Smart casual pieces may seem like a stand-in for the weekend or leisurely holidays. But they have climbed up the hit list of late and form an extremely versatile collection to count on.
For whatever reasons smart-casual numbers are gaining widespread nod, definitely, they have provided men with freedom to marry the two separate worlds and create new possibilities to showcase their snazzy mood.
These characteristic articles not only stand out on their own, but instantly tone in with most of the dress codes, without any conflict.
So, if you are in doubt about what to choose during your next shopping trip, draw inspiration from the following list of essential smart-casual pieces.
Chambray Shirt
A chambray shirt is equal part dressy and casual. That means it occupies a decent rank that fits well within the smart-casual style. Chambray is a lightweight cotton fabric resembling denim in appearance but with a different weaving pattern and a softer feel.
For its subtle texture and semi-formal nature Chambray is easy to coordinate with formal pants and classic denim jeans. It is also a perfect fit for a range of occasions. Just keep the shade darker and you are good to go.
Linen Trousers
Light as air and stylish as you want them, linen trousers are textured counterpart of wool trousers that have flat handle. They are utilitarian pants in summer and a chic accompaniment with casual shirts or tees.
They work well in outdoor settings, daytime events and casual evenings. Moreover, choose them in pale green, blue or off-white to inject a decent dose of excitement into your look. After all your effort is worth it.
Flannel Shirts
Light soft and full of warmth during the cooler days, flannel is charming piece. The advantage of this contemporary shirt is that you can throw it on either as a base layer or wear it over something else. Kill two birds with one stone.
They come in solid and patterned styles. The former can be worn in a dressier setting with a tailored silhouette and can be tucked to level up the dressiness.
Patterned flannel is more casual and generally comes in check designs. With multiple colours this falls on the casual side and coordinates superbly with jeans and boots.
Boat Shoes
Boat shoes require no introduction, and their name divulges the secret of their origin. They were born to resist the slippery deck and provide sailors the critical traction they needed to stabilize themselves.
However, when they crossed from functional into fashionable is yet to be discovered. But their one-of-a-kind stitched profile and the ability to merge with a huge spectrum of wardrobe items has established their position as an everlasting footwear.
It can be quite difficult to envisage an occasion when these shoes can’t be worn. From shorts to denim, chinos to a suit they seem to win every situation like ABC.
Rollneck
Up to this day, very few garments have claimed such roaring success as a rollneck. This multifaceted piece coordinates exceptional outfits and levels up any dull attire. With inherited genes of a sweater and a t-shirt this winter-appropriate masterpiece packs extraordinary style and rare functionality.
When incorporated into a dressy ensemble it slashes the formality, on the other hand when teamed with jeans and a blazer it can take you to a wedding or a business party.
Loafers
Loafers are not just loafers, their effortless slip-on design echo eternal modernity and timeless style, not to be found in any footwear. Their comfort and flexibility are impossible to replicate and with myriad cute designs, it is hard not to put your finger on each one.
Loafer shoes make first preference for relaxed men who don’t want to bother themselves with tying and untying. In addition, there is one distinctive style for each occasion. Want to spend your time on the beach? Or you are in the mood to dress smart-casual? What if those lace-up derbies are not your scene and you desire the parallel formality without sacrificing elegance. Loafers have got you covered.
Quarter Zip Sweater
For masses a quarter zip might be another fashionable item with a slight twist, but the quarter opening has a purpose. While unzipped it reveals the base layer thereby creating contrast and lending dynamics to your appearance.
With the collars turned down it simulates a dressed up look you might need especially at work. When zipped up the sweater shows off a cool smart-casual vibe. Besides, it can be taken on and off instantly.
Soft Jackets
As the name implies soft jackets characterize an unstructured construction. It can be a sport coat or a blaze or a casual suit. In every case the shoulders of the jacket are unpadded and lie on your shoulder lines. The length of the coat is relatively short to distinguish it from suit jacket or a formal blazer.
Their goal is to function as a stand-in when the suit is too dressy, and the wool blazer is no match for the coordinates you are reaching for.
Unstructured jacket is a perfect integration with polo, chino, button down, jeans, crewneck…. any casual piece you want to combine. Also pay attention to the shoes. Choose suede chukka, loafers (casual models), leather sneakers to top off the attire.
Tailored Trousers
As far as dressing the part goes every wardrobe element should be tailored to your measurements. Trousers that are loose and out of proportion will flop miserably. But tailored does not only indicate suit trousers or the ones you would wear in business environment.
Even casual trousers, slacks or drawstring trousers should fit you generously. Also consider wearing trousers with shaped shirts or other tops to look your best.
Polo Shirt
It’s hard to attain perfection, but undertaking the challenge to do so is worth an ovation. In the process of sculpting menswear, the sartorial enthusiasts have hit a milestone, a polo shirt. It appears this staple has nearly topped that unachievable stage of perfection.
Is there any mode that it is not possible to wear a polo shirt? Just put this incredibly adaptable shirt on with anything you fancy.
From shorts to dress pants. From beach wear to business wear, every ensemble can be carried off, just like that. So why not pick a new one to smarten up your smart-casual wardrobe.
White Sneakers
White sneakers are not only casual but smart in a way that they go well with jeans as well as a suit. The colour white is an embodiment of universality, simplicity and chicness. No colour disagrees with it and every outfit is just a success.
From cycling to parties and from office to airports white shoes won’t disappoint you, neither they will call for changing into any other footwear.
Stylish men’s wardrobe badly needs these protean shoes, especially when the interchangeability is top priority, and you don’t want to spend half day killing your time thinking about what to coordinate for the evening event.
Fitted Jeans
Denim is very utilitarian pant since a wide range of outfits fall on the casual end of the wardrobe. And with office dress code drifting from structured to relaxed men are choosing jean pants in exchange for dress trousers.
So, whatever fit of jeans you are, it should always look consistent on your legs. Once you ensure right cut, the fit follows automatically. Next is colour. To project a knockout look medium to dark shades will be failsafe options.
Button Down
It is interesting to see how little details such as- sewing buttons under the collar of a shirt can bring significant changes in the style of a shirt and the way it will modify your wardrobe coordination.
Since button down at its base is informal in nature it will narrow down the possibilities yet open new dimensions. That means it will not combine with a tuxedo or business suit, but there is no restriction on fitting it together with anything else.
White button down is also office appropriate and welcomes a tie on it. However, as you steer towards darker colours the shirt becomes more and more laidback.
Cropped Pants
If the hem of trousers is cropped just above ankles it becomes a quick, comfortable, and easy substitute to wear with t-shirts, sneakers, smart-casual shirts, jackets and more. Quite athleisure in structure they look sharp and a la mode with a clear-cut design.
They also make effective and handy staple in summer days when you are more likely to engage in water activities. For they won’t require turning up time and again.
Espadrilles
We tend to revert to fundamental pieces and that’s why they are so indispensable and have become inseparable over time. Shoes too. Such is the story of these cute humble footwear that always to appeal to you for their timeless qualities- practicality and intact elegance.
Their summery cut and lightweight construction are two arguments, strong enough to pull attention. With canvas as the characterizing fabric, espadrilles have become an ultimate match for casually smart ensemble range.
