Confidence can overrule dress codes any day

The term 'smart casual' is thrown around all too often with a distinct air of nonchalance – don’t be fooled, for there is a somewhat arched tone to the term that tends to suggest otherwise, Katie Trotter writes

“Event dressing” can throw the most shrewd among us off-kilter. Even for those few who attend enough events to dress in their sleep will find themselves aimlessly walking through a series of contradictions.

But what does it actually mean? You see, the term “smart casual” is thrown around all too often with a distinct air of nonchalance – it sounds ever so breezy, doesn’t it? Don’t be fooled, for there is a somewhat arched tone to the term that tends to suggest otherwise.

Surely if there was anything casual about the considered concept, there would be no need to send an email (or worse still, a “friendly” phone call) from an event organiser reminding us to pick up our game a little. A more honest approach? “I feel like I owe it to you to let you know that everyone else attending my event is going to be looking smoking hot, so try to keep up, OK?”

Dress codes, for most of us, often seem to be nothing more than a series of elephantine-sized traps. “Buy this, get rid of that, wear this, but heavens, not with that – although at least you won’t look like her.” Tiresome if nothing else.

What most of us really want to do in these situations is to fit in, to not make a scene. You see, as much as I preach about bravery and the importance of self-expression, I am fully aware that most of us don’t really want to set trends or make a sweeping statement. Let’s not forget: nobody really likes to be told what to worry about. We do that beautifully ourselves.

Firstly, if one wants to enjoy dressing for the occasion then feeling comfortable, or more to the point like yourself, is much more important than following any conceited rules that may be thrown your way. Assuming you have the basics covered – a good pair of quality shoes and bag – it is safe to splash out on one or two big-ticket items a season and wear the life out of them.

Forget about branding. If you don’t have the paycheque to go all-out on a designer wardrobe, one gaudy (obviously there for a purpose) piece is only going to suggest you have something to prove, or worse still, a complete a lack of self-awareness. Sticking a last-minute panicked neon sign in the window isn’t the right way to go. Instead, think subtlety with a twist – think non-threatening, yet well-considered taste.

The French do it well – clean lines, in black, navy, cream, white and occasionally a splash of orangey red – added touches coming from accessories such as scarves, stockings and jewellery. Your success lies in the presentation.

Don’t push things; you will only end up appearing slightly self-indulgent. Go for fabrics such as silk and linen. Not only are they comfortable and cooler for the climate here, but they also drape beautifully and flatter the silhouette.

Even if you have great legs, a few inches above the knee is plenty. As I said, you need to at least look like you have nothing to prove. Trousers are often replaced by a preconceived safer option (the dress), but cigarette pants or cut-offs will often set you apart as long as they are structured. Most importantly, keep things neat – hair, nails and make-up should be simple but absolutely done. Shoes are often the ultimate trip-up. Remember a shoe that does anything to inhibit a confident stride is a no. You absolutely need to walk like you mean it.

It is an obvious truism that knowledge is power. But self-confidence is gold. So refine your delivery. A calm, considered delivery is always better than trying to scramble together to be something you are not.