SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE FOR MEN AND WOMEN
When dressing for a smart casual event, it’s important to keep the essentials in mind: neat and tidy, but not too dressy. This means a pair of dark or neutral-colored trousers, be it in the form of chinos or trousers – dark jeans are also appropriate as long as they don’t have any tears. Classic shirts, polos, or a plain T-shirt is the perfect mix of informal attire that blends well with the more conservative look. Add some leather shoes for a dressed-up feel, or stick to sneakers or Chelsea boots for a laidback twist. While this style has no real definition, you should ensure you look clean and presentable. This doesn’t mean that you can have fun with it, though. Add a pop of color, such as blue, yellow, or green – plaid and patterns work well, as long as they’re used sparingly.
When planning your outfit, it’s important to note whether you’re dressing for a smart casual or business casual dress code. Although both forms of attire are similar in the way that they blend elevated and relaxed items, each has a unique aesthetic. When dressing for a business casual event or occasion, combine elements from your usual office and weekend wardrobes, such as a check business shirt.
Blazers
Blazers are a popular choice for smart casual as they can be paired with different pieces and work well for a layered look. The one thing that you must consider is the material for the blazers you intend to wear with this attire. For smart casual, ensure that your blazers are not too formal and are lightweight and have relaxed elements.Shoes
An advantage of smart casual style is that there is greater freedom with what shoes you can get away with. Keep in mind that it is all about balance; you want to put forward a respectful, polished casual look. Boots, loafersor Oxfords work well, lending a more mature edge to your clothing. In terms of material for your smart casual shoe choices, opt for suede for a well-textured, quasi-formal touch. A great pair of sneakers can also be a perfect accompaniment but keep in mind that you should opt for clean, minimalist styles (classic converse or leather sneakers are an easy go-to).
Shirts
Button downs shirts are the obvious choice, but there are a few things you need to remember. Firstly, opt for classic colors and traditional patterns. Smart casual looks should observe tradition, so opt for timeless prints and tones for a grown-up take on casual wear. Colors like whites, powder blues, and navies work tremendously, and patterns like gingham and tartan are classic and read stylish (provided your pieces are well-tailored!).
T-Shirts
Go for simple T-shirts that don’t have too much color or print. A classic white or grey t-shirt will work as a great starting point if you’re stuck with .
Jackets
While a blazer is ideal for creating a smart casual look, there are other jackets that you can wear for this dress code. A sophisticated leather jacket or sleek bomber is a stylish alternative to traditional tailored designs.
To ensure your look reads as smart instead of sloppy,
just make sure you partner your jacket with elevated items, such as a collared shirt, tailored pants, and dress shoes.
Jeans and Chinos
Great fitting jeans are always a failsafe go-to, but with smart casual you will need to ensure they are a bit more dressy and not too ‘casual’ (ie baggy or overly distressed). Jeans are awesome, but let’s face it a pair of chinos can amplify any quasi-dressy style effortlessly. Chinos are the ultimate staple – whether your event is more casual or more dressy, this pant works well for ambiguous dress codes. Chinos are great investments in colors like khaki, navy, and beige as these tones work with a wider range of complementary colors. Black reads classic, but can at times be less versatile and work to construct casual looks as opposed to boosting them.
Shorts
Please remember that we are not talking about board shorts here. You will need them in high-quality fabrics and should be fitted and certainly above the knee. Be cautious when choosing to go for shorts, they can work well but can also register underdressed in the wrong context.
Accessories
No smart casual outfit is complete without the addition of accessories. To put the perfect finishing touch on your look, select accessories that read as chic without feeling overly dressed-up. A belt is a must, but try choosing a brown leather style for the right mix of relaxation and sophistication. When it comes to ties, you can wear one or not. If you do go without, consider adding a pocket square to dress up your look a little more. Other accessories you may wish to wear are a stylish yet straightforward watch and sleek sunglasses.
