What kind of attire is most appropriate when there is no strict dress code at work, or when you are heading to slightly less formal meetings (business, a date, a family dinner, or perhaps an upcoming holiday gathering)? The best choice is SMART CASUAL style, also known as sporty elegance, which combines elements of everyday style with elegance. However, depending on the occasion, an outfit in this style should sometimes be a bit more formal, while at other times you can afford a little more leeway. Learn more about SMART CASUAL for men!
Men's smart casual - history and explanation
But first, we will start with a brief explanation of what smart casual style is. The easiest way to understand it is through the term "sporty elegance," which is an interchangeable name for this very style. But don't let appearances fool you! Smart casual actually has many rules that must be followed to maintain its character. The key to this style is coordinated sets, meaning the top of the outfit must be a different color and material than the bottom. A fun fact: the first mention of the smart casual style appeared as early as 1924 in "The Davenport Democrat And Leader" newspaper in Iowa. However, it did not concern men's smart casual but women's fashion. Let's see what this style entails today!
Which wardrobe items do not belong to the SMART CASUAL style?
Below you will find examples of specific clothing:
- ripped jeans,
- cargo pants,
- t-shirts,
- sweatshirts,
- colorful sneakers,
- colorful sweaters
- denim shirts,
- flannel shirts.
Time for the SMART CASUAL essentials
Get to know the clothes that should be in your wardrobe if you want to "dress" in this style:
- dark navy jeans,
- chinos (e.g., in gray or beige),
- white shirt,
- light blue shirt,
- patterned shirt (e.g., plaid),
- sports blazer,
- thin V-neck sweater,
- cardigan in a muted color,
- suede shoes or other less formal leather footwear like loafers or monk straps,
- elegant dress shoes like derbies or oxfords in brown,
- brown leather belt,
- patterned tie,
- pocket square in 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 ANSIN invisible undershirt under the shirt), a navy blue blazer, and accessories such as brown shoes, a belt, and a navy blue tie with transverse stripes (or another subtle pattern). This set is an example of a slightly more formal SMART CASUAL style, which is well-regarded in professional environments such as law, banking, or among those in high-ranking positions. Of course, there is nothing stopping you from wearing such a set during holidays or on a date. Besides, a navy blue blazer will also match other slightly less formal outfits, which I describe below.
Smart Casual with a touch of nonchalance
When you can afford a bit more "craziness," try, for example, wearing the previously mentioned navy blazer with brown chinos, a light blue shirt, and brown shoes and a belt. You can also achieve a slightly less formal style by choosing a shirt/blazer/pants with a pattern, such as plaid, herringbone, or pinstripes, and by opting for more colorful options like a bottle green blazer, burgundy trousers, a light pink shirt, or mustard-colored pants. Another point is not needing to wear a tie and choosing less formal footwear, such as suede shoes or leather loafers or monk straps. Regardless of the level of formality, it is good to complete any outfit with a pocket square (a square cloth placed in the breast pocket of a blazer). A white linen one is recommended for formal attire, while ones featuring various patterns and colors will work well in other circumstances.
Sporty Smart Casual
Elements of Casual style like jeans, sweaters, turtlenecks, cardigans, and in some cases even classic white sneakers can also be part of this style. However, they will be welcome in less formal situations. Jeans are best paired with sports blazers and smooth shirts. Thin V-neck sweaters look good worn over a shirt in combination with jeans or chinos, a blazer, and brown shoes. Cardigans can serve as a substitute for a blazer, though it is worth wearing a tie in that case so the outfit doesn't lose its elegant character. Meanwhile, a turtleneck in the autumn-winter season works as a substitute for a shirt, which looks great with a blazer and chinos. Remember that sneakers will not always be an appropriate choice, as they are strictly sporty and may be misinterpreted in some circumstances. If you are going to a low-key meeting and sneakers (necessarily leather and in a uniform color) are your style, you can wear them without any guilt.
In my opinion, SMART CASUAL style is the most versatile and beneficial solution. You can wear it for many occasions while looking elegant and, most importantly, feeling comfortable. I recommend exploring the secrets of this style, as it is truly interesting and offers many styling possibilities.
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