The men’s guide to smart casual dressing

The smart casual dress code can be tricky to decipher; smart and casual, must be mutually exclusive, surely? Like matter and anti-matter, how can they possibly co-exist? The trick to perfecting the look is all about maintaining balance, so that the two elements work in synergy rather than competing against each other. The Yin to each other’s Yang.

First, let’s take a look at the history. The term ‘smart casual’ dates back to 1924, after an Iowa newspaper used it to review a woman’s dress and its ‘various interpretations’. From this suitably woolly origin the term has, over the years, somehow managed to avoid any further clarification, signifying basically anything that looks presentable but not formal, laid-back but not scruffy. Today it has managed to secure a place in the lexicon as the ubiquitous, but still no less vague, dress code for the majority of modern invitations. Still confused? You’re not alone. Read on for how to make this widely misunderstood dress code work for you. 

The ‘rules’ around traditional dress codes are becoming obsolete, with the likes of morning dress and black tie being replaced by smart casual for everything from weddings to work to dinner parties. Because of this, versatility is key: build out a wardrobe of multi-tasking separates like blazers, slim-fit trousers, classic knitwear and leather shoes that you can mix and match with more casual pieces to cater for all the invitations coming your way.

When attending any event it’s generally better to aim for the smarter end of the spectrum. Layers can always be lost, blazers taken off and trouser hems rolled up to make your outfit instantly more casual, but it’s much harder to quickly smarten up a super casual outfit. 

What you wear will be defined by the context of the occasion in question: you wouldn’t show up to a wedding in trainers in the same way that you wouldn’t wear a suit to watch a game of football. Tailor your outfit according to the setting, paring back a suit with a rollneck for an informal work lunch, or swapping your blazer for a bomber for a first date. 

The key pieces you need for everyone’s favourite dress code? It’s all about making some clever shopping choices. Read on for six pieces to have in your arsenal, plus how to style them for the perfect smart casual look…

As far as outerwear is concerned, it’s all about investing in pieces that’ll work for a multitude of occasions. From a navy overcoat paired with tailored trousers and a chunky jumper for an important meeting, to lightweight denim jackets for a weekend lunch.

The unstructured blazer has taken centre stage as a must-have for all occasions. From work trips to family dinners, pair this wardrobe hero with everything from an Oxford shirt and slim leg chinos to a cashmere knit and dark jeans. 

In the leg department you are looking for trousers that can be styled with your current rotation of basics. To stay on-trend, pick dark jeans or utility-inspired chinos and pair with a classic grey sweatshirt, hi-top trainers and a tailored overcoat.

Trainers now have their place as much in the boardroom as they do the pub. Choose a white colourway that you’ll keep box fresh and wear with a suit, rollneck and overcoat or your favourite loungewear.

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.

The right knit, sweatshirt or cardigan has the ability to change the definition of your outfit. Add a touch of tradition by pairing an on-trend cardigan with tailored trousers for a relaxed wedding outfit, or wear a deconstructed blazer and jeans with a slim-fit rollneck for a birthday dinner.