If you’ve been invited to an event that requires you to dress in smart casual clothing for men but you ain’t sure what that means, we have got you covered. We will answer all your “whats” and “hows” about men’s smart casual outfits.
A smart casual outfit for men gives you a show stopper look when worn effectively. However, they do demand some sophistication when compared with casual wear. As a result, you should think carefully about how to put together your smart casual outfit.
If worn correctly, your choice of smart casual for men can become your bold style statement. In case you want your clothes to help you communicate who you are and what you want to achieve. But you should not reserve a smart casual outfit for special occasions only. To make your style transcendent beyond formal occasions, here’s the cheat code demonstrated in this blog. But before we jump to how’s, let’s look at the whats.
What is smart casual, and why should you care?
“What is smart casual for men?” It’s a doubt that a lot of men have. Men are either dressed formally or casually. Smart casual dressing lies somewhere in the middle of a broad spectrum of casual dressing and formal dressing. A smart casual outfit is a dress code that is more formal than casual but not as formal as business casual. It usually consists of collared shirts, khakis, dress shoes, and other items that are more formal than a t-shirt and jeans but not as formal as a suit.
Smart casual is a confusing style if you don’t know its definition and meaning. As a result, it can be difficult for men to know how to dress casually.
In general, smart casual consists of neat chinos or dark-colored jeans, a shirt, a blazer, and a pair of leather shoes. Your attire should be well-fitting. But it should not be as formal as a business formal look.
The best way of donning a smart casual outfit for men
Let’s get one thing straight: dressing smart casually does not have to be expensive. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on designer pieces and luxury items if you don’t want to.
Putting together a smart casual outfit is a great way to look and feel confident. A smart casual work outfit can make you look professional and easy-going at the same time. On the other hand, smart casual party attire will make you look different and bring you into the spotlight.
Deciphering the code for smart casual for men is easy! If you ask us, it’s an easy 5-step code for unscrambling the puzzle of dressing in a smart casual outfit.
- Begin with a pair of neutral-colored slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers.
- Then, for a semi-formal look, pair it with a crisp button-down shirt, polo shirt, or casual blazer.
- Add a coordinating pair of dress shoes, loafers, or boat shoes.
- Add a blazer or cardigan as a finishing touch.
- You can complete your smart casual outfit with the right accessories, such as a watch, belt, or hat.
We hope we solved your doubt of “what clothing items can I wear as part of a “smart casual” outfit?”.
The dos and don’ts of pulling off the smart casual look
You should include men’s smart casual outfits in your staple wardrobe. When you dress smartly and casually, it shows that you care about your appearance. Also, it’s the easiest style to carry when you are out for a business brunch or a casual date night. We’ve compiled a list of some “smart casual” dos and don’ts for men:
Do’s
1. Think Creatively
Don’t be afraid to be creative and make full use of your fashion sense and potential. Think about pairing a smart jacket with a trouser and wearing some smart white sneakers. Doesn’t it sound like a great way to dress up your sneakers while dressing down your suit? Taking the definition of smart casual to its logical conclusion will make your peers envious that they didn’t think of it first.
2. Don’t be Afraid of Chinos
Chinos are the most versatile pair of pants. They fall in the middle of jeans and suit trousers. They are a must-have in every modern man’s wardrobe. They are perfect for the smart casual men summer ensemble when you need something lighter. Choose beige for a classic look, or one of the many pastel variations available if you’re in the mood for something different.
3. Wear a blazer
If you don’t want to spend money on a new outfit, a blazer could become your new best friend. If you choose wisely, you could even get away with smart jeans and a t-shirt underneath. Tweed blazers are an excellent investment because they can be dressed up or down. Tweed is also one of the top men’s fashion trends that isn’t going away anytime soon. So, find a sweet deal and add a blazer to your wardrobe. “What to wear on a date night?”—here’s your answer!
Don’ts
1. Say A big NO to distressed jeans
Here’s your jackpot tip for “What are some “smart casual” style tips for men?” Jeans are becoming a favorite piece of clothing as part of smart casual dress code. However, distressed or ripped jeans are not, and are unlikely to ever be, considered a part of a smart casual outfit. Therefore, wearing a classic jean is your safest bet.
2. Necks are for hugs
When it comes to smart casuals for men, one simple way to dress down your suit is to remove the neckwear and undo a few buttons. There’s no need to go shopping! Simply go from a formal to a smart, relaxed casual look in a matter of seconds.
3. Add a sprint with sneakers
A smart pair of crisp white sneakers or trainers can work with a smart casual outfit. Although sportswear such as hoodies or tracksuits are a definite no-no. When it comes to smart casual for men– follow the thumb rule of keeping the sportswear to your feet.
Smart casual outfits- What to wear as per the occasion
Smart Casuals for Formal Events
Men’s smart casual outfits for formal events can include chinos, a polo, a blazer or sports coat, a pocket square, and leather shoes. Accessories, such as a belt, watch, and tie, can also be worn if desired. Be sure to select colors and styles that match the event’s formality. Avoid denim as casual business attire.
Smart Casuals for Informal Events
You can wear a pair of chinos or a simple pair of jeans with a crisp, collared shirt and a blazer or a leather jacket for a smart casual look for informal events. Alternatively, you can also opt for a polo shirt or a Henley with chinos or jeans paired with a blazer. To complete the look, add a pair of loafers, derby shoes, or sneakers.
Accessories that can take your smart casual look up a notch
1. Watch: Casual wear watches are a hybrid of classic and sports. Wear a classic round dial watch with a strap of your choice.
2. Belt: Wear classic designs in playful colors, interesting quilting and animal-skin patterns.
3. Sunglasses: Make sure that the shape of the frame and the color of the lenses matches your attire. Don’t wear bright-colored sunglasses and extremely fancy frames.
4. Socks: You can perk up your look by wearing bright socks that are sure to become the talk of the town.
5. Jewelry: Wear a statement necklace, rings or a bracelet to add a touch of class to your casual ensemble.
How to dress down a smart casual outfit when necessary
A polo t-shirt paired with chinos or dark jeans is a good foundation for a dressed down smart casual look on men. You can accessorize with a belt, a smartwatch, a sleek tie, and a pair of smart shoes, such as loafers, derbies, or Oxford shoes. Just keep the color scheme simple, with neutral and classic tones.
