Big call I know, but I’m sticking to my guns on this one.
You KNOW that I’m a huge fan of versatility in clothing and these 4 items are going to give that to you.
One of the questions I get asked the most whether from a 1-on-1 client, or friend, or the gorgeous people coming in to see my at The Stylist’s Wardrobe at Shore City, is “How do I do SMART-CASUAL?”
Well, my pretties, this is one of THE easiest ways to nail smart-casual. Just take these four pieces of clothing, and pretty much wear them in any combination, with pretty much anything else on underneath, and you’ve nailed it!
What you’ll need…….
A denim jacket (get one here from Just Jeans $89.95)
A leather jacket (get one here from Decjuba $449.95)
A pair of casual shoes, trainers in this case (get them from Overland here $79.95)
A pair of black ankle boots (get them from Overland here $249.95)
Let me explain.
So, you are going to use combinations of these four items to DRESS THINGS UP, and DRESS THINGS DOWN.
Take this dress for example (a little Witchery number you can grab HERE), most people would see this as a work-only dress. Or something just for special occasions, but by mixing and matching these fab four, you get a lot more uses out of the dress
The key is to USE the “fab four” to turn outfits into something you wouldn’t expect them to be.
Let’s play again……
Here little ole me wearing the same jeans and tee combo, but going from most dressed up to most casual….. wearing leather jacket and boots, then leather jacket and trainers, then leather jacket and denim jacket.
These combos could pretty much take me anywhere in my life from a product launch, to a business meeting (I have the luxury of being able to look ‘more creative than most, given) to hanging out with my mates at a bar, or taking my nephew to the park on the weekend.
One more time for luck?
This time I’ve taken a LBD (make sure you check out some of my faves HERE) and dressed it up on the left with all of the leathers (jacket, bag and boots) then turned it into weekend casual with all of the canvas and cotton on the right.
It really IS that simple!
All you need is some variation of the Fab Four (denim jacket, leather jacket, trainers and ankle boots) and with a bit of imagination, you’ve doubled your wardrobe!
Remember, the key is to use the dressy items in the Fab Four (leather jacket + ankle boots) to DRESS UP things that feel more casual and the more casual items in the Fab Four (denim jacket + trainers) to DRESS DOWNÂ more fancy things.
Got it? Good!
Do you already have the Fab Four items in your wardrobe? Are you looking at them in a new light now? Tell me what you think in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!
Until Next Time, In Love & Style Always,
Thanks for the Fab Four tips! You’ve given me some ideas as to what to wear to work tomorrow 🙂
yay! My pleasure Ruth 🙂
Awesome advice and a fab four. Accessories and the peripheries of an outfit (shoes and jackets) can give such different contexts to the same pieces
Love it, thanks for sharing and for the outfit inspiration
thanks Rachel!
Love this post and adore these boots! I am also a huge converse fan haha. Kate, Wondrous xx
I was just about to get rid of my jean jacket, but now you’ve inspired me to give it new life! Never thought to pair it with my dresses, but yes you are right, it changes their dressy dresses into a casual lunch dress. Thanks for the inspiration!
Love this, I’ve just completed my fab four with a leather jacket from ezi buy, didnt realise i could do so much with what I’ve already got! !
Nice work Lisa! it’s all about versatility 😉
Wow seems simple really but I never seen it the way you have Cait. You have made me see my wardrobe in a way different light, which means I now have even more to wear thanks 🙂
Yay Jolene! Glad I can help expand your wardrobe without having to open your wallet 😉
Oh I love this! Being a stay at home mum I really struggle with smart casual – my smart casual round the house look generally consists of track/yoga pants and a t-shirt! I’ve just bought myself a pair of ankle boots and have the trainers already, and have my eye on a leather-look jacket (can’t quite afford the real thing) so I’m on my way to having the fab four! Thanks for this post, I’m loving your advice 🙂
go you!!! Smart casual is tricky, and a great faux-leather jacket is always a good way to work up to a real leather! (Just Jeans do a mean one!)