smart casual attire

Pollycat

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 this dress is perfect.

Jude57

calleyw said:

This is the other one

Also a lovely dress but if it was me, I'd go with the first one. That's only because I have a big bust and wouldn't want the industrial size straps of my bra showing which could be a risk with the second dress if I took my cardy off. If you don't have my issue, either dress is a good option and I'm sure you'll look great in either one. I'd have a play with different hair options before the party, too. If long enough, you could try an updo or even half up, half down or a simple ponytail if it's just to keep your hair off your face. I often just twist my very long hair up and secure with a jaw clip like this:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1779671423/albertine-10cm-french-hair-clawhair-jaw?ls=s&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=hair+jaw+clip&ref=sr_gallery-1-10&sts=1&loc=1&local_signal_search=1&content_source=710a23e225ec645906414f3c36607aff723f9b73%3A1779671423&organic_search_click=1&logging_key=710a23e225ec645906414f3c36607aff723f9b73:1779671423

I also sometimes do it in a simple plait, either at the back or bringing it all to one side and then plaiting it, covering the hair elastic with either a nice scrunchie or pretty scarf. I've also plaited a fine scarf into my hair and got several compliments on that. If your hair is shorter, there are some lovely floral or sparkly hair clips that would look lovely and aren't expensive but just look a bit more dressy than a plain clip.

Ultimately, though, do remember that you've been invited because the people want your company on their special occasion and as long as you feel comfortable in whatever dress you choose, I'm sure you'll have a lovely time.

elsien

bouicca21 said:

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

Yes, basically this. I have spent a lot of time overthinking clothing options because my I go to is jeans and T-shirts.
Then when I get there I realise most people probably don’t even care and I’ve been worrying about nothing.

kimwp

Both dresses are lovely, I think the first looks a bit smarter because it's more structured. With wedges and a cardigan sounds spot for smart casual. 

calleyw

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments.  I don't posses any jeans and I spend my days in leggings and T shirts.  I don't have a fancy top to wear.  And I am trying not to spend any money if I can help it.  I was informed no ripped jeans.  But thats funny as I have never worn them ever. 

I will wear the first dress with wedge heels and a pink cardy as I don't like to show off my arms as I am very pale.  Probably shock them all as they have never seen me dressed like this before

Skiddaw1

calleyw said:

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments.  I don't posses any jeans and I spend my days in leggings and T shirts.  I don't have a fancy top to wear.  And I am trying not to spend any money if I can help it.  I was informed no ripped jeans.  But thats funny as I have never worn them ever. 

I will wear the first dress with wedge heels and a pink cardy as I don't like to show off my arms as I am very pale.  Probably shock them all as they have never seen me dressed like this before

I'm sure you'll look lovely. Dress is fab! Hope you have a nice time and a splendid meal.

Spendless

calleyw said:

Thanks to everyone for their kind comments.  I don't posses any jeans and I spend my days in leggings and T shirts.  I don't have a fancy top to wear.  And I am trying not to spend any money if I can help it.  I was informed no ripped jeans.  But thats funny as I have never worn them ever. 

I will wear the first dress with wedge heels and a pink cardy as I don't like to show off my arms as I am very pale.  Probably shock them all as they have never seen me dressed like this before

Ahhh you know what this might be the venue's dress code.  Theres a Chinese in my town that has a dress code that says no ripped jeans and they are obsessed with it. We booked to go there for our wedding anniversary, they told us about it verbally on booking, in a text message, in an email and there was a notice on the door. At the time I didn't even possess any ripped jeans! I did think they were going a bit OTT considering its a Chinese restaurant and not the Dorchester! We havent been back since cos the meal was distinctly average. 

twopenny

The first dress is just lovely

I really like the neckline and shape of the dress. It has a subtle look of celebration too while being understated enough to look fine in a pub.

Looks like it will do the job.

Remember, most people will be more concerned with preening or worrying about themselves and what they are wearing and besides, it's sounds like it's going to be crowded so it will only be the top half that they'll see.

Have a good time

DullGreyGuy

bouicca21 said:

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

I'd argue it rules out most athletic wear too

Ultimately you have to look at the whole outfit, high/low outfits can work as a whole even if individual elements wouldnt classically be thought as smart casual on their own but are pulled up by the other smarter garments. 

Jude57

twopenny said:

The first dress is just lovely

I really like the neckline and shape of the dress. It has a subtle look of celebration too while being understated enough to look fine in a pub.

Looks like it will do the job.

Remember, most people will be more concerned with preening or worrying about themselves and what they are wearing and besides, it's sounds like it's going to be crowded so it will only be the top half that they'll see.

Have a good time

When I asked if I looked OK my beloved Grandma used to say 'you're fine, nobody's going to be looking at you' which sounds really harsh to hear as a self-conscious teenager but as I got older I realised it was actually as you say, people are too bothered about whether they look OK to be worried about others. Unless you turn up at a funeral in an inflatable unicorn costume as a friend did. Those of us who knew the deceased knew it had been a promise between them and the family were consulted to get their permission - they insisted it was what their loved one would have wanted, and it really was!