What is smart casual? A no-nonsense guide for men
Naomi Bacrau
For everyone wondering what smart casual is, you can finally put an end to your quest. Ultimately, smart casual is a dress code that sits between jeans-and-trainers and a suit. Think tailored pieces, polished shoes, and definitely no branded sportswear. For men that usually means chinos, corduroy trousers, or dark jeans on the bottom, then a collared shirt or fine knit on top. For footwear, leather shoes or minimal trainers work best. If you’re in doubt, wearing separates is the way to think about it: one tailored piece plus one relaxed piece and you're good to go.
Should I wear a shirt?
They say a collared shirt, be it a polo or a buttoned up one, would do the trick. It’s how you style it with your other items that makes the biggest difference in your attire. A polo shirt with light jeans won’t be very smart casual, for example. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself so swap the jeans for a pair of chinos you’re on the right path. My advice is to be attentive to details, it might be a shirt, but your bright patterned holiday shirt should stay inside the wardrobe for now. Acceptable shirt patterns would be checkered or vertical stripes in muted colours. You could never go wrong with a white shirt, however since we are less formal here, you can opt for a different colour, for example light blue or navy. Earth toned knitwear like a roll neck or a quarter zip are strong seconds. Of course, please do check your local weather forecast.
To jeans or not to jeans?
Your trousers shouldn’t be ripped, dyed, or bedazzled, as cool as that sounds it will make you the centre of attention. And then you ask, are jeans the enemy of smart casual? Well not really. You should even out the jeans with a smart shirt or blazer. Chinos are well known for their ability to smooth a transitional look, as in our case between smart and casual. Corduroy trousers are also a well thought choice. Pair them up with a crisp shirt, you will win the best outfit of the evening.
Shop Mens Smart Casual Trousers
And what footwear is right for smart casual?
Definitely not your most worn sport trainers, but if comfortability is high on your criteria, there are plenty of dressier trainers in multiple colours, white, black, brown, and navy. You might think of oxfords, but they are a bit too stiff for this occasion, keep them for the wedding you’ve got coming up. Loafers are most versatile, as they stand in between dress codes, and paired with chinos they are an excellent alternative. Derby boots and Chelsea boots are some autumn / winter options, looking dapper if I might say. Not only do they look good, they add functionality too keeping your feed warm and dry. A little tip here, match your shoes with your belt, for extra style points.
What outerwear should I add?
Lets talk layers, you can take layers off if you’re the most formal in the room, but you can't add them later on so it’s best to get it right. Adding a blazer to a crisp t-shirt is perfect pairing. This works with a roll neck too. For jackets, a leather or wax jacket adds an air of informality to a shirt and chinos look. But don’t forget to look around the room. Outerwear is very much related to your location, you wouldn't wear a car coat in 30 degrees celsius, right?
Is it business casual or smart casual?
The business casual attire is more formal, think more than one tailored item. There’s not as many styling options when it comes to what to wear to the office, but here’s some ideas so you see the difference.
Black, white, grey and brown suit pieces, white shirts and no tie build the foundations of a business casual look. If we compare this to smart casual, we’re taking away a tailored piece and adding in a relaxed fit article. The combination of the two shows to those around you that you’re approachable and friendly but also like to be put together.
Finding the right balance between casual and smart is tricky, some don’t even want to hear about it. Whenever you can’t decide, the question to ask yourself is ‘What would a stylish grandpa or grandma wear?’.
FAQ
What is an Oxford Shirt?
A classic button down garment that’s made from durable cotton fabric known as Oxford Cloth.
What is a tailored fit?
A garment that has a sculpted silhouette and a clean cut to the body.
What is a relaxed fit?
A garment that has ease of movement, loose to the skin and is a more contemporary fit.
Is Gant smart casual?
Yes! Gant is considered to be a bridge brand between the casual and smart. You can lean into both, but it serves both teams.
Can I wear a quarter-zip for smart casual?
Yes, but it depends what it’s paired with. With jeans, it’s going to end up casual. Pair it with some chinos and a shirt underneath and you’re good to go.