In men’s fashion, dress codes have always been getting into sporadic changes over the past few years.
Recently, a lot of industries are now adopting a trending dress code called “smart casual”, as most of these companies are setting a more relaxed work environment for their employees. With this, dress codes are beginning to loosen up.
But aside from the corporate world, you might also have received some invitations for social gatherings that require a smart casual dress code.
So, what does a smart casual dress code really look like?
From the word itself, it might sound easy and straightforward — not too formal, yet not too casual. But the grey area between casual and formal is where most men are being left all confused.
That is why we have decided to go full force and come up with this in-depth guide on how to master the smart casual style.
Read on to learn what is smart casual dress code, what occasion requires a smart casual attire and what are the style staples in dressing up casually smart.
What is Smart Casual?
If we ask Oxford Dictionary, it defines smart casual as “neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code.” As basic as it gets, smart casual literally means pairing up clothing pieces that feels casual and comfortable while looking smart and sleek.
It is usually comprised of well-fitted, slightly relaxed attire that would still be appropriate both for business and social gatherings.
Since you are technically combining two dress styles, that means there’s a wider selection of items you can mix and match.
It surely is a process of trial and error that is why it is important to invest in basic formal and casual pieces that can stand alone for when you need to go all formal or casual for a specific occasion.
Smart casual definition also vary based on the season, location and the people you will be meeting.
Smart Casual Style Staples
Trousers:Invest in a high quality pair of jeans. Opt for straight-leg style and a dark wash for a more polished look. Great fitting jeans can easily be dressed up or toned down.
You can also get a nice pair of chinos in khaki, navy, and beige colours. This will be a great staple piece for a smart casual style.
Shirts:When picking out the perfect smart casual dress shirt, you have to prioritise fit. Always make sure its crisply ironed and neat.
For a more casual look, you can roll up the sleeves. While for a slightly more formal event, you can sport the long sleeves and accent it with an elegant looking pair of cufflinks.
Also have a bit of fun with patterned shirts, but opt for muted ones and avoid brightly coloured shirts that will make you look clown.
Jackets: The most basic option is a black or navy blazer or sports jacket. These timeless pieces are definitely worth investing for because of their versatility to be paired up easily to a lot of looks.
Accessories:
- Bow Ties and Pocket Square
If you are a style go-getter, a great way to step up your smart casual outfit is to wear a bow tie. This will be such a great accent, especially when you are wearing a casual blazer or tweed jacket. You can also add on a simple handkerchief to complete the look.
- Ties and Tie Bars
- Belts and Cufflinks:
Neckwear complements an outfit. If you’re sporting a classic, white shirt, you can throw in a knitted tie or a plain tie with a neutral colour with a metal tie bar for that added flair.
Matching belt and a pair of cufflinks are such an amazing way to add a subtle touch of elegance and sophistication to your getup.
When to Wear Smart Casual
Understanding the essence of dressing up for smart casual event takes a bit of a know-how and a classic good taste.
It is crucial to bemindful about the differences in terms of place, theme, people, weather and the overall vibe of an event you are going to attend.
So, here’s a quick guide on how to dress smart casual for different types of events:
- Celebrate with the Newly Weds If you received a wedding invitation that calls for a smart casual attire, you should definitely remove the jeans off the equation and opt for a nice pair of chinos instead.
You can play around your style and throw in a bow tie based on the wedding colour theme. But if you are more of atie wearer, you can definitely stick with the classic tie and pocket square combination.
But if you are still in doubt on what to wear, go for the more formal option. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Besides, some compliments for looking good won’t hurt, eh?
- A Day at the Office You can definitely dress smart casual for your everyday look. It’s simply an upgraded version of casual wear anyway.
Essentially, smart casual is meant to be elegant and mature, but also comfortable and fluid enough to adapt to different locations and events.
So, if you feel like your outfit is too dressy and might intimate your colleagues, try switching some formal pieces. Think of a regular polo shirt instead of a dress shirt.
You can also sport a nice pair of khakis or chinos with a well-fitted, crisp white shirt. You can throw in a casual blazer or jacket to make it a bit dressier without looking too flashy.
- A Round at the Pub A fun and exciting trend in men’s smart casual dress attire is to wear smart casual outside of the office.
Whether you are heading to a night out with your friends at a club or just a fun barbeque party at your boss’s backyard you can definitely dress in-style by being casually smart.
Just replace your dressy button up shirt with a polo shirt, and leave the collar loosened up. Pair it with some khakis or dark wash jeans.
Nailing the Smart Casual Style
We understand that familiarising yourself with the smart casual dress code can both be tricky and confusing at first.
You’re not alone! Most men are also baffled by this elusive dress style. We hope that with this comprehensive guide about the smart casual dress code, you will be more comfortable in styling yourself when an event calls for it.
Afterall, the golden rule will be just the same: fit is king, and confidence is your invisible crown.
For all your men’s accessories needs, from casual to formal wear, DQT got you covered! Shop here!
