Smart Casual Dress Code for Men ​

 Prioritize versatile pieces that offer flexibility across various environments while retaining a polished appearance.

Smart casual dress code resembles work attire's formality, or emphasizes casual designs' flexibility? What is the right piece for a perfect smart casual look among countless options? 

Knowing exactly what constitutes smart casual and where it originated is important for us to delve into other aspects of this dress code. Let's start with it!

Smart casual dress code is a versatile style that bridges the gap between formal and casual wear, striking the balanced harmony between comfort and elegance.Because this dress code is less formal than business attire yet more polished than laid-back clothing, it offers a wide range of styles, making it suitable for various settings, from office environments to social events. The main point is to mix refined items like blazers and dress shoes with relaxed pieces such as chinos or well-fitted jeans.

From the early 20th century to the mid-20th century, when the workplace environment had a significant change to be more relaxed and comfortable, the fashion landscape also moved to another era. Office workers started looking for a dress code that was more casual than traditional attire, but still professional and sophisticated.

Because of its flexibility, this blend of smart (meaning neat and stylish) and casual has since been embraced widely around the world, becoming a staple in modern fashion. Smart casual is vital for men to express their personal style in different ways.

As mentioned, the key to smart casual is blending elegant elements with informal clothes. Here are the must-have items in a wardrobe that define this versatile dress code. 

including button-down shirts, oxford shirts, and dress shirts for a refined appearance. Polo shirts are also an ideal option as they offer a more approachable feeling.

Although some people think T-shirts are too informal, these pieces can make a more sophisticated vibe than expected when layered with a shirt, a lightweight blazer or a suit. During the fall/winter, prepare well-fitted sweaters and cardigans to keep warm without sacrificing style.

Cotton and linen materials for shirts, and neutral colors (beige, brown, navy, pastels, etc.) enhance clean and elegant styles. For the best, tops better to be plain with subtle patterns like stripes or checks can be added.

Try thinking about which trousers would fit the chosen tops. Hockerty suggests chinos, jeans, and tailored trousers.

A pair of chinos is the safest choice for all men's outfits because they give incredible comfort with various colours and be dressed up or down in every season of the year. Tailored trousers can elevate any outfit.  High-quality and durable materials like wool, cotton, or blends will boost confidence and present a sleek appeal. Meanwhile, jeans are a modern and casual alternative to replace other trousers.  Slim-fit jeans with dark washes, make smart casual look freshly sophisticated.

Matching pants should not be too loose or too tight, which may detract from the polished aspect of smart casual. Classic colors need to be considered to easily complement tops.

To complete a casual look, best try loafers, derbies, sneakers or boots! The first two options are extremely convenient as they work well with every type of bottom and are perfect for transitioning from office to evening events.

 For a more energetic vibe,  minimally designed sneakers in clean colours like white. Or else, maintain the balance between “smart" and “casual" by chosing customizing  sneakers in leather or canvas. Although leather boots are less versatile in smart casual mix-and-match, they are very suitable on cold days to wear with chinos. 

 Hockerty categorizes different events into three main settings.

For weekend and casual outings, we should embrace the relaxed side of smart casual attire. Polo shirts, well-fitted t-shirts, and casual jacket paired with jeans or chinos are chic. A colorful polo shirt can even be used to add vibrancy to the day out. Don’t need to stick with muted hue tops every time! Footwear now is more laid-back, with options like clean sneakers or boat shoes. The goal is to look put-together without appearing overly formal, enabling a comfortable yet fashionable presence.

Evening events usually require attendees to dress up, this is an opportunity to upgrade your smart casual outfit to a new level. We recommend dark trousers, a dress shirt, and a blazer. Incorporate accessories such as a stylish watch or a pocket square to create a touch of refinement. Leather loafers or dress shoes are perfect to showcase the unique aesthetic, ensuring you appear elegant and ready for any evening engagement.

 Mix pieces in white and black, or one of these two colors with another neutral tone. White and black are suitable for any situation, providing a classic combination.

Understanding the smart casual dress code for men involves balancing formality with comfort. Its pros allow transition seamlessly between different environments while maintaining a polished appearance. Essential pieces like blazers, chinos, and loafers embrace any style and enjoy refining your smart casual wardrobe. 

Fashion is about feeling confident and comfortable. 

If you need more information, interview with CEO or trying any our of products for revision, please write me raquel@hockerty.com