have been to before, Its just a pub.  Its a wedding anniversary. 

I have this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186073686102 but can't find the other one on line.

Doesnt need to be the identical one, just something to give a general idea.

See stuff like that in both our local pubs all the time. Seems smart enough for a function but not so smart that you'll look silly in a pub. If you're really worried ask others in the family who are going what they're wearing but unless they're always in tracksuits and trainers you won't stand out 

Jude57

calleyw said:

Sorry should have said a meal out a pub that I have been to before, Its a nice little country pub, nothing fancy.  Its a wedding anniversary. 

I have this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186073686102 but can't find the other one on line.

I think that dress is lovely and I'd say that without the underskirts but with a nice cardigan and some pretty wedges as you plan it's just perfect for such an occasion. As you have at least one cardigan, if it buttons up, whether it's v-neck or crew neck, another possibility would be to wear it back to front with some smart trousers if you have them, and the wedges. It would dress the cardy up a bit and be smart/casual too. Don't forget your accessories, like jewellery or hair accessories if you wear them. And if you take a handbag, maybe use a small one rather than the giant tote you use every day that holds your entire life! That last bit might just apply to me! 

calleyw

This is the other one

calleyw

Jude57 said:

calleyw said:

Sorry should have said a meal out a pub that I have been to before, Its a nice little country pub, nothing fancy.  Its a wedding anniversary. 

I have this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186073686102 but can't find the other one on line.

I think that dress is lovely and I'd say that without the underskirts but with a nice cardigan and some pretty wedges as you plan it's just perfect for such an occasion. As you have at least one cardigan, if it buttons up, whether it's v-neck or crew neck, another possibility would be to wear it back to front with some smart trousers if you have them, and the wedges. It would dress the cardy up a bit and be smart/casual too. Don't forget your accessories, like jewellery or hair accessories if you wear them. And if you take a handbag, maybe use a small one rather than the giant tote you use every day that holds your entire life! That last bit might just apply to me! 

Thank you.  Sadly my wardrobe is very limited, leggings and t shirts and some very casual sun dresses for at home wear and these two other dresses.

Now need to sort out what to do with my hair now!!!!!

Makingabobor2

I had this same problem the other year at my dad's 90th birthday, ended up going in smart leggins and a lovely top and thought I was perfectly acceptable.   If I'd had a dress like yours, I would have worn it.  There is too much emphasis put on what people wear, just go and enjoy yourself. better to be over dressed than under dressed, 

Brie

Either of those dresses should look great.  My go to is boring navy trousers, plain top, cardy and some outrageous scarf.  And old lady shoes.   (they look horrid but are comfy)

Spendless

I think your dress is lovely and completely suitable for the event. Enjoy your meal out. 

bouicca21

I think smart casual basically means don’t wear tatty jeans.