Smart casual dress code for men

Due to its level of formality, there are many interpretations of what a smart dress code is. Smart casual is a great way to stand out while looking great.

Person stepping onto a train while looking back and smiling.

This post contains links to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For more information, read Affiliate Disclosure.

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2019. It’s been freshened up with new pictures and commentary on February 26, 2020.

Contents:

What is smart casual?
Smart casual vs. business casual
Occasions
The right fit
What to wear
Celebrities wearing smart casual outfits
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion

What is smart casual?

A smart casual dress code is a level of dressing between casual and business attire. It originated in the early 1920s and was first mentioned in the Iowa newspaper The Davenport Democrat And Leader, May 1924.

It’s a great way to dress because it allows you to combine pieces of clothing that are in-style so that you look and feel good about what you’re wearing. You’ll also be able to wear more colors since it’s not as strict.

neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code.
Oxford Dictionary

Although it’s more relaxed than business attire, don’t make the mistake of mixing different formalities such as wearing sweatpants with a blazer.

Aside from mixing clothes, you need to be careful with your level of formality. Generally speaking, t-shirts and hoodies are too casual, while suits are too formal.

With the smart casual dress code, t-shirts should be worn underneath a jacket instead of being worn on its own. If you decide to wear a t-shirt, wear one that’s a neutral color and without wrinkles.

The goal is to find the perfect middle ground that makes you look great and feel confident.

Smart casual vs. business casual

When you’re dressing up for an event or work, make sure the dress code is smart casual instead of business casual. It’s common to consider the two as the same, but there are differences.

Related: How to wear chinos

Business casual says no to jeans and sneakers, while smart casual, welcomes them. Smart casual includes casual button-ups and chinos, while business casual mainly sticks to dress shirts and trousers.

If you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to dress up than to dress down.

Occasions

If you have a casual occasion, wear smart casual because it’ll make you stand out. The goal is to look dapper and presentable without being too formal.

It’s the perfect blend of casual and formal. You can wear smart casual attire to the following occasion:

Work, if permitted.
Dinner plans.
Business meeting.
A wedding.
Work functions.
Weekend events.

The right fit

If you wear clothes that are too tight or loose, you won’t look good, and it’ll ruin your outfit. Smart casual is all about neat and well-fitting clothes. Focus on how something fits more than the brand or cost.

Buy clothes that fit and if you can’t find the right size, get your clothes tailored. The right fit will make you look incredible and give you confidence.

What to wear

If you wear this formality often, it’s a good idea to build your wardrobe with neutral colors of the following items.

Remember, being able to mix and match your clothes will make it seem like you have more clothes than you do. Plus, you won’t get tired of constantly wearing the same thing.

Bottoms

Jeans

Your jeans should be well-fitting and in good condition. Dark jeans will give you a more formal look, while lighter jeans are more casual.

Chinos

If you want the perfect pants for any occasion, chinos are it. Chinos are a step above jeans and look incredible with sneakers or dress shoes.

Everlane (Left)
Nordstrom (Middle)
Bonobos (Right)

Tops

Collared Shirts

Any collared shirt is a great choice. During the colder seasons, wear a long-sleeve button-up and look for shirts made of wool. When it’s warm, wear a short-sleeve button-up or a polo shirt.

Everlane Oxford (Left)
Nordstrom Dress Shirt (Right)

Sweaters

During the fall and winter, sweaters are functional and comfortable. When you’re wearing a sweater, solid and neutral colors look best.

Vince Cashmere Sweater (Left)
Nordstrom Merino Wool Turtleneck Sweater (Middle)
Rails Arwen Crewneck Sweater (Right)

Blazers or Sport Coats

Blazers and sport coats will immediately elevate your outfit. If you want to look more formal than casual, wearing one of these jackets on top of a button-up is a great choice.

Examples of smart casual blazers and sport coats.

Jackets

If you want to look more casual, wear a denim or chore jacket. A leather jacket with an oxford shirt looks great, too.

Coats

Coats are great for colder weather and will make you look more elegant. Neutral colors or subtle textures will look best.

Shoes

Dress Sneakers

Sneakers are great for smart casual. However, make sure you wear dress sneakers instead of athletic sneakers.

Derby Shoes

Derby shoes are perfect for attaining a more classy look. They pair well with chinos and a button-up.

Slip-On

Slip-on shoes are comfortable and easy to put on and take off. Leather and suede are great options for slip-on shoes.

Boots

Boots are perfect for colder weather, and a sleek pair will give you a polished look. Lace-up boots are more casual, while leather Chelsea boots are more formal.

Accessories

Watches

A nice watch is the perfect finishing touch. Depending on what you’re wearing, make sure your watch matches your belt and shoes.

Daniel Wellington NATO Strap 40mm Watch (Left)
Shinola 43mm Watch (Middle)
Tissot 42mm Watch (Right)

Bracelets

Bracelets are great accessories that can complement your watch. Wear your bracelet on the opposite side of your watch.

Sunglasses

Nothing says cool more than a nice pair of sunglasses. Not only will they protect your eyes, but sunglasses can also make you look more confident.

Celebrities wearing smart casual outfits

The following are several celebrities who have nailed the smart casual look:

Four celebrities wearing smart casual attire. — Right to Left: Donald Glover, Ryan Gosling, Ryan Reynolds, and Henry Golding.

Frequently asked questions

Are there different levels of smart casual?

With there being so many clothing combinations, there are different levels. An unconstructed blazer will look more formal than a t-shirt with a bomber jacket. If you just got a new job that requires smart casual attire, look at how other people are dressing to get an idea of how you should dress.

Can I wear patterns?

Yes, different patterns and textures are acceptable as long as they’re in good condition. In fact, patterns and textures are a great way to make your outfit look more interesting.

What are good colors for smart casual?

Smart casual dress codes allow you to wear more colors than business or formal attire. However, the goal is to look in-style and put-together which means you don’t want to go overboard. Rather, wear neutral colors when you can because they’re versatile and pair well with each other.

Are black jeans smart casual?

Black jeans are smart casual when they’re in good condition without any distressing. They work for a smart casual dress code because black jeans can look more like trousers or chinos than jeans.

Does smart casual require a jacket?

No, smart casual attire doesn’t require a jacket. However, jackets and coats are great ways to elevate your formality.

Conclusion

The goal of a smart casual dress code is to wear neat, well-fitting, and high-quality clothes that are in-style. It’s more formal than casual but less formal than business casual. Aside from work, it’s a great way to dress if you’re ever wondering what to wear.

More resources:

Featured photo by Unsplash.