How to dress smart casual

What is smart casual?

To summarize the description in one sentence, smart casual is slightly less formal than business casual. The dress code includes appropriate and well-fitting pieces suitable for most types of occasions while being more put-together than a casual outfit. The term itself also gives a hint; you're supposed to look smart and casual, but not too casual. Dressing smart casual also gives you the freedom to experiment with different materials, structures, and colors.

Quick guide: Wardrobe essentials for work

Parker, white
White t-shirt

4.5/5

NZD 89

  NZD 89

Parker, white
White t-shirt

4.5/5

NZD 89

  NZD 89

Smart casual and its history

Although the precise origin of the term smart casual is hard to find, it's been used throughout the last century, with the term starting to describe menswear in the 1950s. It's often associated with the business casual dress code. Back then, business casual was for work and smart casual for, well, not work. As of now, both dress codes can be worn to more formal places, such as to the office, as long as dressing smart casual means looking clean and well-dressed.

 

Winston, red
Dark red flannel shirt

4.8/5

NZD 159

  NZD 159

 

Sherwood, burgundy
Burgundy flannel shirt

4.9/5

NZD 139

  NZD 139

 

Winston, red
Dark red flannel shirt

4.8/5

NZD 159

  NZD 159

 

Sherwood, burgundy
Burgundy flannel shirt

4.9/5

NZD 139

  NZD 139

How to dress smart casual

So, how do you appropriately dress smart-casual? Smart casual styles are more guided by intentions rather than social convention. The keywords here aren't what you'd typically look for. You don't need a particular tie, shoes, or a specific suit brand. Instead, an outfit consisting of a crisp t-shirt underneath a polished blazer along with perfectly fitted jeans is what you're looking for here.

Darker colors tend to be viewed as more formal, which is why it's a smart choice to go with black, gray, and navy as a base in your smart casual outfits. A navy blazer on top of a sleek t-shirt works every time. If done right, a smart casual outfit can work both in business casual, casual and dressed up environments. As stated earlier, wearing smart casual is a feeling and intention. When you're all dressed, you should get that feeling that people are going to think you look really, really good. Don't be afraid to experiment with different structures, weaves and colors. Does your outfit seem too casual? Swap out the jeans for a pair of well-fitted chinos. Do you feel too dressed up? A more casual shoe or a t-shirt in a light color will do the trick.

We’re hoping you feel a bit more wiser after reading this article, and most importantly, inspired to go out and try the smart casual style for yourself! Remember, the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, but a perfect fit never really hurt anyone.

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