smart casual

Posted On May 31, 2022 By In Fashion For Men

Smart Casual Fashion Tips For Men

 
 

One of the most misleading phrases in the English language is “smart casual.” Google defines “smart casual” as “an outfit you’d wear to a movie or dinner date,” but you may agree that it is an absurdly wide definition of the term. But don’t worry, we’ve got a few pointers that will help you make sense of the dreaded phrase. You won’t sweat bullets next time you get an invitation and read “smart casual” under the dress code. Read on to find out more!

What is smart casual exactly?

Whichever event you attend, you should be informed of the dress code and the occasion so that you can dress appropriately. What’s tricky is that the meaning of the “smart casual” changes depending on the situation, so you need to trust your own guts most of the time. 

It’s a good idea to acquire a handle on smart casual, since it’s becoming a very popular dress code for business events thanks to the rise in laissez-faire attitude to professional attire.

It’s always better to overdress

With that in mind, we’d want to emphasize the “smart” side of the phrase. It’s much better to be overdressed than to feel too shabby. 

Pair this fashion Terry Cloth polo and a sleek suit jacket and you should be set. If you determine you’re a little too dressed up, you can always easily remove the jacket and sport the polo on its own. Polos are always a great idea for smart casual occasions since they have the collar that is most of the time associated with dressy shirts.

Some knitwear goes a long way

Knitwear is stylish and versatile all at the same time. The sleek, tight fit of a lightweight merino wool sweater looks as well with a smart jacket as it does on its own. Also, since it’s easy to take off, you can always remove it if you become too hot. 

Crew necks may be worn on their own, but v-necks look better when worn under a shirt. Think about layering your sweater over a shirt for a more casual look. Rather than sticking with navy and black, try a dark green or camel color instead. A nice sweater can make all the difference!

Smart casual and jackets

You need to be smart when picking out a jacket for this dress code (pun very much intended). Sadly, trucker jackets, puffers, denim jackets, and leather jackets are all considered too casual. You need to have something longer, thinner, and sharper for smart casual gatherings. For spring and summer, a grey linen jacket and trousers set with an identical tonal polo shirt are perfect. Make sure you neatly tuck the shirt! 

Although bomber jackets aren’t often associated with smart casual, they may be if you adhere to the same color palette and have the rest of your ensemble polished. With sockless loafers or clean white sneakers, you may easily integrate a bomber into your look.

On the other hand, more smart suit jackets are always a good idea, but make sure to pair them with something more casual like sneakers or even jeans.

Jeans are a must-have

Great-fitting jeans have been a staple of the casual wardrobe since the 1950s. What makes jeans superior is that they may be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Straight-leg jeans with a dark wash are the way to go if you want to seem more sophisticated. You may pair them with a more dressy white shirt and a nice pair of loafers and you’re good to go!

Make sure clothes fit you perfectly

Always seek a good fit. When a guy tries to pull off the appropriate look but it doesn’t fit him well, it’s truly heartbreaking to see. Clothing that is too tight or too sloppy can undo all of your hard work and mindfulness. 

If you’ve recently lost some weight, go to your trusty local tailor and have your clothes fitted to your new body. On the other hand, if you’ve gained some extra pounds, you should think about going shopping for some new pieces. Don’t try to squeeze yourself into clothes that sadly don’t fit you anymore!

Now that you’ve gotten ahold of what smart casual actually means, you should be ready to pick out the best outfit for the event you’re headed to. When in doubt a pair of jeans, a white shirt, a blazer, and a pair of clean white sneakers will never disappoint.

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Sophia Smith is beauty and lifestyle blogger, graphic designer and a food enthusiast. She is very passionate about eco-friendly and green topics, sustainable fashion, eco beauty, and conscious business. Sophia's other hobbies centre around her love for yoga, wellness rituals and living in balance with nature. She loves sharing meaningful content that inspires people and has covered topics ranging from organic beauty products and sustainability to self-care and mental health.