What attire is most appropriate when your work doesn't have a strict dress code (rules about appropriate attire for the occasion) or you're attending somewhat less formal events (business, a date, a family dinner, or perhaps an upcoming holiday gathering)? The best choice is SMART CASUAL , also known as sporty elegance , which combines elements of casual style with elegance. However, depending on the occasion, this style can sometimes be a bit more formal, but sometimes you can afford a little more. Learn more about SMART CASUAL for men !
Men's Smart Casual - History and Explanation
First, let's start with a brief explanation of what smart casual style is . The easiest way to explain it is with the term "sporty elegance," which is an interchangeable term for this style. But don't be fooled by appearances! Smart casual has many rules that must be followed to maintain its character. The key to this style is coordinating outfits , meaning the top must be a different color and material than the bottom. Interestingly, the first mention of smart casual style appeared in 1924 in the Davenport Democrat and Leader newspaper in Iowa. However, it wasn't about men's smart casual, but rather women's fashion. Let's see what this style is associated with today!
What items of clothing do not belong to the SMART CASUAL style?
Below you will find examples of specific clothing:
- jeans with holes,
- combat trousers,
- t-shirts,
- sweatshirts,
- colorful sneakers,
- colorful sweaters
- denim shirts,
- flannel shirts.
Time for some SMART CASUAL clothing essentials
Get to know the clothes that should be in your wardrobe if you want to "wear" this style:
- dark navy blue jeans,
- chino trousers (e.g. in gray and beige),
- white shirt,
- light blue shirt,
- shirt with a pattern (e.g. checkered),
- sports jacket,
- thin sweater with a V-neck,
- a cardigan in a subdued color,
- suede shoes or other less formal leather shoes such as moccasins or monks,
- elegant suit shoes, such as derby or oxford shoes, in brown,
- brown leather strap,
- patterned tie,
- pocket square with an interesting pattern.
Formal Smart Casual
The most elegant outfit in this style would be a combination of chinos, for example, in gray, with a white shirt (be sure to wear an invisible ANSIN undershirt under the shirt) , a navy blazer , and accessories like brown shoes, a belt, and a navy tie with horizontal stripes (or another small pattern). This outfit exemplifies the slightly more formal SMART CASUAL style , which is well-received by lawyers, bankers, and other high-ranking individuals. Of course, there's nothing stopping you from wearing this outfit for holidays or a date. Furthermore, a navy blazer will also work well with other less formal outfits, which I describe below.
Smart Casual with a touch of nonchalance
However, when you can afford to be a little more adventurous , try pairing the aforementioned navy blazer with brown chinos, a light blue shirt, and brown shoes and a belt. You can also achieve a slightly less formal look by choosing a shirt/blazer/pants in a pattern like checks, herringbone, or pinstripe, or by opting for more colorful options like a bottle green blazer, burgundy pants, a light pink shirt, or mustard pants. Another advantage is not wearing a tie and choosing less formal footwear like suede shoes, leather loafers, or monk shoes. Regardless of the level of formality, it's a good idea to complement any outfit with a pocket square (a square handkerchief tucked into a jacket pocket, also known as a breast pocket). Linen and white are recommended for formal wear, while those with various patterns and colors will work well in other settings.
Sporty Smart Casual
Casual style elements like jeans, sweaters, turtleneck sweaters, cardigans, and in some cases even classic white sneakers can also be part of this style. However, they are more welcome in less formal situations. Jeans are best paired with sporty jackets and plain shirts. Thin V-neck sweaters look good worn over a shirt, paired with jeans or chinos, a blazer, and brown shoes . Cardigans, or open sweaters, work well as a jacket substitute, but it's worth adding a tie to maintain the elegant character of the outfit. Meanwhile, a turtleneck sweater works well as a shirt substitute in the fall and winter, looking great with a blazer and chinos . Keep in mind that sneakers aren't always the right choice, as they are strictly sporty and may be viewed inappropriately in some circumstances. If you are going to a casual meeting and sneakers (preferably leather and solid color) are your style, you can wear them without feeling guilty.
In my opinion, smart casual clothing is the most versatile and beneficial solution. You can wear it to many occasions, looking elegant and, above all, feeling comfortable. I recommend delving into the secrets of this style, as it's truly intriguing and offers countless styling possibilities.
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