What is smart casual dress code men? Smart Casual Attire!
With the pandemic going on (Hope you are safe!), this has cancelled the formal culture to offices or even the parties. But still many struggles what the hell ‘smart casual’ means. Many defines smart casual as “well-dressed in a casual style”. Read the whole article to know more about smart casual dress code men 2021.
Urban Dictionary explains the smart casual as a “nonsensical dress code that people slap onto events, workplace and parties which can cause confusion with amazing results”. Which is also what we stick by. Smart casual attire can easily cause confusion, if you pair some weird combination of colours which surprisingly looks good.
But really, no one has really a clue, although it hasn’t stopped us to create what we want to wear more creatively.
Smart casual practically shrouds itself in the region of ambiguity. Everyone says they are getting ready in smart casuals for the event. But many also have questions about men’s smart casual dress code. When should you wear mens smart casual attire?
But don’t worry we are here to answer all your questions regarding smart casual dress code men 2021.
What is Smart Casual Dress Code Men?
In laymen words, it lies between the casual wear and business casual men. It’s become the go-to dress code for many new companies, tech firms and even corporate offices.
Smart casual attire is employing quality clothing which are very well-fitted, in-style and of good fabrics. But don’t think smart casual implies to wear something flashy or flamboyant. Look at your outfit does it looks sophisticated or more party casual. It’s the matter of looking sharp and in-style. Clothing that makes you feel confident and self-aware – how you carry your dress code.
Smart Casual Style Tips
Attitude Matters a Lot
First of all, your shoes should be polished, trousers and shirt pressed and tie properly tied are necessary, these things will make you more confident for a smarter appearance.
Swap Some Items
To establish a more practical approach is to start with a casual outfit and then change one or two pieces for smarter casual alternatives.
For example, take a bomber jacket, neutral shirt, jeans and sneakers. All very casual, right?
Shades for the Win
You don’t even have to swap many pieces in your outfit, instead try to throw some shades, with plain colours. Darker colours skew for more formal, so smartening can be simple too.
Difference Between Smart Casual and Business Casual
Though on fashion attires, smart casual differs quite a lot from business casual and even men’s cocktail attire. Like business casual is more formal with fewer options to break away from it. Make a bit casual then you will have cocktail attire for men and making it fancier or funky then it becomes smart casual.
Smart Casual Dress Code for Men: Don’ts
- Don’t use any t-shirt which has any eye-catching logos or branding.
- Don’t wear shorts or cargo pants with excessive pockets.
- Don’t go for fancy patterns.
- Don’t wear baggy or loose clothing.
Smart Casual Dress Code for Men: Do’s
- Do make sure outfit is wrinkle free.
- Do choose a layer of jacket or a shirt over a t-shirt in winters.
- Do remember good quality stays for longer period.
- Do wear fitted clothes.
- Do know different types of shirts, fabrics and length.
Clothing Items for Smart Casual Men
Smart Casual Blazers & Jackets
It’s always better to dress more than less, but don’t go heavy or three-piece suits. Blazers, however, are the exception, if you want to lean on the smarter casuals.
Cotton-linen blends are man’s option for the warm season, while wool for colder season. Go for plain with no excessive patterns or pockets. Functioning buttons to roll the sleeves a little to two-fold only, if you feel a bit hot.
Denim jeans
I don’t think anyone needs introduction for denim jeans, they are the informal outfit since 1950s, if want to read more than check out best jeans for men 2021.
opt for a quality pair of jeans in straight-leg styles or slim fit and a dark wash.
Chinos
Chinos gives a different option from your regular denim jeans. You can mix things up with chinos. The same top item of your outfit can be wore with chinos, this will change your look drastically.
Invest in the right colours like khaki, beige and navy which are relatively easy to match. They are comfortable and stylish; chinos can help you achieve the smart casual attire. Chinos are perfect for casual occasions.
Shirts
Get yourself few well-fitted long-sleeve shirts, they are essential for your wardrobe. For a casual look, you can roll up your cuffs.
Start building up your shirt which matches with all your outfits. A classic white shirt is the one which goes with everything. Make sure that collar looks clean and sleek when left open to third button down.
Do you need to tuck shirts for smart casuals? Yes, if the shirt is of ling length, if not, then no. but if you are wearing a layer on top of it, then you should always find a way to keep your shirt tucked in, unless you want to look like a superdud DJ from mid-2000’s.
Shoes
With smart casual attire, this gives an advantage and freedom to what shoes you can get away with. But do take a note that you have to balance your look, polished casual look. You can go from Chelsea boots, loafers or Oxfords, these provides a more decent and sophisticated edge to your clothing. You can also opt for classic converse sneaker or leather boots, but keep in mind to, keep them in minimalist styles.
T-Shirts
For T-shirts you have to go low profile. You can’t wear something too catchy or which has too much colour or which has any cool or weird quote. A classic grey or white t-shirt will work as a great starting point. You can go for horizontal striped to add some dimensions, but ensure they are traditional in colour and not too bright. Also, go over good quality t-shirts, head over to best t-shirts for men to know some good quality t-shirts, which you can include in your everyday smart casual attire.
Blazers
Blazer is one of the easiest that will set your smart casual, very smart. Start with basic colours like a classic navy or black unstructured blazer, which can easily match with any other items in your wardrobe.
A blazer will keep you in style for a long time, so, make sure to invest in a good quality materials and designs.
Accessories and accents
After mix and matching your combination, and still think that something is missing, then accessories are the thing you require. You can stay consistent with accessories that support your personality and style.
You can choose from belts, smart watches and slim wallets.
5 smart casual brands to know in 2020
When you are going for shopping, first decide what you want and then look for the best items to complete your look. Try to find a complete outfit, rather than just one thing. We don’t recommend to start purchasing from these brands and then specifically finding yourself anything there.
That said, there are few of our personal favourite brands that we recommend. These brands are tried and tested by our teams and stylish too, recommend these brands.
Here is our selection of the 5 best casual attire brands for men.
- Polo Ralph Lauren
- H&M
- Zara
- Hugo Boss
- Tommy Hilfiger
FAQs
Can you wear jeans in smart casual men?
Yes, you can wear jeans in smart casual. That will set your tone for the smart casual look. You can go for neutral or dark colour fitted jeans. Make sure stay away from casual ripped jeans.
How should I dress for a smart interview?
It totally depends upon the company that you going for interview. Research more about the company before going for interview. It’s actually safe to go in business casual, otherwise you can aim for casual business look.
How can I dress smarter?
Start by deciding how you want to look and people perceive you as. Make sure to follow all the steps highlighted in the article above. That will set you on the right path in dressing up for every occasion.
How to wear smart casual for men?
To create a stylish smart casual attire, mix your business casual with casual like try on your black trouser with a grey T-shirt. It’s actually very easy to make a combination from two neutral colours even if they are in different dress codes.
What is smart casual dress code men?
Smart casual attire is a mix of two different dress codes. On one hand, smart includes being dressed-up aesthetic, something formal like shirt and trousers. One the other hand, casual means relaxed, cool, calm and blend of funky. But it has developed a more complexed style trend. This attire is certainly more relaxed than people think. It gives more freedom to experiment on daily basis, on clothing you never thought you are going to match up. Don’t feel stress about any rule, rule is there is no rule, the important thing it should look sophisticated.
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