The smart casualdress codecan be tricky to decipher;smartandcasual, must be mutually exclusive, surely? Like matter and anti-matter, how can they possibly co-exist? The trick to perfecting the look is all about maintaining balance, so that the two elements work in synergy rather than competing against each other. The Yin to each other’s Yang.
First, let’s take a look at the history. The term ‘smart casual’ dates back to 1924, after an Iowa newspaper used it to review a woman’s dress and its ‘various interpretations’. From this suitably woolly origin the term has, over the years, somehow managed to avoid any further clarification, signifying basically anything that looks presentable but not formal, laid-back but not scruffy. Today it has managed to secure a place in the lexicon as the ubiquitous, but still no less vague, dress code for the majority of modern invitations. Still confused? You’re not alone. Read on for how to make this widely misunderstood dress code work for you.
Tip 1: Think versatile
The ‘rules’ aroundtraditional dress codes are becoming obsolete, with the likes of morning dress and black tie being replaced by smart casual for everything from weddings to work to dinner parties. Because of this, versatility is key: build out a wardrobe of multi-tasking separates like blazers, slim-fit trousers, classicknitwear and leather shoes that you can mix and match with more casual pieces to cater for all the invitations coming your way.
Tip 2: If in doubt, start smart
When attending any event it’s generally better to aim for the smarter end of the spectrum. Layers can always be lost, blazers taken off and trouser hems rolled up to make your outfit instantly more casual, but it’s much harder to quickly smarten up a super casual outfit.
Tip 3: Consider context
What you wear will be defined by the context of the occasion in question: you wouldn’t show up to a wedding in trainersin the same way that you wouldn’t wear a suit to watch a game of football. Tailor your outfit according to the setting, paring back a suit with a rollneck for an informal work lunch, or swapping your blazer for a bomber for a first date.
Tip 4: Build a smart-casual capsule
The key pieces you need for everyone’s favourite dress code? It’s all about making some clever shopping choices. Read on for six pieces to have in your arsenal, plus how to style them for the perfect smart casual look…
1. The wear-anywhere jacket
As far asouterwearis concerned, it’s all about investing in pieces that’ll work for a multitude of occasions. From a navy overcoat paired with tailored trousers and a chunky jumper for an important meeting, to lightweight denimjackets for a weekend lunch.
2. The unstructured blazer
The unstructured blazer has taken centre stage as a must-have for all occasions. From work trips to family dinners, pair this wardrobe hero with everything from an Oxfordshirtand slim leg chinos to a cashmere knit and darkjeans.
£295.00
£319.00£191.40
3. The multi-tasking trouser
In the leg department you are looking for trousers that can be styled with your current rotation of basics. To stay on-trend, pick dark jeans or utility-inspired chinos and pair with a classic grey sweatshirt, hi-top trainers and a tailored overcoat.
4. The white trainer
Trainersnow have their place as much in the boardroom as they do the pub. Choose awhitecolourway that you’ll keep box fresh and wear with a suit, rollneck and overcoator your favourite loungewear.
5. The everyday shirt
The Oxford shirt is the very definition of smart casual, acting as a hybrid between a polo or rugby shirt and a dress shirt. Wear it tucked in with chinos, monk shoes and a Harrington jacket for a sleek silhouette, or leave it untucked withjeans andtrainers.
£29.00
6. The classic knit
The right knit, sweatshirt or cardigan has the ability to change the definition of your outfit. Add a touch of tradition by pairing an on-trend cardiganwith tailored trousers for a relaxed wedding outfit, or wear a deconstructed blazer and jeans with a slim-fit rollneckfor a birthday dinner.
£55.00
£79.95
£99.00
£55.00
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