What Even Is Smart Casual?

Am I the only one who hates receiving an invite where the dress code is smart casual? It's such a tricky one in my opinion, you don't want to show up looking scruffy but you also risk being the most over-dressed at the event - I'm not sure which is worse - it's a dress code I find really difficult so today I thought I'd tackle it.

A leather jacket is an essential wardrobe piece and it really is all I've been wearing recently, throughout the winter months I felt as though I had completely fallen out of love with the style but I was wrong, I still bloody love 'em! It's the perfect smart/casual, smasual, piece to layer over any outfit. I've picked a gorgeous midi dress from Topshop which I've really fallen for, it's a gorgeous cut and although it looks mature I think it's just as easily dressed down. Lace-up heels have been my favourites now that summer is approaching (or at least it should be, at the moment it's more like winter in the UK than summer!) so obviously those were my shoe of choice. When it comes down to it I don't think there's ever a right or wrong way to interpret something but I thought for any of you out there who often struggle with the mixed signals received from smasual, I'd give a helping hand.

Leather jacket - (c/o) River Island
Midi dress - Topshop
Lace-up shoes - (c/o) Ego
Bag - (c/o) Marc b.
[Photos taken by Maria]