After years of experimenting with outfit combinations, I’ve realized how much I love mixing both smart and casual elements into an outfit. I’ll admit a lot of the time it’s more casual than smart, but there is a sort of effortlessness that exudes when pairing these two contrasting styles. So today, I’m sharing my smart casual capsule wardrobe full of easy + functional spring pieces that I genuinely love and currently reach for regularly. Don’t miss some outfit ideas near the end!
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Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe
If you’re unfamiliar with a capsule wardrobe, I touch on this in a post from last fall. To summarize, it’s a minimal collection of your tried-and-true wardrobe essentials that can easily mix and match. While this smart casual capsule wardrobe works for pretty much any lifestyle, it’s especially perfect if you’re looking for workwear ideas. Ones for where the dress code is more lenient and allows for some creativity and comfort. And you all know I’m a big fan of versatile and comfortable clothes!
Another thing to consider is that dressing this way helps you maintain your personal style while dressing for work. That is if your preference leans more towards relaxed and casual. To feel confident in your work outfit, you need to feel comfortable. And I can confidently say these pieces reflect that, so let’s get started!
My Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe Picks
Layering Pieces
- Relaxed blue button-up shirt (2) – if you’ve been here a while you’ve likely seen this shirt in many of my outfits. Wearing it opened is my favourite, paired with a top underneath. The fabric, made of 100% cotton, is soft and relaxed, so it’s not restricting at all.
- Tan classic blazer (XS Petite) – the newest piece in this capsule that I’m so excited about. It’s a petite version of a classic blazer with a structured fit. Ideally I’d pair this mostly with casual pieces to create an appropriate smart casual look.
- Trench coat (similar here and here) – the most timeless of all spring pieces. I love a lightweight trench coat for its versatility since it’s perfect for those in-between seasons. Mine is from Everlane a few years ago in a classic length, a sleek and clean silhouette (i.e. no extras like buckles), and slight drop shoulders for a relaxed look.
Tops
- Black square neck tank top (S, similar here) – an easy piece to wear with my layers. Also in a ribbed fabric and features a lovely square neck, so it works with both casual and dressier looks.
- White ribbed t-shirt (S) – another new piece in my wardrobe. I love that its cropped + fitted silhouette looks and feels more contemporary. Its ribbed fabric adds an elevated vibe, so much more than if it were a plain white tee. For an office-appropriate look, ensure your bottoms are high-waisted enough so that skin isn’t peeking out.
- Camel cashmere sweater (XS, linked to different colour; similar here) – a lightweight sweater is my go-to whenever I need both warmth and breathability, especially since this is in a quality cashmere fabric. It’s also thin enough to wear under blazers and tighter jackets. I’ve linked to a different shade through Everlane, but Quince has one that is very similar in colour and style (plus, that price can’t be beat!).
- Stripe cardigan (XS, c/o) – I love that this cardigan buttons up towards the collar. It reminds me of the lady-like cropped jackets that are trending right now but in a more casual option. It’s made of a blend of cotton and SeaCell that is comfortable and breathable.
Bottoms
- Black straight-leg pants (similar here, here, and here) – these are a great classic workwear piece that styles nicely even with more relaxed items. I’ve had these for a few years now and unfortunately, they don’t fit quite as well as they used to. Regardless, they’re still one of my favourite pairs of pants.
- Cream wide-leg pants (XS) – I haven’t worn these as much as I’d like. So I’m including them in this capsule to give them the recognition they deserve. They’re such a lovely + comfortable pair of pants that I’m sure many would strictly wear to work. But seeing the rise in tailored trousers styled with casual pieces these days makes this a very versatile pair.
- Blue light wash jeans (24) – one of my favorite styles of jeans by Everlane in its lightest wash. It’s perfect for spring especially since we normally turn to lighter tones during warmer weather. I have it in the short inseam (26.5”) and it’s the perfect ankle length.
- Black straight-leg jeans (25) – a classic pair from Levi’s that pretty much goes with everything. These in particular have more of a mid-rise, so I tend to avoid styling them with more cropped pieces.
Shoes
- White Converse sneakers (sized down ½) – these are probably my “smartest” looking sneakers. Although I would’ve loved to include my New Balance 327 sneakers, I’ll admit they’d look too recreational for a smarter look, whereas these monochrome white Converse sneakers are sleeker and could likely pass in an office setting.
- Slingback heels (TTS, linked to similar colour, c/o; similar here and here) – these are from a brand called 7or9. I’ve yet to wear these more than a few times, so I’m excited to style them with some smart casual pieces. I love a good slingback heel since my feet don’t feel as suffocated as they would in a pair that covers them entirely. This brand uses patent technology to ensure its products are comfortable – I can attest to that!
- Classic black loafers (TTS, c/o) – another timeless spring staple, in my opinion. These are not only great for workwear, but can easily be dressed down with a pair of jeans. I’ll admit I was a bit worried about taking my true size in these since I have wide feet. But since wearing them a few times they have truly molded to my feet and are oh-so comfortable.
- Nude ankle boots (similar here and here) – I love these boots since they have a tolerable heel and pretty much go with everything. Not only that, but the nude tone is perfect for spring.
Bags
- Captain Briefcase (c/o) – a beautiful, convertible, and versatile piece from Oleada. Its handles fold in, it fits a 14” laptop, and there is a sleeve at the back to easily slide onto a luggage handle. It’s truly the perfect workwear/lifestyle piece!
- Wavia Bag (c/o) – another super functional and versatile bag from Oleada, also with a sleeve at the back. I brought this with me to Europe last fall and it made me realize how much I love using a backpack (bonus that it’s high-quality and beautiful) while traveling and exploring. I plan to also take this with me to Japan for my honeymoon in a couple of weeks.
Promo code: use SHARON10 for 10% off at Oleada
Note: this capsule excludes accessories, like belts and jewelry. Since I’m still experimenting in this department, I love having the variety to play around with my collection.
Smart Casual Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas
Outfit Details:
Abercrombie Blazer (XSP), Abercrombie baby tee (S), Everlane jeans (24), 7or9 heels (colour no longer available, linked similar), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Everlane shirt (2), Aritzia knit tank top (S), Levi’s jeans (25), Converse sneakers (sized down 1/2), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Aritzia belt (old, linked similar), Oleada Captain Briefcase Caviar (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Abercrombie baby tee (S), Frank and Oak cardigan (XS, c/o), Uniqlo pants (XS), Converse sneakers (sized down 1/2), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Aritzia belt (old, linked similar), Oleada Captain Briefcase Caviar (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Everlane Trench Coat (no longer available, similar here and here), Everlane cashmere sweater (XS, linked to similar colour; similar style here), Aritzia pants (no longer available, similar here and here), L’intervalle ankle boots (no longer available, linked similar), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Frank and Oak cardigan (XS, c/o), Everlane jeans (24), Poppy Barley loafers (TTS, c/o), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Oleada Captain Briefcase Caviar (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Everlane shirt (2), Everlane jeans (24), Poppy Barley loafers (TTS, c/o), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Oleada Captain Briefcase Caviar (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
Outfit Details:
Abercrombie Blazer (XSP), Aritzia knit tank top (S), Uniqlo pants (XS), Poppy Barley loafers (TTS, c/o), Mejuri earrings, Sheena Marshall Jewelry necklace (18″, HERSIMPLESOLE10 for 10% off, c/o), Jenny Bird bracelet (c/o), Oleada Wavia Bag in Champagne (SHARON10 for 10% off, c/o)
I hope you enjoyed my smart casual capsule wardrobe for spring, along with some outfit ideas! While there are so many other outfit combinations I’m able to put together with these pieces, they’ve all already proved to be very versatile. As you can see, I took this opportunity to include pieces I haven’t worn as much as I’d like. I am loving the result, and so grateful to have all these beautiful clothing items in my wardrobe for many years to come. If you’re looking for easy workwear outfits or just some elevated weekend looks, try out some of these combinations. You won’t be disappointed!
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