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- (of clothes) neat, conventional, yet relatively informal style, especially worn to conform to a particular dress code.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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\"think of a smart casual outfit as one that you'd wear for a movie or dinner date\"<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Again, not much use as I would say a movie is a severely less smart affair than a dinner date. Especially if you want to make a good impression on said date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don't fear though, with the correct guidance anyone can take on the smart-casual dress code and adapt it to their own wardrobe<\/a> for the right event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is all in the styling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let's start with the basics and what smart casual actually means. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Smart Casual?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Over time, the etiquette around the smart casual dress code has definitely evolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we said to men \"smart casual\" in the 50s, a time where suits were the norm, it might mean just swapping your suit trousers for slacks or a blazer for a sports jacket. Fast forward to modern times and with a more casually dressed society, smart casual takes on a whole new meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The key to solving this style conundrum is by first understanding when you would be wearing it. This will help you to find a point along the menswear scale that aligns with your event. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, attending a more formal setting such as a drinks party or christening versus something like a Zoom<\/a> call or weekend date will throw up differing style rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smart casual in its simplest form is making an effort without taking it too far. That involves dressier casual and paired-back smart pieces combined to showcase a well-presented outfit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Context is key.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formal Smart Casual <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Within the context of a more formal event that has called for smart-casual, we should work from back from the suit. This is the definition of smart and if we can remove or alternate elements, then men can still appear smart but with a casual twist. Think more business casual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suit is all about a structured elegance to offer a more defined and slimmer silhouette for men. So, if we can pick pieces that start removing some of that restrictiveness we can nail the more casual look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start by losing the tie, that is a given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the formal smart casual environment, for us a blazer is essential. Though, opting for an unstructured choice can relax the shoulder line and offer a less confined drape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next are the trousers. Jeans might push us too far down the casual end of the scale. A nice middle ground is chinos, as long as the fit still gives that slim silhouette. But, don't feel you need to change the trousers every time. If you have mixed up the blazer then your suit trousers might still do the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, the footwear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The evolution of menswear and society's changing opinion of what 'being smart' entails has meant men have more freedom when it comes to what they wear on their feet. Decades ago, it would have been unheard of in the style stakes to wear trainers with a suit. Now it is common practice. So much so that it has crept into the formal version of smart casual. Just make sure that your trainers are box-fresh as there are no grubby kicks allowed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relaxed Smart Casual<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
For this version, we are heading down the other end of the menswear scale for our starting point. Whereby previously we began with the suit, here we are opening with a casual outfit such as jeans<\/a> and a t-shirt<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A t-shirt simply won't do though. Swap it for a polo shirt and you can get a presentable upgrade as long as you stick to the golden rule of fit. Merino wool or even a cotton\/cashmere blend can deliver a slimmer, structured appearance more so than your standard cotton polo. Cotton has the tendency to lose its form and it is the small details like this that can bring down any outfit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the bottom half, a slim fitted pair of jeans minus any embellishment or rips will hold its own in this environment. Foundation colours such as black or indigo are our go-to, albeit some men might feel confident to opt for a white in warmer months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As an alternative, the trusted chinos can come into play again. They cross the parapet between formal and casual nicely, so are a commendable choice either way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With footwear, as before, a nice pair of trainers will deliver the needed style points without ruining the dress code. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The crux of smart casual (either formal or casual) is about feeling confident in your clothing and your surroundings. If in doubt, always air on the side of being slightly overdressed. But, in all events investing in high-quality products will help to boost your poise and make men appear more presentable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Smart Casual Pieces<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Mentioned throughout this guide is how the balance between smart and casual can be tricky. Although, building a wardrobe of core contemporary menswear staples can help alleviate a lot of the stress. These foundational items will ensure that you are never caught off guard when a last-minute invite is dropped on you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Crucial is staying on top of caring for your items and keeping them laundered and stored correctly. Then they will be ready and waiting when you need them. Understandably, that might need a change in attitude but appearance and style go hand in hand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Unstructured Blazer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"smart](\"https:\/\/a-gentlemans-row.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/unstructured-mans-blazer.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe suit jacket is in all its being a formal piece that does an admirable job of keeping men refined. When it comes to smart casual, we need a new friend. Welcome the unstructured blazer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is a quintessential piece among the sartorial elite offering formal elegance without the rigidity of a jacket. Think evening meals on the French Riviera thrown on over a polo or simple tee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In its anatomy the unstructured blazer has removed the padded shoulder, part or all of the lining found with a suit jacket and in some cases lowered the shoulder. A combination that delivers a more relaxed vibe which has made it a modern man's core piece.<\/p>\n\n\n