I’m often asked about appropriate attire for “casual Fridays”. It’s quite simple: keep things smart casual. This is the easiest way to tone down the formality but maintain a professional look. It ensures that you are prepared for an unexpected event. You might even like to dress smart casually on a daily basis if your dress code or lifestyle allow it.

Here’s an update to refresh your memory on this flop-proof outfit. At a high level, this is the simple formula:

Smart Casual dressing = Dressing up smart denim

Here are the components in more detail:

• Smart jeans or denim skirt: get the darkest blue wash that you can find. Trouser cut denim styles are also great (grey and black are other colors to consider). No rips or fading.
• Dressy top: select styled knitted tops or pieces of knitwear in better-end fabrications, woven girly tops, tunics or tailored collared shirts. Plain T’s are not smart enough, unless they’re in a luxurious fabric and used as a layering piece. You’ll want to look professional when you take off your jacket, so the dressier the top, the smarter you’ll look.
• Camisole: pop a camisole under a dressy top as an interesting layering piece and color vehicle. It’ll also work wonders to smooth out and narrow your silhouette.
• Jacket: layer a structured jacket over your first layer (or second layer if you’re wearing a camisole) when it starts to get chilly, or when you need to look extra smart.
• Trench coat or coat: you’ll want something warmer than a structured jacket in Winter, so pop on a trench or coat instead of a jacket as it gets colder. Add a dressy scarf and gloves as temperatures begin to plummet.
• Shoes: wearing dressy shoes is key. They can be heeled or flat, but not casual. Knee-high boots and hose are an ideal choice for denim skirts.
• Bag: adding a small or large dressy handbag completes the look and without it your style quotient will slip.

Opting for smart jeans is the obvious choice for the denim component, but adding a cropped, tailored denim jacket to a dressy skirt or dress works equally well. Tweak the formula and create a funkier look by wearing a dress over jeans, tucking skinnies into dressy boots or adding a dramatic, waist-cinching belt to a voluminous top. Once you have all the pieces, smart casual will become like a uniform that you can put together creatively every day. You’ll always look naturally pulled-together, appropriately dressed and effortlessly stylish.

Feel free to interpret smart casual dressing according to your fashion persona. These funky smart casual ensembles are from BCBG. It’s refreshing to see fancy flats incorporated into the look.

Leather jackets were big in the ‘80’s and pleather or “faux leather” jackets were big in the ‘90’s. Now a mod twist on the once classic item is becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with. Funky designer leather jackets, like streamlined biker styles, trapeze styles and baby doll silhouettes, started coming through a year ago and I was convinced that the trend would not filter down to mainstream fashion. But I was wrong and the cheeky cropped leather or pleather jacket is here to stay. They are everywhere and just as big for Spring as they were for Autumn. I like the look and there is always some form of cropped and playful leather or pleather jacket in my wardrobe. I love the contrast that is created when a short, stiff, structured boyish leather jacket is paired with a soft, flowing, girly blouse. Add a pair of jeans, slacks or a skirt and pretty shoes, and you’ve got yourself a timeless yet current little look.

Leather jackets are expensive, but you’ll find many on sale at the moment. I personally enjoy refined “rock-chic” biker looks. You can’t get that early ‘80’s streak out of me I suppose.

The hottest denim silhouette for 2008 is a slim fit jean with a wider leg opening that’s no more than 8 inches on the half circumference. This makes it wider than a skinny or straight leg, but not quite as wide as a flare leg. This so called new silhouette sounds like a good old modern-classic boot cut to me, and most of us have at least one pair of those. Don’t worry ladies, as far as I can gather, last year’s denim silhouettes continue to reign supreme. Skinnies, straight legs, boot cuts and wide legs are all fab.

Wide leg	Slim fit boot cut	Straight leg	Skinny

Choose one or have fun with more denim silhouettes this year. I take pleasure in wearing all of the styles above, but I’m enjoying my straight legs the most right now.

Yes, you can, if the sparkle is subtle and the items are dressed down appropriately. You’ll find subtle sparkle in knitwear, jackets, blouses, jeans, pants, skirts and scarves when they have a bit of lurex (gold or silver metallic thread) running through them. The overall shiny effect is delicate and restrained. Sequined, crystal beaded and lurex-rich items on the other hand, are obviously sparkly and should be kept for evening occasions. For daywear I’d definitely draw the line at any items that combine black and sparkle.

Subtle sparkle during the day is a fairly new fashion concept that is easy to put together if you follow a few guidelines:

• Restrict your ensemble to one sparkly item at a time. Metallic shoes and a handbag that work together count as one item.
• Tone down the shine with denim. Add a denim jacket to a sparkly skirt, or jeans to a shiny jacket.
• Create a contrast. If your jeans are sparkly, combine the look with a chunky knit, converse sneakers and messenger bag. Don’t pair sparkly jeans with a sparkly jacket or blouse unless you’re going out at night.

Remember, a spot of sparkle goes a long way.

A smart casual outfit with sparkly suede jacket, ultra casual jeans, spectator pumps and cobalt satchel.

I personally prefer fine knits because I find it hard to layer a chunky knit underneath a jacket or coat and still feel comfortable. I also feel more dressy and streamlined in a piece of fine knitwear that I can either dress up or down. But styles and preferences are different and I’ve dressed and seen plenty of people who look great in chunky knits.

The trick is to choose the right silhouette and pair it with the right items.

• Choosing a cropped style that shows your waistline is a good idea because you can pop a sleek, longer layer underneath that peeks out below the knit, allowing you to retain your shape.
• If you prefer longer length knits, keep them tailored and the length just above crotch point. If you go tunic length, stick to sweater coat guidelines.
• Keep your bottoms long and lean with straight cut or boot cut pants or jeans, or a knee-length straight skirt and knee-high heeled boots.

Chunky knits can be flattering in an uber casual way if you add the right amount of structure to your ensemble. Add a pair of casual boots and a slimming scarf and you’ll look fab.

A pair of casual knee- or calf-length weatherproof boots are a must if your Winters are cold and wet. They’re usually best worn over straight or skinny jeans, but under a casual dress or skirt with tights is also an option.

Causal tall boot selections are abundant this season.Take your pick of the following styles:

• Wellies are ideal for muddy playgrounds, farm settings and walks with the dogs. You might need to try on a few before you decide on a pair because rubber can be a little stiff around the ankle. I’ve found that wellies are most flattering when they are knee-length instead of calf-length, so be sure to try both looks.
• Lace-ups are rugged and sporty and a particularly good choice for those with narrow calves.
• Fleece-lined boots are cozy and toe toasting. Select a style with rubber heels and soles to keep the warmth in and the damp out.
• Faux fur styles are adorable and perfect for snowy après ski settings.
• Urban looks with rubber soles are versatile, utilitarian and the perfect Winter walking shoe.

Your look comes together quickly with a pair of great casual boots because they do all the talking. Add a flattering piece of knitwear, a casual parka or coat and a tote or sling bag and that’s it. Your outfit is functional, comfortable and stylish. Easy!

Lace-ups	Fleece-lined	Faux Fur

Faux Fur	Urban	Urban

Holiday parties at home or at informal festive restaurants are usually smart casual in setting and this calls for a more toned down yet appropriate holiday look (unless a particular dress code is specified on the invitation). You have lots of options when it comes to what to wear.

Here are some ideas:

• A-line day dresses with knee high boots are one of my favourite ensembles and any age group can wear the look. I was having lunch at Seattle’s flagship Nordstrom Grill last week and saw two elderly ladies, both clad in dresses, coats, knee high boots and rather theatrical hats. They looked fabulous and were the perfect example of looking great at every age.
• Sparkly tops always go down well and your pick from shiny girly blouses, shimmery knitted tops and sequined cardigans are all great. Match these tops up with dark wash denims, trouser jeans, a denim skirt or a pair of fab slacks. Be sure to add a smart shoe or boot (heeled or flat), carry a small handbag and leave those gigantic totes to rest for the night.
• A festive skirt with a plain top is a super and versatile option. A button down shirt, simple knitted top or piece of knitwear usually works best with any skirt. Finish the look off with a tailored cropped denim jacket, a pair of heels or boots and a cute clutch bag.

Hose or bare legs are equally appropriate and knee high boots are an excellent way of giving your look more coverage if you’re a little leg shy, or instant drama if that’s what you’re after. Enjoy the festive occasion and relax into the evening with both style and comfort.

A roomy fancy skirt and simple top, or easy A-line jersey dress with fabulous knee-high boots gets my vote as the best casual holiday party looks this year (I’m going to rest my jeans on these occasions). These Stuart Weitzman boots were shown on Oprah’s style and beauty show last week and left quite the impression.

Sweater coats are not at the top of my list because they can look sloppy, robe-like and generally unflattering. But I understand their cozy, comfy and ultra-casual appeal. If you don’t feel the cold as much as I do, then the right weight of sweater coat might make an ideal cover-up for milder outside temperatures. It’s also a nice item to wear when it’s a dash chilly indoors.

Finding a flattering sweater coat is all in the cut:

• Keep it A-line. Not all welts taper, but the ones that do are harder to wear.
• Keep it tailored on the torso and fitted at the shoulders.
• Keep the gauge of the knit fine or semi-chunky because few people look good in chunky knits.
• Don’t go too long in the length unless you’re tall (above the knee is best).
• Make sure that the belt loops are correctly positioned if the style is belted (adjust the position of the belt if necessary).
• Watch that patch pockets on the hip area don’t add unnecessary bulk.

The right sweater coat is an appropriate addition to your wardrobe if there’s a boho element to your style. I personally prefer real coats with a bit more structure, but horses for courses. It’s fab that there’s something for everyone.

Unbelted styles tend to look less like robes and are certainly my preference this season. Add a little volume to the sleeve (like the style on the left) and you’ve got yourself a funky little casual look.

Some form of weatherproof coat is essential for those of us who have wet Autumns and Winters. Styles with hoods are particularly practical when small children are in tow and our hands aren’t available to hold an umbrella in addition to everything else. The good news is that our choices are less dowdy these days and rainwear seems to get more fashionable every year. Below are my top picks for this season. The stylish Mum-on-the-go never looked better.

Price points for this item will vary, but the style from Macy’s (far left) is currently on sale and looks terrific paired with a super pair of funky waterproof boots, jeans and a great handbag. Thank you Meredith for inspiring this blog entry. You looked fab yesterday as we shopped in the rain.

We look for soft comfy knits that keep us warm and cozy as the weather cools. Say goodbye to button-down shirts and thin cotton T’s, and hello to easy, A-line knitted tunics this season. Wear them over jeans (skinny, straight or bootcut), or with a thick pair of leggings and knee-high boots. Knitted tunics also fall into the “sweater dress” category, so remember to look in the dress department if you can’t find them amongst the separates. They are best matched with trenches and coats that are knee length or longer if you’re after an additional extra layer for extra warmth.

Try on a cozy knitted tunic instead of a regular pullover if you’re looking for a stretchy knit that’s flattering and forgiving. Their tailored yet relaxed appeal ensures head to toe comfort with style… the perfect casual update for Mum on the go.

A selection of easy knitwear tunics from Nordstrom.