It seems like smart casual shoes and clothing are leading the way in everyday style at the moment.
Thanks to the recent emphasis on practicality in fashion, as well as relaxing dress codes in bars, nightclubs and even the workplace, you might find yourself putting your smart casual wardrobe through its paces on a regular basis, for every event other than weddings, Christmas parties or maybe jury service (though suit and tie isn’t even expected in court anymore).
That doesn’t mean you can’t go wrong though. As we found out in 2017, as many as one-in-five people have been turned away from a bar or club because of something they were wearing.
We’ve pulled together some key styling tips to make this look work for you, as well as our smart casual shoe recommendations for 18/19. Keep reading and fill those gaps in your shoe rack – just in time for the New Year!
Keep the event in mind
With a trend/dress code as vague as smart casual, you’ll shoot yourself in the foot if you build your outfits the same way for each event.
Smart casual for a wedding reception will look a lot different from smart casual at work. While this might sound like an obvious point, it’s worth keeping in mind before you start pulling a look together.
Dark colours have an impact
Have you put a look together and feel like you’re leaning much closer to casual than smart?
Instantly dial up the formality by trading in light colours for darker ones. For example, if you’re wearing a checked shirt, layering with a dark grey blazer and navy chinos will leave you looking more cocktail bar frequenter than farm hand.
When it comes to footwear, a black brogue is always a safe bet if you choose a round toe – formal, but not overwhelmingly so.
Keeping things tonal is handy, too
Don’t feel like wearing something dark?
Figure out how to pull off tonal layering and you won’t have to. To get it right, pick an item to build your look around – such as these dark-brown loafers – then choose pieces with different textures and colour tones within the same hue.
Beige, slim-fit trousers, a cream trench coat and even a white polo neck will do the job nicely. If you’re feeling particularly suave, make sure to roll up your trousers at the ankle by an inch or two, and stick to low-rise socks that won’t show above your shoes.
Fit is everything
A baggy t-shirt and loose trousers will never say dapper, but that doesn’t mean a three-piece suit is your only option for smart casual meetings or nights out.
Form-fitting clothes will always seem smarter, so swap your trousers for tailored chinos, make sure your t-shirt fits your body without clinging and layer a casual blazer or fine-knit cardigan on top.
Then let these suede Hush Puppies finish the job.
Trainers and jeans should never be seen
The rule goes for red and green colour pairings but also jeans and trainers – if you’re going for a smart casual look that is. We aren’t saying you can’t wear them separately though.
Harking back to our “fit” rule, it’s best to opt for slim-fit jeans and darker colours to boot. Steer clear of “washed” styles and rips, and take the opportunity to work in an extra-smart shoe, such as these leather derbys.
If you’re really determined to wear a pair of trainers – we get it, they’re a comfortable option if you’ve got a long event ahead of you – then there are a couple of rules we’d recommend following:
- Leather-topped trainers with block soles are the ideal choice
- Avoid outlandish colourways if you can
- White trainers are a risk, but if you really want to wear them, they must be box-fresh or well cleaned and polished!
In our opinion, a man who has mastered smart casual dress will have something to wear for almost any occasion these days. Still have questions? Our experts are ready to advise on Facebook today!
