Smart Casual For Men - Dress Code Guide & Outfit Inspiration - Styles of Man

2022-02-05 14:44 Smart Casual for Men: Dress Code Guide & Outfit Inspiration • Styles of Man
STYLES OF MAN 
Smart Casual for

Men: Dress Code
Guide & Outfit
Inspiration
https://www.stylesofman.com/men-smart-casual-dress-code-guide/ 1/19
Smart casual practically shrouds itself in ambiguity. We see or hear it

all the time, but too many guys have questions about the men’s
smart casual dress code. When do I wear smart casual? Are jeans
smart casual? What even is smart casual for men? We’re here to help
you understand the nuances of smart casual attire and to nail the
look.
What is Smart Casual Attire?

At its most basic form, smart casual style essentially bridges the gap
between casual wear and business casual.
(https://www.stylesofman.com/business-casual-for-men/) It’s become
the go-to dress code for many startups, tech firms, and even some
corporate offices.
Why? Smart casual attire retains a clean, semi-professional veneer

while encouraging the individual to express themselves accordingly.
Though versatile in nature, smart casual varies by culture, climate,
occasion, or your Zodiac sign (kidding on the last one, but you get the
idea).
Think of smart casual as put-together, but

“neat, conventional, not over the top. As vague as that may sound,
yet relatively we’ll break down everything you’ll need to
informal in style” know about creating a versatile wardrobe,
creating outfits, and mastering the dress
code.
Difference Between Smart Casual x
and Business Casual
x
Though similar in some aspects, the smart casual dress code differs
quite a bit from business casual and even more so from men’s
cocktail attire (https://www.stylesofman.com/cocktail-attire-men/). For
starters, business casual is objectively more formal with fewer
opportunities to break away from the traditional office uniform. Funky
ties aside, business wear confines itself to a neutral long sleeve
collared shirt, chinos or khakis, and leather oxfords or brogues. It
doesn’t get much more basic than this.
When it comes to smart casual, think of it as a more flexible extension

of business casual. We’re presented with far more avenues of self-
expression, both in range of appropriate clothing and styling as well.
For instance, a T-shirt would never fly in more formal styles, but
layering it underneath a fitted blazer or overshirt works well in smart
casual. Elevating casual garments through purposeful, cohesive
pairings is the smart casual ethos summed up.
Smart Casual Dress Code for Men: Do’s and

Don’ts
Do try to avoid any eye-catching logos or branding Do make sure your clothing
is clean and wrinkle-free
Do layer efficiently based on the weather
Do pay attention to the fabric of each garment
Do know the different types of collared shirts, as fabric, cut, and length makes
all the difference
Don’t wear shorts or pants with excess pockets
Don’t go for graphics or loud patterns
Don’t wear anything too restricting or baggy
Don’t wear a suit jacket in place of a blazer
Smart Casual Shirts
When it comes to shirting, your best bet will be the tried-and-true

long sleeve button down. Since this dress code leans more relaxed,
ditch the tie and unfasten the top shirt button. For chillier days, opt
for a thinner wool sweater, cardigan, or blazer (not a suit jacket) over
your shirt. If going the blazer route, we’d recommend an unstructured
blazer, which has no added shoulder padding.
More layers mean more opportunity to weave your personal style into
your men’s smart casual outfit. Simple patterns and textured fabrics
can add depth to an otherwise plain outfit, but don’t go
overboard. No single garment should be too eye-catching, so avoid
any “statement” pieces.
Our current go-to shirt is definitely the slim fit button-down

(https://www.pjatr.com/t/8-10268-192584-125204?
website=297778&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mottandbow.com%2Fme
ns-shirts) from Mott & Bow, which is perfect for smart casual men.
At the center of all men’s shirting stands the standard collared shirt, a
great starting point for creating men’s smart casual outfits. While
polos, short sleeve button-ups, and T-shirts can make their way into
some definitions of smart casual, a long-sleeve button-down shirt
remains the safest bet.
As far as fabrics go, few restrictions exist for smart casual for men.
Broadcloth, oxford cloth, linen, twill, chambray, and herringbone can
all do the job and do it well.
Button-up Versus Button-Down Shirts

Though often used interchangeably, button-up and button-down
shirts do differ in both construction and formality. More formal dress
codes require button-up shirts, which refer to a shirt that uses a
placket of buttons to fasten the front. A button-down shirt takes this
one step further by having buttons that fasten the collar to the body
of the shirt.
Button-up shirts often have inserts woven in each side of the collar for x
metal or plastic collar stays, which keep the collar rigid and proper.
For smart casual attire for men, we’d recommend a button-down shirt
as they’re more casual in nature and come in more options. An oxford
cloth button-down (OCBD if you’re a hip, acronym-slingin’
trendsetter) should be a good starting point for most outfits. The
bottom hems of button-down shirts run on the shorter side, so no
need to tuck it into your pants.
Outerwear
Seasons change [citation needed], so cooler weather means layered
outfits.
Blazers are a tried-and-true jacket choice to elevate nearly any look. x

Though far from optimal for inclement weather, blazer jackets can
dress up a smart casual outfit all while combatting blasting AC units
inside
inside. x
More casual outerwear options include overshirts, Harrington jackets,

peacoats, mac coats, and quilted jackets. Avoid flashy nylon bomber
jackets, bright parkas, or that leather double rider jacket that’s two
sizes too big on you. Mosty everything else is fair game.
Overshirt from A Day’s March
Now, outerwear – as its name suggests – is meant to be worn outside,

so lugging around a thick peacoat all day isn’t always practical.
Layering on a merino wool sweater or cardigan can be a smart way
cut down on bulky outerwear. Dress smarter, not more.
Pants
Aside from keeping you out of HR’s office, your trousers bridge the
visual gap between your footwear and shirt. Chinos, wool trousers,
and dress pants comprise the vast majority of smart casual outfits.
While denim is a no-go for business casual attire, dark denim is x

perfectly acceptable in the smart casual dress code. If going the jeans
route, avoid any sort of distressing or ornamentation. A small cuff
with selvedge denim is perfectly fine
with selvedge denim is perfectly fine. x
Fabric composition is essential when selecting the right pair of pants.

Breathability, drape, wrinkle-resistance, and comfort all differ
between different fabrics. Though lightweight and breathable, linen
wrinkles easily. Cotton is inexpensive and widely available but absorbs
moisture.
For warmer weather, opt for linen, cotton, or lightweight denim.

Cooler weather options include wool, moleskin, cotton, or thicker
jeans.
Avoid any pants that look too baggy or skinny. Men’s smart casual
attire in 2019 favors a slimmer cut, so choose your pants accordingly.
As always, fit is more important than price or quality. A well-fitting,
$10 pair of pants from Uniqlo goes way farther than something that’s
$100 and fits like a tent.
Smart Casual Shoes

When it comes to smart casual for men, we have quite a few footwear
options at our disposal. From low-profile sneakers to chelsea boots
(https://www.stylesofman.com/beckett-simonon-review-preston-
chelsea-boots/) to dressier options like derbies, the range of footwear
spans far and wide.
Minimalist, logo-less (skip the Swoosh) sneakers are likely the safest
and most versatile bet when it comes to creating smart casual outfits.
For sneakers, neutral colors like white, black, brown, or grey will work
best in most circumstances. Smart casual sneakers should be “dressy”
in the sense that they’re both physically and aesthetically clean. x

Leather or suede will look the best, but often come at higher price
tags.
A more formal take on footwear, leather boots work very well for the
men’s smart casual dress code. Traditional lace-up boots, chukkas, or
Chelsea boots can elevate your look where sneakers often fall short,
just be sure to leave the Timbs at home.
Men’s Smart Casual Outfits

We now know what individual components
You have important make up the men’s smart casual dress code,
things to say. Don’t but combining them into cohesive outfits is
let your outfit do it another feat entirely. As a whole, smart
for you. casual attire leans towards the darker,
monochrome end of the color spectrum,
championing subdued colors over brighter
colors more typically found in casualwear.
Remember that at its core, smart casual is a type of uniform. Your

goal isn’t to stick out with the coolest and most avant-garde outfit.
Whether you’re meeting with the project manager or grabbing drinks
with your Tinder date, an outfit accentuates one thing and one thing
only: you.
Green sweater adds a pop of color to an otherwise toned-down look.

Wool textures work very well here.
Monochrome done right. A tucked-in Breton stripe tee adds depth and
personality to the outfit while the cropped trousers convey a more
casual look.
A simple take on the blazer and T-shirt look. We’d like some looser pants,
but a great men’s smart casual outfit nonetheless.
A great example of a smart casual outfit equipped for colder weather.

While the sweater generates the most warmth, the coat adds both wind-
resistance and a touch of class. The colors are subdued, but the outfit is
far from boring.
Clean & minimal, this men’s outfit adds character with GAT shoes and
brown sweater while the overcoat offers texture and warmth. Photo
credit: @wouterkaan (https://instagram.com/wouterkaan)
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(https://www.stylesofman.com/business-
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2022-02-05 14:44 Smart Casual for Men: Dress Code Guide & Outfit Inspiration • Styles of Man

Smart Casual for

Smart casual practically shrouds itself in ambiguity. We see or hear it

What is Smart Casual Attire?

Why? Smart casual attire retains a clean, semi-professional veneer

Think of smart casual as put-together, but

Difference Between Smart Casual x

and Business Casual

When it comes to smart casual, think of it as a more flexible extension

Smart Casual Dress Code for Men: Do’s and

Smart Casual Shirts

When it comes to shirting, your best bet will be the tried-and-true

Our current go-to shirt is definitely the slim fit button-down

Button-up Versus Button-Down Shirts

Blazers are a tried-and-true jacket choice to elevate nearly any look. x

More casual outerwear options include overshirts, Harrington jackets,

Overshirt from A Day’s March

Now, outerwear – as its name suggests – is meant to be worn outside,

While denim is a no-go for business casual attire, dark denim is x

with selvedge denim is perfectly fine. x

Fabric composition is essential when selecting the right pair of pants.

For warmer weather, opt for linen, cotton, or lightweight denim.

Smart Casual Shoes

in the sense that they’re both physically and aesthetically clean. x

Men’s Smart Casual Outfits

Remember that at its core, smart casual is a type of uniform. Your

Green sweater adds a pop of color to an otherwise toned-down look.

A great example of a smart casual outfit equipped for colder weather.

You might like these other popular posts too

© 2016-2022 Styles of Man

Ezoic (https://www.ezoic.com/what-is-ezoic/) report this ad

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