So what exactly is smart casual?
Smart casual is one of the trickiest dress codes in the book; but luckily, we’ve got the formula you'll need to nail it every time.
One of life's greatest mysteries: what exactly is smart casual? You're served it on an invite to your work Christmas party, your auntie's 60th or a wedding, and you have no idea what it means, right? It's frustrating to decode, but doesn't actually need to be, once you know what you're doing.
Smart casual is a dress code that — while easy and relaxed on the face of it — can actually be very difficult to get right. Which side of the spectrum do you lean? Smart or casual?
In general, it’s better to err on the side of smart so you don’t end up spending an entire event feeling underdressed. With this in mind avoid casual accessories such as baseball caps and never wear joggers.
The art of perfecting smart casual is all in the execution. It’s about creating balance, and the easiest way to do this is to mix and match smart pieces with more casual designs. With this in mind, we’ve created the ultimate smart casual capsule wardrobe – all you need to do is build your outfit as the situation demands.
You essentially want a blazer, perhaps unstructured and louche, but still a blazer nonetheless. A pair of looser fitting trousers. Something like those at Studio Nicholson, or The Row. You can also opt for denim here, although we'd advise that you go for a darker wash. Loafers are always a good idea, as they've perfectly risen to the top of both the smart and the casual sides of the ball park. Smart casual essentially blends all of these things together, making them that perfect middle ground between being too formal and too informal.
The jacket
A decent jacket is still a must. Its capabilities in terms of smartening up or dressing down are unparalleled — and the right jacket denotes chic, effortless styling from the moment you slip it on. Your smart option here should be a tailored blazer or sport coat, while a suede jacket is a more casual investment that will see you through this summer (and beyond).
A good blazer instantly smartens up any outfit and you can’t go wrong with navy. Can't fork out on one from The Row, but want one that has a louche and elegant vibe? Gant has been doing blazers expertly well, recently as has Oliver Spencer.
The shirt
In the interests of keeping the smart in smart casual, opting for a shirt is always a good choice. It’s instantly smarter, slicker and essential for getting that balance right – but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment with your styling. Untuck the shirt, roll your sleeves and loosen your top button. Studio Nicholson's oversized shirts are a good option, as are the more tailored numbers at Emma Willis.
The polo shirt
You definitely can wear one, and when paired with a blazer and trousers it's just as smart a look as if you were wearing a fitted shirt. But you need to get it right. You can't just choose any sporty polo shirt. Leave that to the tennis courts. Instead go for a slightly more expensive one, one from Aurelian or Burberry, that has minimal to no branding and comes in a neutral hue of camel, clay, navy or beige.
The T-shirt
This can be a tricky one. A T-shirt is the most casual of all tops, but it needn't be when styled properly. Avoid logos, make sure you've ironed it and, if possible opt for something with a higher thread count so it sits a little more rigid across the body, therefore avoiding creasing. Make sure it's clean, crisp and pretty much a blank canvas.
The jumper
If you’re not entirely sure what an occasion calls for, adding a layering piece like a jumper allows you to easily tone things up or down. Make sure you keep the shirt collar inside the neck of the jumper and keep your knit plain. Alternatively wear a lightweight knit on its own as an elegant shirt alternative.
The trousers
Chinos are the ultimate go-between for both smart and laid-back affairs, as there’s basically nothing they won’t go with. Having said that, you don’t want to be the guy who turns up in the same pair of beige chinos time and time again. That guy is boring and predictable. Choose the right pair of tailored trousers and they’ll fit seamlessly into your smart casual looks. British label Connolly does a great pair of tailored wool trousers, which fall louche and soft and aren't too formal.
The shoes
The final — and, arguably, most important — addition to any outfit. A loafer is ideal for meeting that halfway point between smart and casual, while the smart, minimal trainer has made its way into the style conscious man’s wardrobe and can act just as well as the aforementioned options in this scenario.
There are casual sneakers; and then there are smart casual sneakers. Go for a pair of trainers that speaks to the quiet luxury movement, by which they're plain, logo-less and made from luxurious calfskin.
Now we’ve got that sorted, it’s time to find out what 24 items you need to build a proper wardrobe
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