how to navigate smart casual no.3
the how to guides
highlighting your face
When thinking about your smart casual image, take a moment to think about what you notice in other people. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of people will talk to your face when you’re with them. From a distance you will also find that people look at your image as a whole and really don’t analyse the individual components. When you look at someone, what do you really notice? I have found that it is the overall impression of their demeanour, their face and grooming, their footwear then a very general view of their clothes.
If you are looking happy and healthy, with clean and nicely styled hair and good shoes, that is the image that people will take away. While you may think that every aspect of your appearance will be minutely dissected, unfortunately the majority of your fellow women (and men) just aren’t that observant. Sometimes people will be more motivated to have a closer look, but mostly they go by their first impression, and this will not be very detailed.
Photo credit. Clem Onojeghuo Unsplash
Spending time on your skincare and your grooming will add to your general appearance more than buying a new shirt. So, when you are thinking about smart casual, your appearance above your shoulders will feature very heavily in getting the balance right. Don’t underestimate the power of a good hairstyle and some subtle, flattering, make up.
You can also try using jewellery or scarves can add colour, texture, and interest around your face. By taking some time and experimenting with what works for you, will mean that you can change the feel of an outfit with very little effort. A silky scarf and metallic chain can elevate a classic jumper and instantly make it less casual and more elegant. Having some fun jewellery and wearing a coloured wrap over a white shirt will soften what might otherwise be a more business-like item in your wardrobe.
footwear and its transformative effect
Photo credit. Cinematic Imagery Unspslash
Nothing instantly elevates, or downgrades your image like your shoes. If you think about it, wearing jeans with some old trainers looks very casual and downbeat. Wearing the same jeans with a pair of heeled boots, colourful shoes or strappy sandals changes the look completely.
Beautiful footwear is a game-changer. You can now find just about any style you like, in a vast array of colours, so that you can accessorise your outfits in whatever creative way fits your lifestyle. Do you dare to be different, or are you drawn to elegant simplicity? There is no right or wrong style, so why not experiment and try some new ideas. You will be surprised the difference it will make to your look.
As a simple and useful tool, you can decide whether your choice of footwear is used to elevate or subdue your overall look. Consider the trend for wearing heavy white trainers with everything. This highlights how the addition of some unexpected footwear can change the feel of what might be considered a very formal, floral dress into something that is very wearable in a day-to-day setting.
The one overriding, but negative, impression that footwear will have is if you can’t walk in your chosen pair. Seeing women walking badly negates any amount of money spent on their shoes, and by extension their whole outfit. The image of plodding or tottering is the takeaway that people are left with. Rather than adding to your confidence and style, you might just end up looking and feeling uncomfortable.
milly’s top tips:
Create a couple of outfits that really make you feel good, whether that is by design, colour, pattern or fit. You can then replicate the basic ideas again and again
Document your choices and experiment with different accessories, jewellery, or footwear, so that you have easy go-to sets of clothes when called upon
People will notice your head and will talk to your face, so get your grooming right and change your jewellery to change the look of your clothes
Always keep in mind that if you feel and look confident, engaging, and happy, that will be what everyone remembers, not the make of trousers you were wearing!
All rights reserved. Milly Churchill asserts the right to be identified as the author of this work.