Smart Casual: What is it and how to pull it off?
Smart casual seems to be one of the many enigmas in men's fashion, what does it mean, how do I pull it off, I don't want to look too smart, or worse, too casual. Smart casual can vary depending on the context, for example if you work in a creative industry, you're attire is likely to lean more towards the side of casual than if you're in the city on dress down Friday. But generally there are certain rules you should be sticking to, for example, graphic print t-shirts are a no go, unless layered under a shirt, never wear flip-flops or any type of sandal and absolutely no distressed denim, whether it's done purposely for design or not. Also just by wearing trainers with a suit does not make it smart casual, it's a cop out, and not a very good one.
It's summer and the weather is warm, there are garden parties, barbecues and just afterwork drinks in a beer garden or bar terrace. It's a time when you can get away with more loose, lightweight materials, and smart casual really allows you to embrace this. Think linen, cotton, and a much more lightweight denim. Pair a white button down cotton shirt with a navy trouser turned up at the ankle and loafers. Alternatively swap the trousers for a pale coloured chino to keep it feeling summery. They're both perfect warm weather looks and great for when you're chilling outside. The great thing about these looks is that when the sun starts to set and it begins to cool down, you can throw on a coordinating blazer to keep the chill off.
the best smart casual outfits, man in blazer and jeans
You may think that jeans don't fit into the smart casual category but never doubt their versatility, you just have to pick the right style and fit. When it doubt black jeans are good option to go for, the blacker the better means you can pull them off as trousers so dress them as if they were. A pale blue shirt and brown brogues or oxfords smartens it all up, but don't worry you avoid looking overdressed as the jeans balance it all out. This is a really versatile base to add to and alter as the seasons change. Thinking ahead to autumn/winter, swap the oxfords for lace up leather boots, and layer a fitted fine knit jumper over the top. Finish off with a collared, short mac in a camel or navy.
Blue jeans are definitely still in play if they're styled well. A slim fit is normally a better option as it gives cleaner lines and looks more streamlined. A mid wash tone goes nicely with a plain white fitted t-shirt, leather loafers and a blazer. The style of the blazer can be fairly flexible but try avoid anything in black, it looks to formal to pair with the more casual looking blue jeans. Instead it might be a good idea to try a tweed sports jacket, that's right, tweed isn't just for gentlemen of stately homes and old college professors. When styled in a more modern, casual way it can make a great statement. If you're going for a bold print up top, keep everything else minimal, straight button down and avoid too much bleaching on the jeans, you want to keep the different tones to a minimum.
Shoes can make or break a smart casual outfit. Generally leathers and suedes will work better as they look a lot sharper. By sticking to a rule on materials you can afford to vary the style of shoe, for example a smart leather trainer would work well with a shirt and trousers. If you're looking for more smart shoes to be the thing that dresses the outfit up here's what you should be wearing:Brogues/Oxfords, Monk Straps, Loafers, Chukka Boots and Chelsea Boots. All of these are very versatile and will work well with most outfits. Keep everything well polished, scuffs and scratches stick out like a sore thumb and dramatically lower the tone of the outfit.
Hopefully this guide should help next time you're sent an invitation where the dress code is ‘smart casual' and just remember, keep everything well presented, whether that's neatly pressed shirts or polished shoes and leave the acid washed, ripped knee jeans at home. Most importantly never look like you've tried too hard, smart casual is supposed to look effortless.
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