No dress code elicits the same collective groan of frustration quite like ‘smart casual’.
It’s the sartorial equivalent of fence-sitting and offers no real guide to event dressing, serving instead as an opportunity for hosts to cop out so that they don’t seem high maintenance, and can perhaps even outshine any attendees in the mood to out-dress them (Libras, Leos and Geminis, we’re looking at you).
Sometimes the smart casual dress code is implied, rather than stated directly. This occurs when the event or get-together in question is an ad-hoc plan made with friends and extended slightly beyond the inner circle – to partners, visiting pals, siblings, cousins and more.
Vastly different to a pre-planned pub birthday or celebration, it’s those seemingly nonchalant trips to bars and local watering holes that threaten to catch out even the most experienced fashionistas in the city.
The outfit needs to be casually cool and comfortable, but complemented with a statement piece or two. Shoes can work to elevate the look, but avid cyclists will struggle to race through amber lights with heeled Mary Jane’s on their feet.
The glue that holds British culture together, pub trips are an essential part of any UK inhabitant's social calendar, but with Gen Z consistently upping the fashion game – it’s time we improve on ‘jeans and a nice top’ when heading for a drink. Who knows, you might just meet the love of your life while wearing a pair of cult-favourite cargos and cute kitten heels.
We’ve curated an edit of the best clothes, shoes and accessories for evenings at the pub, no matter what the event may be. It’s time to show smart casual who’s boss.
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Clothes
Dion Jean - Leopard Cargo
Leopard print is back and better than ever thanks to the cargo jeans of the moment by Damson Mader. Whether dressed up with a pair of kitten heels, or down with your favourite trainers, they make the perfect day-to-night outfit base.
Buy now £100.00, Damson Madder
Black Oria top
Once the jacket comes off, this seemingly innocuous ribbed vest becomes the perfect understated evening-out top thanks to the peekaboo buttons which line either side.
Buy now £60.00, Balzac Paris
House Of Sunny Take A Trip Mini Racer Jacket
The checkered flag is out, for this denim racer jacket by House of Sunny has won. We love the 90s-esque slim fit design paired with the mirrored double buttons at the collar and hem.
Buy now £142.00, END.
Kitri Layla Berry Print Skirt
It’s strawberries galore over at Kitri this spring, and we couldn’t be more delighted. This silky maxi skirt is sure to be a picnic date staple throughout the warmer months.
Buy now £135.00, Kitri
Seersucker Check Mini Layer Dress
Arguably the orchestrators of the recent re-interest in gingham dresses, Ganni’s mini seersucker dress in black and white check is a summertime staple. Layer with a turtleneck and some colourful tights in the winter for a year-round capsule wardrobe hero.
Buy now £235.00, Ganni
Lisa Says Gah Alex Tee
Summer-ready graphics meet a boat-necked baby tee thanks to LA-based Lisa Says Gah. Available in sizes XS-3XL, choose from an array of signature designs including vine cherry tomatoes, birthday cake, oysters, strawberries and more. Crafted from 100 per cent dead stock cotton, the fabric is not only wonderfully soft and eco-friendly but creates a gently loose silhouette for those who prefer tees without figure-hugging stretch.
Buy now £79.00, Lisa Says Gah
Boxy Denim Shirt
This delightful boxy denim shirt from NA-KD blends modern skater girl core with contemporary cowboy trends. Pair the raglan short-sleeve garment with your favourite long, baggy denim shorts and a pair of checkerboard Vans for the ultimate Venice Beach ensemble.
Buy now £64.95, NA-KD
Reformation Raye Mid Rise Denim Jorts
Available in ecru or classic Americana denim blue, Reformation’s Raye Mid Rise Denim Shorts are a versatile piece to add to your summer wardrobe. A longline fit is paired with a high-rise silhouette to sculpt the figure and radiate a cool-girl persona.
Buy now £148.00, Reformation
Sandro Wide Leg Cotton Shorts
If, like us, you’ve been flirting with the idea of purchasing a pair of boxer shorts this summer, we’d recommend you look to Sandro. The brand’s striped blue boxer shorts are made from crisp cotton and feature a whimsical lace trim for an added touch of femininity.
Buy now £83.40, Selfridges
Ganni Cotton Poplin Peplum Tie Blouse
The shirt that inspired a thousand dupes, Ganni can be credited for spearheading the tie-front blouse trend with its poplin shirt. The self-tie bows are paired with voluminous sleeves and peplum trim.
Buy now £165.00, Ganni
Kitri Theodora Floral-Print Reversible Jacket
Kitri’s Theodora jacket is the sartorial embodiment of springtime cheer with ease. Loud blooms adorn the soft, quilted piece, which can be reversed to reveal a honey-yellow backdrop peppered with smaller crimson rose buds and a red trim.
Buy now £195.00, Kitri
Selected Femme Rhinestone Wide Fit Jeans
Pack a punch with a pair of shimmering wide-legs. These cool, casual slacks come in a classic dark blue wash with an airy, lightweight design. Made from recycled fabric, the jeans are sustainable and sassy in equal measure.
Buy now £77.00, Selected Femme
Urban Revivo bubble hem midi dress in white
Uber flattering and realised in a modest, midi length, this crew neck piece features slightly differing textures on the bodice and the skirt for a unique yet understated look. We love how the brand has paired it with bright red pumps and a slicked-back bun.
Buy now £50.00, Urban Revivo
Aligne Jamison Denim Trench Coat
Best for: Columbia road dates
Every weekend without fail, influencers and East London It-girls flock to Columbia Road. Stand out from the crowd with a denim trench coat that you'll wear time and time again.
Buy now £249.00, Aligne
OMNES Madelyn Midi Skirt in Pink Check Print
A bright midi skirt is a summer favourite for a reason, and they don’t come cuter than this one. The pink and green check pattern is fun to pop on during warm weather days, and the ruched side adds something a little different.
Buy now £39.00, OMNES
Uniqlo Mini Short Sleeved T-Shirt
New to the Uniqlo t-shirt scene is what the experts in basics have dubbed the ‘mini’. We’re truly struggling to believe that this brilliantly shrunken tee hasn’t been plucked straight from Jennifer Aniston’s 1990s wardrobe, for it grazes the below-the-belly button area with the grace and ease of an old-school It-girl.
Buy now £14.90, Uniqlo
Hush Santorini Striped Trousers
A favourite of Scandi-style influencers, easy-breezy, pink stripe trousers are a summer essential. Pair yours with some Birkenstock Bostons and a baby tee for a true Gen-Z look.
Buy now £69.00, Hush
Shoes
Puma x FENTY Creeper Phatty Nubuck Trainers
Add a chunky twist to your shoewear collection. The Puma x FENTY Creeper Phatty Nubuck Trainers hail from Rihanna and Puma’s latest collaboration and are made up of a unique mint hue to capture attention. A thick platform will add an extra few inches to your street-style ensemble, while a rubber sole and leather construction promise ample comfort.
Buy now £120.00, Puma
Salomon XT-6 mesh and Rubber Trainers
Salomons are topping our footwear wish lists for many reasons. From the slick design to the athletic lattice panels, this is a performance-fashion hybrid that deserves your attention. The brand’s running-inspired XT-6 trainers are made from lightweight, sage-green mesh with resistant TPU film that sits atop an EVA sole. This means the foot is protected from possible injury and the mercurial British weather while you're out and about.
Buy now £165.00, JD Sports
MADE in UK 1500 Shoes
In a world where everyone is wearing the same trainers in different colours, why not opt for a more unique style? This re-release of the New Balance M1500, originally designed in 1989, combines bold visuals and hi-tech specs. We love the heavy '80s-era proportions and the stand-out red suede.
Buy now £200.00, New Balance
Dune Prickly Leather Cowboy Boots
Choose from Dune’s sleek black or eye-catching tan colourways and step into the summer season in style. Featuring a sassy Cuban heel and sharp point toes, the label’s timeless Westerns are set to reign in the compliments.
Buy now £200.00, John Lewis
Anthropologie Maya Buckle Slingback Kitten Heels
Radiate summer-ready sophistication. Anthropologie’s Maya kitten heels come in a blissful butter yellow hue which is married with Y2K detailing such as studded buckles, a point-toe silhouette and a sleek slingback design.
Buy now £110.00, Anthropologie
Charles & Keith Patent Buckled Mary Jane Flats
Did you hear? Ballet pumps are back. Call it the Balletcore craze or the revival of all things Noughties but the flats are back. The beauty of the style - as shown wonderfully here with this pair from Charles & Keith - is that they can be worn for any occasion from smart to casual. This Mary Jane silhouette has a strap detail for a Parisian chic feel and to offer additional security so they stay firmly on your feet. They come in the red hue pictured as well as classic black.
Buy now £65.00, Charles & Keith
& Other Stories Leather-Trimmed Mesh Ballet Flats
Lean into quiet luxury with these crisp, white flats to suit any occasion. While they are avoided when rain is forecasted, this high street offering from & Other Stories will effortlessly complete your clean-girl aesthetic.
Buy now £110.00, & Other Stories
Accessories
Free People Xena Studded Hip Belt
Inject some Noughties sentiment into your summer look with a Y2K studded belt. This white leather edition by Free People showcases shining metal studs and a loose fit to perch neatly your hips.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Arket A World of Craft Small Raffia Bag
Inject a dopamine-inducing pop of colour into your holiday wardrobe. Arket’s affordable woven bag boasts a zesty lime green checked print with zigzag detailing across the hems and double leather hands - all made in Madagascar from the leaves of raffia palm.
Buy now £29.00, Arket
Coach Tabby
Relatively new to the scene, but well worth consideration is the Coach Tabby. Inspired by a 1970s piece from the Coach archives, this modern foldover style features Coach’s signature gold hardware, and thanks to some clever interchangeable straps, this timeless design can be worn high on the shoulder, across the body or tucked under the arm as a clutch.
Buy now £317.00, Coach
Marni Green logo canvas tote
Marni’s green and pink oversized tote bag is definitely an attention grabbing one. Versatile enough to carry you through countless shopping trips, weekends away and anywhere else where you need a larger than usual option, it’s proof that sometimes, size really does matter. Made from durable canvas and with a handy internal detachable black leather zip-fastening pouch, it’s surprisingly easy to instantly locate your belongings inside this tote bag.
Buy now £808.01, Farfetch
JW PEI Women’s Gabbi Ruched Hobo Handbag
Treat yourself to a little arm candy, courtesy of cult favourite brand JW PEI. The brand is beloved by the likes of Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski and Gigi Hadid. The beige version of the hobo handbag is made of faux leather and faux suede. It comes in a range of colours.
Buy now £89.00, Amazon
Lizzie Fortunato Gold-Plated Organic Hoop Earrings
Available in a myriad of gorgeous colours to suit your personal style, Lizzie Fortunato’s gold-plated organic hoops consist of two gold-plated brass tips and an oceanic, green resin hoop which connects them. They’re also offered in pink, orange, blue, clear and more.
Buy now £135.00, Liberty
Good Squish Scrunchie
If you watched the final season of Sex Education and wondered where the incredible souped-up scrunchies are from, well the answer is Good Squish. The ruffled hair adornments are the most sought-after accessory of the moment with their oversized design and pretty yet punchy colourways. Need to keep your hair away from your face? Whip your thick mane up in a bin and secure it with Good Squish.
Buy now £40.00, Selfridges
Kitsch Eco-Friendly Jumbo Open Shape Claw Clip
Add greater dimension to your dos with this oversized clip from Kitsch. It is created from recycled materials and offers an effortless solution to hold thick types without snagging or causing breakages.
Buy now £10.00, Cult Beauty
