Men’s style guide: How to do smart-casual right

Finding the perfect outfit for men is probably easier than for women. Most of the time, men can pull off a nice casual outfit or wear something really formal for a special occasion. It’s basically staple attire that will fit all types of events and occasions. But what if an event calls for something in the middle?

It’s not all the time that one goes to a black tie event. At the same time, men are not expected to be dressed in casual jeans and shirts for certain gatherings. So, what to do? Luckily, this is where smart-casual attire comes in. 

Understanding smart-casual

There is no specific definition when it comes to wearing something smart-casual, which means that men can be creative and resourceful with this type of fashion. In a nutshell, smart-casual attire is the marriage between a formal and dressed-down outfit. Basically, one can wear a nice suit or blazer with mens casual shoes. If that’s not already confusing enough, there are also sub-categories of formal and informal smart-casual fashion. Here’s some info to help understand them both.

• Formal smart-casual

A smart-casual outfit can be considered “formal” if one is wearing a blazer paired with smooth trousers, a collared shirt and formal shoes. This type of outfit is often seen at business meetings, client presentations and in the office. Essentially, it’s wearing something comfortable but presentable at the same time.

• Informal smart-casual

Informal smart-casual, on the other hand, is a more modern interpretation of the outfit. This is wearing a combination of jeans, polo shirts and formal or casual shoes. It is often worn at gatherings and events that don’t require a black tie outfit. Basically, it’s a cleaner version of casual attire with a little bit of swag.

Seven quick tips on how to do smart-casual

With an understanding of smart-casual attire, it’s time to prepare a wardrobe to wear it. There are simple yet elegant ways to ensure always being ready to pull off both formal and informal types of smart-casual attire.

1. Mix and match colours

One of the best things about a smart-casual outfit is that it doesn’t have to be monotonous. There’s nothing wrong with wearing complementary shades to add sparkle to attire. For instance, if someone is already wearing dark jeans and a blazer, they can play around with a lighter shade of polo or t-shirt. In that way, the outfit will not look too stiff.

2. Choose the right texture

Choosing the right clothes is often about choosing the right texture. To pull off the perfect smart-casual attire, picking a smoother texture for the clothes’ fabric and design will do the trick. In terms of design or print, it’s best to avoid wearing anything that is too loud or colourful as it defeats the purpose of looking smart. For the fabric, in general, the the smoother fabric the more formal the look.

3. Invest in blazers

The key to a perfect smart casual attire is blazers. Not only will it save some closet space, but it can also instantly change an aura in a matter of seconds. For instance, if an employee comes into the office wearing plain jeans and a shirt because they do not have meetings lined up, but a client comes to visit unexpectedly, instead of looking too casual for the business meeting, all they need to do is put on a blazer and they’ll instantly look professional.

4. Buttoned shirts are important

Another secret to nailing a smart casual attire is wearing button-down shirts. Compared to a regular t-shirt, buttoned ones look more formal and make the wearer look more presentable. A plain t-shirt is often too casual, even if it’s paired with a nice blazer. 

5. Don’t forget the shoes

Of course, it’s necessary to look one’s best from head to toe, and choosing the right shoes will complete any outfit. As much as possible, leather shoes should be carefully paired with a smart-casual outfit. In that way, it will look too dressed-down. However, in cases where only casual shoes are available, wearers just need to make sure to wear closed toes and avoid wearing sneakers.

6. Go for darker jeans

Another tip is to always wear darker jeans. It somehow creates an illusion that one is wearing trousers or slacks, which can also help portray a more formal facade. Wearing lighter shades of jeans, especially ripped ones, can make a person look too casual. To pull off both formal and informal smart-casual attire, it’s best to wear jeans in a darker shade.

7. Confidence is key

Above everything else, everyone should have a little piece of confidence in their pocket. Just as with any outfit worn, it’s important to always feel comfortable and confident. A little swagger will the cherry on top of that outfit!

The editorial unit