SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE FOR MEN: ATTIRE AND STYLE GUIDE 2023
Smart casual can be a confusing term, with the Oxford Dictionary defining it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style." However, in today's fashion world, smart casual has become a common dress code. The problem is, searching for a smart casual style guide can lead to conflicting advice, with some suggesting shorts, while others advocate for Ascot ties. The meaning of smart casual is likely different today than it was in the 19th century.
Josh Sims, author of Men of Style, says "Smart casual is destined to be one of those terms that history will not be kind to. But the recent explosion of non-designer-y brands offering wearable clothing is making the guessing of what the term means moot."
WHAT IS SMART CASUAL?
So, what is smart casual? According to Mr. Porter's Style Advice, smart casual encompasses "pretty much anything smarter than a tracksuit, but less formal than a suit." A good example is a blazer, white shirt, neat jeans, and brown loafers. Debrett's Guide for the Modern Gentleman adds to the confusion by drawing a distinction between formal and informal smart casual attire.
Formal smart casual attire includes a jacket or blazer, flannels, needlecord trousers, chinos (not jeans), a shirt with a collar, and smart shoes. Informal smart casual attire, on the other hand, is more vague and only allows for "smart, clean, dark-coloured jeans," polo shirts over collarless T-shirts, and changing from what you wear at home.
CASUAL VS. SMART
The difference between casual and smart casual dress code is that smart casual takes things up a notch. Casual dress can be simple, such as jeans and a t-shirt, while smart casual might mean choosing a collared polo shirt instead of a tee or darker wash denim. Smart casual has a more polished look and an air of professionalism, while casual attire can appear slouchy. To find the perfect smart casual outfit, start with pieces in your daily wardrobe, then add some upscale garments or a touch of flair.
HISTORY OF SMART CASUAL
The history of smart casual is unclear, with The Phrase Finder claiming the term originated in the 1980s but was in common use throughout the last century. The first recorded usage of the term dates back to 1924 in an Iowa newspaper, but it was in reference to sleeveless dresses, which are not recommended today. Smart casual is thought to be related to business casual and is often used interchangeably, even though they are different (business casual is for work, and smart casual is not).
SMART CASUAL STYLE TIPS
Here are some tips to help you dress in smart casual attire:
CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE
Sir Hardy Amies in "A-Z of Style" writes that "smartness is more a matter of the appearance of your clothes rather than their style." He mentions that shoes polished, trousers pressed, and tie properly tied are key for a smart appearance. In the context of smart casual, it's more about the appearance being polished, pressed, and proper, rather than the specific clothes. A well-kept T-shirt, indigo jeans, and fresh trainers can look smarter than a wrinkled shirt, stained trousers, and scuffed shoes. Although a T-shirt, tapered jeans, and trainers may not always be appropriate, smart casual is more about attitude and effort than a set formula.
PLAY A ONE-TWO
Defining smart casual can be difficult, so a practical approach is to start with a casual outfit and then change one or two pieces to make it smarter. For instance, take a bomber jacket, T-shirt, jeans, and trainers, which are all casual. Switching in a blazer, shirt, trousers, or chinos, and shoes, moves the outfit towards smart casual. Adding two of these pieces should make it perfectly smart casual.
THROW SOME SHADE
Darker colors are more formal, so changing the shade can also adjust the casualness of the outfit. For example, replacing an olive green bomber jacket with a navy one and stonewashed jeans with indigo creates a dressier look. Substituting a white T-shirt with mid-grey or charcoal and white trainers with navy or black adds even more formality.
TAKE THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH
Texture also affects the formality of a piece. Smooth, shiny materials are often associated with formalwear, while matte, rough textures make a piece appear more casual. This applies to shirts, knits, trousers, and even shoes.
BLAZER TRAIL
A blazer can quickly make a casual outfit smart casual. However, not all blazers are equal - gold buttons and rigid styles can seem too formal. A textured blazer or one with shorter cut, slimmer lapels, and patch pockets gives a more relaxed feel. Unstructured blazers with no padded shoulders and canvassed chest are also more casual and comfortable.
BUTTON UP
A plain, good quality, well-fitting T-shirt can be smart casual, but upgrading to a polo shirt instantly adds smartness. The buttons and collar put it closer to a shirt, while still being sporty. The button-down shirt is less stiff than one with a rigid collar and cuffs and can be a good option for smart casual attire.
THE FIVE MUST HAVE SMART CASUAL PEICES EVERY MANS SHOULD HAVE
These five pieces in his wardrobe for smart casual events.
UNCONSTRUCTED BLAZERA blazer is a versatile piece that can elevate your look instantly. It's the fastest way to achieve a smart casual style, and it's also a staple for business casual outfits. When choosing a blazer for smart casual events, opt for a blazer made from a textured fabric that's shorter and less rigidly constructed than a typical suit jacket. This will make it easier to wear and ensure it looks more casual.
BLAZER BOMER
While a blazer is a must-have for both business and formal smart casual, there may be times when it's too formal. That's where the blazer bomber comes in. This style is inspired by uniform-wearing armed forces and has a certain level of formality, but to make it appropriate for smart casual events, opt for a slimmer bomber jacket in dark colors (such as navy or black) made from a luxurious and less lustrous fabric (preferably wool or cotton) than the standard shiny nylon. This will be your go-to for informal smart casual events.
CHAMBRAY SHIRT
Oxford button-down shirts are suitable for both business casual and smart casual events, but for variety, consider adding a chambray shirt to your wardrobe. Although it's not the same as denim (which is woven in a twill rather than alternating warp and weft), chambray looks similar and comes in a variety of weights and finishes. It can either add a touch of casualness to a smart outfit or add some sophistication to a casual one, without going too far.
DARK JEANS
Chinos or khakis are a staple of business casual, but for smart casual events, consider a pair of plain, dark selvedge jeans with minimal detail. These jeans will give you a smart and sophisticated look, and you can choose between indigo or black.
DERBIES
Instead of reaching for your trainers, consider adding a pair of shoes to your smart casual wardrobe that don't make you look like you're headed to a bad club. Brogues are a classic choice for smart casual, but if you're looking for something with more edge, consider Derbies. They're slightly more fashionable than wingtips and have a hint of parade ground or punk kick-assery with their chunky soles. Popular brands like A.P.C. and Ami have started producing Derbies, making them a great addition to your smart casual wardrobe.
SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE: DO'S AND DON'TS
- DO: Cover Your Bases Wearing shoes that aren't trainers and pants that aren't jeans can avoid most smart casual mistakes. A blazer makes you nearly flawless.
- DON'T: Uncover Your Arms Short sleeves on a shirt, polo, or T-shirt are casual, avoid showing your arms.
- DO: Lose the Tie Ties are rarely required for smart casual events. Opt for a grandad shirt, polo, or roll neck.
- DON'T: Forget the Tie Carry a tie if you're unsure and it's a formal smart casual event or a job interview.
- DO: Get Your Coat An overcoat can replace a blazer at informal smart casual events.
- DON'T: Stitch Yourself Up Wearing a removable overcoat over a blazer is better than wearing a knit for formal smart casual events.
- DO: Pattern Up Properly Patterns make pieces such as blazers and shirts look more casual, except for corporate pinstripes.
- DON'T: Try and Be a Legend Avoid patterns, logos, slogans, or jokes on T-shirts.
- DO: Keep it Tight Ensure casual pieces fit correctly to convey smartness, not sloppy.
- DON'T: Cut Off the Supply Clothes that are too tight make you look like you're going to a tacky nightclub.
- DO: Get a Sweat On A plain sweatshirt can substitute for a knit under a casual tailored jacket.
- DON'T: Jog On Trousers or chinos with sporty drawstrings or cuffs are fine, but sweatpants are barely acceptable.
- DO: Roll With It Roll up sleeves and chino hems to expose a touch of mankle.
- DON'T: Let it All Hang Out Tuck in your shirt when it's protruding from under a blazer.
- DO: Give it a Little Extra Swap a leather dress watch for a sports one and a leather belt for a woven one in a different color.
- DON'T: Sock it to 'Em Avoid expressing your personality with colored or patterned hosiery.
FAQs
- Can You Wear Jeans in Smart Casual? Jeans are acceptable in smart casual dress codes but opt for a darker wash without rips or distressing. Try chinos if you're worried about being underdressed.
- What is Smart Casual at Work? In a business context, smart casual can mean dark jeans or chinos, a collared shirt, an unstructured blazer, and Derbies or smart sneakers. Add a colored belt for a touch of style.
- Can I Wear Sneakers for Smart Casual? Derbies or other casual dress shoes are better for smart casual than sneakers. Invest in a pair of reserved smart sneakers to add life to your outfit.
