You have been brought up with good manners. As a result, you wish to honour the request of your host, and comply with the dress code when the occasion calls for it. This is just basic etiquette. The only problem is it says smart casual, and you have no earthly idea what that means. Can you wear jeans? Can you wear a long dress?

There are so many interpretations of the dress code 'smart casual'; it's no wonder that people are really confused about what they should wear.

Of all the dress code areas, this is the most confusing, and so the most often misinterpreted. Here in South Africa we complicate this further by being a dress-down nation to start with, so this further blurs the lines when deciding what does and doesn't constitute the smarter side of casual, or is that the more casual side of smart?

Fear not, I will help you understand this dress code, and provide you with clear guidelines as to what is and isn't acceptable to wear to your event.

Basic rules for smart casual

Smart casual is a pulled together, complete look, with well thought through details and polish. It's not sloppy or untidy, and it's used in order to maintain a smart appearance without chaps having to wear a suit.

Smart casual has actually been around in the US since around 1945. This post-war dress code was really a response to getting out of uniform and stiff over-starched outfits, for the celebrations during this time.

In South Africa, smart casual is much more prevalent for social activity than almost anywhere else in the world. With very few formal events, or restaurants or clubs that require a formal dress, we actually spend a considerable amount of our social life in smart casual without a clear idea of what it means.

On a very basic level, smart casual requires men and women to be neat, clean and dressed in smart clothes. There are no shorts or flip flops allowed and jeans and t-shirts many only be worn if they are crisp, clean and worn with a jacket.

You may not remove your jacket if you are wearing a t-shirt or jeans and if you are wearing a jacket with jeans you really should tuck in your shirt.

Smart casual for gents

As the dress code smart casual was designed primarily to free up men, I will start with the specific rules of this dress code for gents:

• A jacket is always a good idea for any occasion that specifies smart casual. Please do not under any circumstances wear a denim jacket. Your jacket can be removed on a warm day or when you are inside, as long as you are wearing a tucked in dress shirt.
• A collared dress shirt is your safest option for your top. Make sure it is long sleeved as you can always roll up your sleeves once the dancing starts.
• If you must, a golf shirt is fine, but bear in mind that it's a very dated trend and looks like you have just escaped from the corporate golf day, so where possible opt for a good-quality dress shirt instead.
• Avoid slogans or logos on your top, no matter how expensive they are.
• A cardigan or jumper is fine for cooler occasions, but make sure it is co-ordinated with the rest of your outfit and is in excellent condition. I would always advise a skinny tie when you wear a cardigan.
• T-shirts should be avoided.
• A tie can be worn but it is not necessary and should be avoided with a dress shirt and jacket, as this lands up looking too formal.
• Wear dark socks — you can't go wrong with black.
• Black or brown footwear of almost any kind should be worn, but they must be closed shoes so no flip flops. Shoes should be cleaned immediately prior to your departure for the event.
• For the bottom, plain trousers should be worn to remain safe. I would suggest that they do not need to match jacket exactly, but should be co-ordinated with the jacket and shirt.
• I am not a fan of the khaki-trouser look for smart casual events as I also think that this has really had its day. Rather a pair or flat-fronted dark trousers, or black skinny pants for the younger set are ideal and much more contemporary.
• If you decide to wear jeans, remember that only very smart, dark, very clean jeans are allowed — but if in any doubt at all about your hosts intentions, avoid them.
• Chaps should be comfortable and inoffensive, while retaining a slick style and being appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Basic rules for ladies

The same rules apply for the ladies as the gents. Look clean, smart and avoid the logo t-shirts and scruffy jeans. However, there are some specific guidelines to help ladies.

• While chaps have to keep their look pared down, ladies can add as much jewellery or accessories as you require — finishing off your look and adding the necessary polish to ensure you look and feel fabulous.
• Ladies can wear open shoes, obviously, but still no flip flops — not even those with the higher or wedge heel. Wear a strappy sandal for an event or even a peep-toe for a more contemporary look. If you want to go with flats, ballet pumps or beaded slip on shoes are the best options.
• You really can't go wrong with a mid-length dress. Colour in your dress is great for a smarter look in the summer and always take a scarf as a cover-up so that you can drape it over your bare shoulders if the event is more formal than you expected.
• If in any doubt for an event, revert to your LBD, making sure it is clean and ironed and ready to go at all times. Dress it up with jewellery or down with a flower brooch or a pile of beads.
• An oversized clutch bag is always appropriate for an event, although you may want to go with a smaller shoulder bag in leather if it's a day event. Do not use your large tote bag for smart casual as this is more appropriate for work or the mall.

Now don't get confused!

Do not confuse this with 'business casual' or 'informal' dress codes. With all these dress codes, it is sometimes easy to get confused. Smart casual falls between these two dress codes, being more formal than business casual and less formal than Informal. Let me explain.

Business casual is about being professional yet comfortable in the workplace, so what is appropriate for work is not necessarily best for a smart casual wedding or restaurant meal. For example, 'business casual' includes items with the company logo on it, which is not appropriate in a social setting. Chaps can also wear clean sports shoes. A tie is not required. For women, a strapless or spaghetti strap dress or top is acceptable at a smart casual event but not for business casual. So exercise your best judgement, and when in doubt, cover up. As a guide, business casual is one layer less formal than smart casual.

If your invitation says 'informal' this is actually not an opportunity to wear your slops and jeans. This is actually one step more formal than smart casual. It requires cocktail dresses and jewellery from the ladies and business suits from the gentlemen.

When in doubt always overdress. While you don't want to outshine your hosts, you can always remove your tie or take off your diamond necklace, but you can't summon up a dress shirt if you turn up in a t-shirt and find that everyone else is much smarter than you, so play it safe and you will be a great guest.

For more information on Robyn and her personal styling services, go to: www.robyncooke-styleguide.co.za