Guys have been confused by ‘smart casual’ ever since couples started putting it on engagement party invites. Which is fair enough. There’s kind of a contradiction there, right? How can something be both smart and casual, or casual and smart? Can you wear a blazer? What about a tie? Boots, loafers or Oxfords? Are sneakers okay? And what the heck does ‘business casual dress code’ mean anyway?
First thing you should know: the smart casual dress code isn’t one fixed outfit. Smart casual men come in a variety of styles, and they all fall under the same umbrella. It’s a bit fuzzy. Tuxedos are out, and so are sweat pants, but most things in the middle are fair game. It all depends on styling. In this article, we’re going to break down the difference between ‘casual’, ‘smart casual’ and ‘business casual’, to clear up any confusion. This is How To Dress Smart Casual (for dummies).
Ah, smart casual dress code. Our old nemesis. So what is smart casual exactly? Mr Porter famously said it encompasses “pretty much anything smarter than a tracksuit, but less formal than a suit.” And that’s still the best definition going around. The smart casual dress code is a spectrum, a range, which goes all the way from ‘jeans and a polo’ to ‘dress chinos, brogues and knit blazer’. Which is handy. It means it’s very hard to make a mistake here. Whatever you wear will probably be ‘smart casual’, whether you intended it that way or not.
For smart casual attire, you want to take your casual wardrobe and just elevate it slightly. Instead of sneakers, try loafers, Chelsea boots or Derby shoes (Oxfords are borderline, but can work with the right outfit). Instead of your weekend kick-about jeans, try dark denim with a sharp double cuff. Instead of a t-shirt and hoodie, go for the button-up shirt and blazer combo. The idea is to look suave and put-together, like you’ve made some conscious effort. Think about it this way: would your outfit go better with an Old Fashioned or a Pepsi Max? If you’re leaning towards Pepsi Max, you might be more ‘casual’ than ‘smart casual’.
If you’re ever invited to an event with a ‘casual’ dress code, you have some very chill friends indeed. This is pretty uncommon, especially for engagement parties and weddings, and it basically means “wear whatever you want”.
Having said that, you still need to read the room. If you’re attending a ‘casual’ wedding, thongs and board shorts are probably still pushing your luck (a ‘casual’ barbecue, on the other hand, go for your life). For most guys, ‘casual’ is just going to mean jeans, sneakers or Chukka boots, and a basic t-shirt. But don’t discount more adventurous footwear styles, like boat shoes or driving shoes. They can really elevate the basic casual look, especially if everyone else is slouching around in old trainers. The BECKETT, BALFORT 2.0 and DECO 2.0 are all good places to start.
Just to throw another spanner in the works, there’s men’s business casual. This pops up from time to time on company event invites, but don’t get confused. Business casual dress code just means ‘smart casual’ – but for work, not play. That means you can ditch the corporate suit. Focus instead on separates: chinos and a contrast suit jacket; dark denim and a knit blazer; loafers without socks; button-up shirts without the tie.
When it comes to business casual footwear, you’ve got a lot to choose from. Leather Oxfords, like the GORDON are probably a bit too fancy, but everything else goes: penny loafers, Chelsea boots, suede Chukkas, Derby shoes, ankle boots etc. Try our DEXTER, Chelseas in brown, if you don’t know where to start. The only other rule is no sneakers – they don’t quite fit the ‘business casual’ vibe. Again, think sophisticated but playful. Nothing too starchy or corporate. This is ‘smart casual’ meets the office.
Short answer: they can be. It depends on the jeans. Light wash denim with holes in the knees and a torn hem probably isn’t smart casual. But some nice dark indigo jeans with a double cuff and contrast stitching definitely qualify. To style these, try a simple button up shirt and either some Chelsea boots (like the HARLEY) or some woven TREY slip-ons (these are perfect for summer). Smart casual jeans also work great with Chukka boots. We recommend something with a rounded toe and mid ankle profile, like the BECKETT or the BRODY. Try these with some mid-wash denim, grey crew tee and a linen shirt.
We’re mostly talking about belts here, but smart casual dress code can also apply to watches, sunglasses and any other accessories. As with your clothes, you want to elevate things…but not too far. A woven camel DEN leather belt? Perfect. A patent FARON belt with a silver buckle? Probably a bit much. Try to pick smart casual accessories that match your shoes. That means brown with brown leather, and black with black.
You can wear sunglasses to smart casual events, but only if they’re outside (sunnies inside belongs back in 2005). For a watch, there’s no need to bust out the expensive yellow gold dress watch, but a sharp diver, vintage watch or field watch works great. Lastly, bags. You shouldn’t really rock up to a smart casual event with a bag, but if you have to, make it a leather satchel, like the HUGO, and stash it somewhere when the party begins. Making small talk with a bag on your shoulder is sort of bad form.
FAQs
For smart casual attire, you want to take your casual wardrobe and just elevate it slightly. Instead of sneakers, try loafers, Chelsea boots or Derby shoes (Oxfords are borderline, but can work with the right outfit). Instead of your weekend kick-about jeans, try dark denim with a sharp double cuff.
What does a smart casual dress code mean? ›
Smart casual attire is a professional dress style that blends trendy pieces with a clean, semi-formal appearance, making it an excellent choice for your professional wardrobe.
Can you wear jeans in smart casual? ›
Versatile pieces such as skirts, jeans, and blouses can be paired with other items in your wardrobe to create a smart casual look. Some examples of this type of clothing include: trousers and skirts; tops; and dresses. Trousers, including chinos and jeans work well with a blouse or jacket.
Are sneakers allowed for smart casual? ›
Can you wear sneakers for a smart-casual dress code? Yes, you can wear sneakers as part of a smart-casual dress code for women, men and gender-neutral styles. You can pair sneakers with jeans, khakis and chinos. You may even wear sneakers with some skirts for a more athletic smart-casual look for women.
What is smart casual wear for ladies? ›
Items it's worth considering for smart casual are: dresses - especially a midi or knee-length style, jumpsuits, culottes, jeans (although ideally not heavily ripped ones), shirts, blouses, striped tops, smart knitwear, blazers, biker jackets, chunky heels, trainers and smart flat shoes like brogues or pumps.
What can't you wear for smart casual? ›
Bright colors are acceptable, but use color sparingly to avoid creating a look that's too casual. Avoid cotton T-shirts or tops with large-printed graphics or slogans. Bottoms: Pants like chinos, silk pants, or dress pants are a great choice for a smart casual look.
What is smart casual for a man? ›
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 with jeans and trainers.
What is the difference between casual and smart casual? ›
Casual is the most relaxed, focusing on comfort and simple style. Smart casual is the middle ground, offering a blend of casual ease and a touch of formality. Business casual is more polished, suitable for professional environments while still being less formal than traditional business wear.
What shoes to wear for smart casual? ›
Leather Oxfords, like the GORDON are probably a bit too fancy, but everything else goes: penny loafers, Chelsea boots, suede Chukkas, Derby shoes, ankle boots etc. Try our DEXTER, Chelseas in brown, if you don't know where to start. The only other rule is no sneakers – they don't quite fit the 'business casual' vibe.
Can skinny jeans be smart casual? ›
Skinny jeans are much more accepted as smart casual attire for women than they are for men, with 55% saying they can be worn.
Smart casual is a less formal extension to business casual. While business casual is great for the office and meetings, smart casual is for everything outside of work. Unless you work in a very informal environment.
Are leggings smart casual? ›
Drumroll, please – are leggings appropriate for business casual? The verdict is a solid yes! With a touch of thoughtful styling, leggings can easily slide into the business casual arena, offering a versatile and comfortable alternative to traditional office wear.
Can I wear sandals for smart casual? ›
Do wear smart shoes. You don't have to wear heels but stick to sandals, pumps or smart boots to elevate your look. If you want to wear jeans, opt for dark washes and clean cuts. If in doubt, keep it classic!
What does smart casual dress code look like? ›
Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.
What is the dress length for smart casual? ›
Smart casual attire for women has probably only one rule for dresses – make them at least above the knee length. Get your favorite dress from the wardrobe, combine it with espadrilles or clean, white elegant sneakers, and you have got yourself one of the most comfortable outfits possible.
Are cardigans smart casual? ›
Jackets, blazers or cardigans: You can wear a professional jacket, sports jacket, blazer or cardigan for smart casual. You have the option for more colours, depending on the outfit. You can wear colours like red, blue, green and tan.
Can I wear T-shirt for smart casual? ›
A t-shirt can be smart casual. Choose a crew-neck style in a high-quality material. Avoid prints and style untucked with the hem just on the beltline. Tuck the t-shirt in if wearing pleated tailored trousers.
Can you wear shorts for smart casual? ›
Can shorts be smart casual? Yes! But there are rules. Shorts should always be tailored, first and foremost.
What is a smart casual dress code party? ›
The smart casual dress code lies between formal and relaxed, meaning a midi dress is perfect for any smart casual event. A midi dress effortlessly sits between the casual mini dress and the show-stopping floor-length maxi. Try a knee-length or midi tea dress for the perfect smart casual day dress option.
