How to Nail Smart Casual Style for Men (The Ultimate Guide)

Often considered the most elusive code for men to pin down and definitively describe, the smart casual dress is often misunderstood, sometimes overplayed, but never resolved to obsolescence. Primarily because so many men believe that they have captured the look, there are so many ways in which to describe the look and – depending on your personal sense of style – to achieve it.

The smart casual style is one dress code that has now come as close to the forefront of fashion as it can get without overtaking formal business attire and for many men it is not as easy to ascertain which route to take and many fear of getting it wrong. There are more men who are incorporating the look at work, however; making it all the more important that men learn all the components necessary to master the look. 

This guide was made to help you navigate through the pitfalls and how to confidently assemble smart casual dress for any occasion.

What is a Smart Casual Dress Code?

The definition of smart casual is so relaxed in some and restrained in others, encompassing anything more polished than a tracksuit to just before a formal suit and tie.

It combines elements of well-fitted business wear with more casual options like chinos and dress pants, tees and polos, dark denim, practical footwear, blazers and more. Although you should be comfortable in casual style clothes, the trick is to avoid a look that is too casual and loose-fitting.

With smart casual, men should pair finer quality apparel with great fabrics that are on trend and in style for the occasion. In essence, the smart casual approach is just a notch under a business casual or business professional look.

How to Nail the Smart Casual Aesthetic

The best way to nail the smart casual aesthetic is to swap smart pieces for casual ones and vice versa so that there’s a balance of smart and casual garments in your getup. It takes time, but after a while you get a feel for what’s casual and what leans smart.

A prime example is wearing a sharkskin suit with sneakers. A sharkskin suit is ultra formal, thus smart and a pair of white sneakers are quite casual. That’s a 50/50 balance and thus a perfect smart casual look. This type of contrast in formality allows for it to work. If you’re leaning too far in one direction, it’s not so much a balance of smart casual, but rather just smart or casual.

I’d say, if you have a pretty firm grasp on your personal style and what makes up good style then trust your instincts and use your best judgement. Don’t think too long and hard about it. If it feels right, it probably is and vice versa.

In the end smart casual has been said to be a mood or an attitude rather than just the amalgamation of individual articles of clothing.

As a refresher, I put together some bullet points on dressing taller and some key elements of smart casual style.

The Key Elements of Smart Casual Style

• Emphasis on tailoring
• High-low aesthetic (e.g. trainers & sharkskin suit)
• Embrace simplicity and minimalism
• Dark color schemes (lean more formal and thus smart)
• Texture (wool, tweed, flannel, linen)
• The blazer (single easiest way to smarten up a casual look)

How to Wear Smart Casual Style

The fact that casual dress codes have moving markers requires that men constantly stay up to date on where the goalposts are in order to avoid the pratfalls that are associated with the look.

Some of the consistent points to remember with dressing smart casual is that it is more important to consider the pieces that you wearing and how you can pair them together to achieve the look you are aspiring to. Even with this approach, however, there are some do’s and don’t that come with wearing the smart casual style.

Smart Casual Do’s

1. Do ask for assistance

There is no shame in requesting help if needed, and that is where we come in as well as personal shoppers that can assist you in starting out. It does not cost a fortune to look good and men that ask the tough questions now will save themselves from mistakes down the road.

2. Dress up, not down

When in doubt, you should always be above the fray as opposed to below it. That means dressing up so that you stand out for all the good reasons. It is always easier to take one thing off when overdressed than to solve a sartorial snafu with minimal attire.

3. Find your fit

This is arguably the best approach to the smart casual style as how you wear your trousers, blazers and shirts together can make or break an outfit. Once you have found the proper fit, remember your sizing and use it as a safeguard to maintaining proper smart casual protocol.

4. Know the value of blazers

Men should always have on standby a neutral colored blazer that has been tailored to perfection that can effortlessly take you from smart to business casual and even out of the office into the evening.

5. Loving and living in layers

The more diversified your casual style is, there more options you have in your arsenal. Even the novice dresser can put together a number of looks with simply a pair of chinos paired with a button-down long-sleeved shirt and a knit blazer.

Men that keep their casual style as cool, calm and collected as possible are more likely to win out and be able to transition well if the time comes. Remember that the smart casual look is primarily about taking basic pieces and slightly upgrading them with the addition of smart pieces that add a layer of sophistication.

Smart Casual Don’ts

1. Forego the flash

For men that may have an inclination to go grand, smart casual style should not be overly flashy and should instead incorporate more classic understated attire that fits well.

2. Don’t go too casual

There is a tendency in some men to underperform in creating the casual style of dress, and it is important to respect the delicate balance in place and avoid pieces that are improperly cut or include the wrong fabrics. Dress up to dress down is the route to go here.

3. 86 the athletics

Leave the windbreaker, jogging pants, and running parkas in the closet for another occasion. Smart casual style is for the office, not the gym.

4. No tie necessary

Smart casual style almost demands that no tie be worn, so don’t kill the look with a stuffy tie. Go the informal route and feel confident in knowing a collar is enough for this aesthetic.

5. The long and short of shorts

You can wear shorts for a smart casual style, but for this look, don’t wear board shorts, cargo shorts, swim trunks, or any other ill-fitting shorts that extend below the knees.

Men that adhere to these unwritten rules to smart casual style will stay well within the boundaries of the style. Also, be sure to have arms covered as short sleeves are acceptable, but sleeveless is out of bounds. And last but certainly not least, no flip-flops, athletic sneakers, or any other type of open-toed shoewear.

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Smart Casual Stalwarts

The greatest benefit to a casual style dress code is that there are a broad range of options to play around with that work with anyone’s wardrobe and can are easily attainable. To get there, these are the smart casual separates that every man should have in their wardrobe.

Blazers and Sports Jackets

A blazer is a quintessential piece of every man’s wardrobe and works great for creating a smart casual look with minimal effort. Invest in a quality sports jacket that offers a relaxed fit that can be paired effortlessly with other items in your collection.

Oxford Shirt

Another staple men should have in their collection is a well-fitted Oxford shirt that is relaxed enough for casual style. The classic white Oxford should serve as the foundation for the beginning of your casual style, and from there you can add the colors that speak to your personality.

As a structured shirt that can be tucked in or out, an Oxford shirt looks great in a number of ways and can be dressed up or down under sweater, with a blazer or tailored trousers.

Chinos

Starting with khaki and beige tones, chinos are another essential element in achieving the smart casual look and can be mixed up in several comfortable and stylish choices. Chinos can also be worn at several lengths depending on the season, from a high cut on the ankle or the more traditional quarter break.

Denim

The best denim selections for a smart casual approach is dark wash or selvedge denim that can be dressed up or down with ease. A relaxed or straight-leg style are great cuts that offer a polished appearance across all seasons.

Shorts

Smart casual shorts should be tailored and at the knee for the most effective approach. Avoid board shorts, cargo shorts, or any styles that go below the knee. The best fabrics to pull off the smart casual style are cotton or cotton-blend, with solid and muted tones the best to mix and match, although patterns can also help to achieve a great look.

Footwear

Finding the right shoes can make or break a smart casual look, and can be a dicey area where some men may need more assistance. One great trend that works for a comfortable casual vibe is high-end sneakers in a muted, minimalist tone that go with everything. Of course, black is the best and most obvious choice, but dark blue and chocolate brown tones also are effective.

An even smarter option is the leather Oxford, which pairs well with tailored chinos or a suit. Other shoes that work well with the smart casual approach include derbies, Chelsea boots and chukkas. Footwear that is classic and refined awards you more versatility when it comes to pairing with your separates for a crisp, clean casual style.

Tees and Polo Shirts

T-shirts are an essential piece of clothing in a man’s wardrobe, and aside from the classic white, casual dress can involve other hues that can be mixed and matched with a light blazer or styled underneath a polo shirt, which also come in an array of colors and patterns.

Accessories

For the smart casual style, a tie is not necessary, but there are plenty of other that can support your look. Men that are connoisseurs of style understand that smart casual dress codes are an opportunity to play up their individual sense of style and accessories play a role in creating a look.

Start with a nice leather or woven belt, then go from there with a range of options including a pocket square for a blazer, some pieces of statement jewelry, and sunglasses that suit your personality. Sunglasses are a great option that can transition easily from the workplace to the office. Invest in darker shades that have an understated, yet bold look that can elevate an outfit.

Great Smart Casual Style Examples

With the right combinations, any man can achieve a smart casual style that fits any occasion. The following are some of the smart casual styles that men can add to their already compiled range of options.

Military Man

Pair some neutral or muted tone trousers with a cropped field shirt and trucker jacket for smart casual daywear.

Yacht Style

White trousers, a cuffed, long-sleeve open collar white shirt under a blazer and boat shoes are perfect for a day on a boat.

Beach Modern

Tapered, yet relaxed drawstring trousers, a short sleeve button up shirt and sandals are an elevated take on beach style that is a cool casual touch.

Uptown Casual

For a late afternoon or early evening, slim dark jeans with a pattered sweatshirt, color blocked scarf, and a suede bomber jacket and Chelseas is an easy look for men to pull off.

Late Evening Set

A later evening smart casual outfit that works consists of a pair of wool trousers, a dark blazer in primary colors and a checkered shirt over a turtleneck sweater.

Winter Smarts

For the colder months, men have a broader range of options, including this look that includes wool trousers, a thick cotton polo shirt and a tailored pea coat.

Sleek Monochrome

Attempt wearing a sleek black trench or peacoat and black slim fit chinos or jeans with Chelsea boots and a dark shaded sweater, a look that passes the smart casual style edicts. Monochrome is always a versatile and smart choice.

Sunday Elegance

Another more upscale approach to smart casual style is olive tailored slacks pair with a white button-down shirt, a blue fitted blazer and suede bit loafers. No tie necessary, and socks? Optional. Can’t forget the accessories.

Slippery Smart Casual

Every man should have a trench coat in their wardrobe, and for the smart casual style, pairing one with some dark wash denim and a striped shirt that pops with color is a great look for spring.

Alternative Casual Style

A sure winner is pairing jeans or chinos, a basic t-shirt or sweatshirt and a bold colored bomber for a different approach to smart casual that works for informal occasions.

Smart Shorts Casual

It is possible to take on the smart casual style in shorts for the spring and summer months. Pair plated shorts that run between the lower thigh and knee with a tucked in t-shirt or polo and smart neutral-toned loafers or sandals.

Blazer & Rollneck

A great smart casual look that is easy for men to incorporate into their range of options consists of a pair of woolen trousers and a rollneck and blazer with a pair of double monkstraps. Keep the fit dark for effortless elegance.

Blazer & Jeans

Another popular choice that most men gravitate towards are pairing a dark denim with a bold blazer for a great evening look.

Suit & Tee

Combining suit separates with a thin cotton t-shirt and white kicks is an effortless approach to the smart casual style.

Bad Smart Casual Style Examples

Here are some bad examples of the smart casual aesthetic that you’ll want to avoid.

Joggers and Tank Top

Even if you pair this look with understated trainers, it’s not the look you should be going for with smart casual. This is barely athleisurewear.

Distressed Denim with Polo Shirt

Denim that has been flayed and sliced has no home in the smart casual style and even if paired with a nice polo shirt, they miss the mark.

Board Shorts with T-shirt

Board shorts are for more informal occasions like the beach or the park, so board shorts paired with a t-shirt are too casual to be considered for the smart casual style.

Track Pants with Polo

Since track pants are relegated to sportswear and athleisurewear, wearing them for a smart casual event is clearly an indicator that you have not understood the assignment completely.

Where & When to Wear Smart Casual

Aside from the office, there are many other places that the smart casual style is appropriate, and knowing when and where to incorporate it is imperative for men that want to elevate their look.

For initial encounters or business interviews, a smart casual style is a great point of entry and with the right combination, demonstrates in a subtle way that you understand an assignment. For evening activities or cocktail parties in a business setting, opt for a smart casual style unless specifically requested for another dress code. Remember that smart casual style leans on transition, and in order to pull it off with ease, have enough layers on hand that you can go move up or down with the addition or removal of one piece.

Aside from wearing smart casual style dress at the office, the look is obviously meant to serve as a traditional style that can take you from work to the streets with ease. For office functions that are off-site, the smart casual style also works as it is a perfect look for daytime meetings in the city or afternoon conferences where clients must be seen throughout the day. Basically, the casual style should be elevated enough for the office, yet casual enough to run errands wherever they may be.

The Science of Smart Casual

If you still are having doubts about how to classify the smart casual style, another way to stay in the right lane is to remember that the more detailing is on clothes, the more casual it typically is. That includes more color, more patterns, pockets and more. The general rule of thumb is to veer towards a more minimalist approach to design in order to meet the dress code requested.

Although a pink shirt can be included in smart casual wear, a crisp, white shirt is even more suited to the style as it looks more polished and formal. The colors that are classified as more neutral include, black, white, navy, olive and tan. Dark solids particularly working exceptionally well.

While trends can be worn for a great smart casual outfit, it is best to avoid the most blatantly loud ones that may not be in line with the occasion at hand. As with any other look, it is not about the individual piece, but the sum of the parts in order to elevate the versatility of the look.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can jeans be worn as smart casual?

Of course you can incorporate jeans into a smart casual style, but the trick is to adhere to denim that looks more upscale and less like urban casual attire. Jeans are arguably one of the more popular smart casual styles that work well with dark-colored jeans and a complementary blazer. Avoid frayed or ripped jeans as they do not adhere to the dress code.

How should I dress for an interview that dictates a smart casual dress code?

It generally depends on the industry, but by and large, the smart casual approach is the minimum style to opt for in situations like this. When in doubt, opt for a more formal business style that includes a full suit and tie.

Is a t-shirt smart casual?

A t-shirt is classified under smart casual, but those that do should offer a proper fit that looks great whether tucked or untucked in your trousers. Additionally, ensure that the t-shirt is a muted color and is constructed of premium cotton or cotton-blend fabrics.

Are polo shirts considered smart casual?

As long as they are not too brightly colored or feature loud prints or patterns, short or long-sleeve polo shirts in muted dark colors are great to pair with dark denim or chinos for a smart casual look.

Where would you wear smart casual clothing?

In addition to being appropriate for the office, smart casual is a popular choice for cocktail parties and casual after-work events. When in doubt about what falls within the lines of good taste, add a layer or two that can be removed once you arrive and are able to assess the dress of other men in the room.

I love smart casual style because it’s one of the few styles that you can wear almost anywhere and be appropriately dressed.

I think it’s imperative to dress for the occasion, in fact I believe that it’s the most important element of timeless style. When you’re not dressed for the occasion, you look ill-prepared no matter how presentable you may appear.