It’s vague. Loosely defined. More puzzling than a jigsaw. Yet, it is distinct, comfortable, and multidimensional. It should be elegant, though. A dress code that pushes boundaries beyond smart and laidback is ‘Smart Casual’.
Smart casual dress code takes inspiration from nature- for instance- sky, trees, mountains and a river, all are different elements of nature- all separate, but fundamental and when placed next to each other they make sense into a whole spectacular view.
Your clothing must follow the same rule of nature.
Likewise, Smart casual is all about merging articles of different clothing categories together- smart, casual, outerwear and footwear into a more balanced and fetching way, or you might say dynamically; which has to be distinctive enough to stand on its own, though. Moreover, it has to be coherent, meaningful and sharp.
But, every man needs a start point- some basic wardrobe items that should collaborate to execute perfect Smart Casual attire. And, a finish point- as to how far one can go before Smart casual fades into obscurity.
What Is Smart Casual?
Smart casual is the fastest growing dress code across continents, allowing leeway to adopt unconventional approach to look the part, at work and business. It is a modern dressing protocol with a mixture of casual and traditional wear with a dash of elegance at the core.
Smart casual is more natural way of dressing by coordinating staple pieces that individually belong to separate dress codes.
While conservative dress code imposes a set of sartorial rules to abide by, casual-smart clothing breaks some of those rules but keeps the sharpness and sophistication intact.
Smart Casual Occasions
It’s a common misunderstanding that Smart casual is for the outdoor events that demand no thought. But this is where you might miss the beat! It is capable of taking you from home to work without botheration.
Just by donning a blazer over the top or swapping sneakers with loafers or derby shoes you are ready to sport a Smart casual look.
Dinner parties, afternoon-weddings or even replacement as a business casual attire; Smart casual will go farther than you think.
In modern world, as the work environment is relaxing quickly or the pandemic bound corporate culture gave rise to work- from-anywhere situations, allowing men and women to switch to the Smart casual.
Smart Casual vs Business Casual
Smart casual, in few scenarios, is nearly exchangeable with Business casual but a sartorial expert could easily distinguish between two dress codes. Although, sometimes an outfit could be appropriate in both cases- a grey blazer, check shirt, khaki chino pants with brogue shoes.
Specifically business casual started as a relaxed corporate dressing style with laidback clothing appropriate for offices and related events. In this case plain navy or grey blazer, straight legged chino pants, trousers with pleats, black and brown leather dress shoes. Sometimes Chelsea boot is totally fine.
On the other side Smart casual is more vibrant; can be pretty different in choice of colours, textured fabrics and casual tailoring – i.e. Textured blazer with corduroy pants and loafers.
Smart casual is more about your personal expression and is more flexible than its close rivals. You can wear collared suede jackets, linen blazer or gabardine sport jacket, even overcoats to remodel your Smart but casual look.
Modern Man’s Dress Code
Instinctively human being tends to dress comfortably. No one would fancy a suit which fits like an armour restricting free body movement. Nearly every man would love to slip into soft cotton dress shirt, relaxed slacks and humble loafers.
Smart casual tend to redefine men’s wardrobes with attire incorporating separates rather than fix-pair items; that are usually worn together. Namely suits- trousers and jacket that traditionally go in pair. Furthermore, leather jacket or suede blazers that are thought to be entirely casual and not to be paired with dress pants.
Without rehearsing numerous combinations in the mirror you might barely accomplish a precise Smart casual dress code. Or, it might be utterly frustrating to put together a balanced Smart outfit if you don’t have an eye for detail and right coordination skills.
So far so good. Now, let us delineate some outlines that will pave the way for Smart casual attire in all contexts.
- Your aim is to neither look overdressed nor sloppy. This policy will give you middle-of-the-road options to dress in your own way.
- Never select two pieces from the same class. That’s to say; crew neck and denim. Or too dressy numbers- white shirt and navy pants.
- Blazers and sport coats made out of linen, flannel, corduroy are Smart casual essential elements, instantly improving effectiveness of any Smart casual outfit.
- No sloppy articles- distressed denim, printed T-shirts.
- Striped and checked shirts are cool but cut a classy style will do more justice with sport coat and leather jackets.
- Casual touch e.g. pouch pockets dilute the formality of the jacket making it excellent item to wear.
- Linen blazer is comfortable and light during summer time and mild winter.
- Flannel blazer will insulate you from elements while adding savoir faire.
Shoe Game
Once the smart casual attire set in place, next task is to fix on a complimentary shoe style. Although, no fix criterion has been formulated, since it will totally depend upon which shoes will coordinate well with the outfit you are wearing; thanks to the distinct nature of smart casual dress code.
Options abound when considering shoe range with smart casual. To flaunt your knack go unconventional; for instance- sneakers with suit pants, monk straps with denim is a clever approach to execute smart casual.
Try keep black oxfords, work out shoes and whole cuts out of the game. Conversely add more laid back style of footwear that concisely sum up your smart casual dress code.
A Casual Suit
Suits are not forbidden in Smart casual but it should not be the traditional business suit that is fully structured or in simple words having sloping shoulders and full lining.
Tailored suits are for workplace and boardroom meeting, a suit that you would put on with a tie and black oxford shoes.
A casual suit is, in many ways different from a formal one; it might feature a less tailoring jacket and pants with no-break. Flat front trousers get precedence over pleated ones, in that they appear less formal than the latter.
Business Professional Dress Code For Men
Sport Coat
You can create more action in your closet by simply incorporating few legitimate pieces of sport coat- a failsafe way of working out more eye-catching Smart casual outfits. Sport coat tips the scale to the casual side but harmonizes well with shirts and pants combinations.
