One of the hardest things to do is determine what each type of clothing style means when you’re invited to an event. If you get an invitation where the dress code says it’s black tie, you know that that means to wear a tuxedo. If somebody tells you it’s semi formal, it’s pretty easy to lean on the fact that a suit and tie is going to be a good idea. But what do you do when somebody says smart casual?
The business casual category is so much more ambiguous because for some people business casual can mean a step down from semi formal, but for others they want to swap that button up dress shirt for something button down, drop the tie or maybe a Tattersall shirt which is not so formal. The look still says professional and dressy, but it’s way more laid back and it’s a step up from wearing jeans and a T shirt. Casual shorts, polo shirts, jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, comfort clothing. But one of the categories that has emerged, which is a bit more of a head scratcher, is smart casual. Let’s explore and define what smart casual is so you know what to dress in next time.
Smart casual is the dress code that balances between formal and casual attire. It’s a style that’s relaxed and comfortable in the same way casual clothing is, but it does look more put together. It’s less professional than business casual, but it’s more professional than running to the corner shop to grab a drink. With smart casual, you’re not dressed up, but you’re not dressed down either. A smart casual outfit will often incorporate things like denim, T-shirts and sneakers, but combine them with dressier items like collared shirts with a jacket. A smart casual outfit could be a pair of loafers, a decent pair of jeans, a shirt, and a jacket. Think open collars – It’s casual, but it’s sharp.
When it comes to mastering smart casual clothing often lies in finding that balance between casual and formal elements a casual base outfit, for example, is a good place to begin and then swap out one or two things. So if you’re wearing denim jeans with a white T-shirt and a pair of sneakers, you could swap the T-shirt for a Tattersall shirt and a pair of loafers, and boom, you are smart casual. Another example is something like khaki pants, which are casual, but when you combine it with a nice button down shirt, more formal. It’s such a simple thing to adjust, but you can create something smart casual that is an ensemble that offers polish and sophistication without sacrificing your comfort.
Layering is an essential styling technique when it comes to dressing smart casually. It allows you to adjust the formality of your outfit easily, and when you layer different pieces, you can create depth and contrast in what you’re wearing. This adds some visual interest.
When you choose your outfits carefully, you can embody that smart casual style with ease.
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