Smart casual dressing is about self-expression and can be achieved through various clothing options such as shorts, polo shirts, jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers. It is important to avoid wearing cargo shorts, board shorts, swim trunks, loose-fitting shorts, or outwardly athletic shorts. Instead, wear comfortable but still stylish shorts that don’t have excess pockets, graphics, loud patterns, restricting or baggy clothing, or a suit jacket in place of a blazer.
Shorts can be a viable option for summer, but they should rest above the knee and be tailored. They should be slim cut, not cargo, and have no bare toes or athletic shoes. Smart casual is typically no shorts, but they can be worn in outdoor and summer settings. To be considered smart casual, denim or shorts need to be strategically paired with the right top. Shorts are not appropriate for work, and jeans are not suitable. Khakis and dress slacks would fit the bill.
Pairing men’s shorts with more polished shirts and shoes can elevate the outfit from casual to smart casual. However, most people cannot wear shorts to work, with only 30% of the 30 people polled having the option to wear them. Overall, smart casual attire for men involves balancing relaxed and refined styles for any occasion.
📹 11 Things Men Over 30 Should NEVER Wear | Mens Fashioner | Ashley Weston
Gents, if you’re over 30, it’s time to step up your style game! Check out the 11 worst menswear items that you should avoid if you’re …
How to dress smart casual in summer?
To maintain a professional appearance, avoid wearing suits and opt for separate tops and bottoms. For casual gatherings, wear chinos and a linen polo shirt, or tailored shorts and linen shirts. A lightweight linen blazer is essential for smarter occasions. For summer shorts, opt for linen, well-pressed, and paired with an Antigua linen shirt. Smart white trainers or loafers are the norm, while gym trainers and flip flops are best left at home. Summer weddings are the exception, as dress codes have relaxed over the years, so top hats and tails are not always necessary.
Is T shirt and shorts smart casual?
Gender neutral smart casual wear offers a professional yet stylish look, ensuring comfort and confidence. Simple outfits like a plain black jacket, white button-up shirt, and grey chinos can be considered gender neutral. Other options include T-shirts, vests, jackets, blazers, button-down shirts, cardigans, chinos, jeans, boots, trainers, watches, and loafers. Having the right combination of formal and casual clothing can make you feel confident, comfortable, and versatile in your working environment. Be creative with your wardrobe and mix and match clothing items to feel good and confident in your workplace.
Are sneakers OK for smart casual?
Men’s business casual dress code refers to a smart casual attire for work, not play. This includes a mix of separates such as chinos and a contrast suit jacket, dark denim and a knit blazer, loafers without socks, and button-up shirts without the tie. Business casual footwear options include leather Oxfords, penny loafers, Chelsea boots, suede Chukkas, Derby shoes, and ankle boots. Sneakers are not allowed as they don’t fit the “business casual” vibe.
Dark indigo jeans with double cuffs and contrast stitching qualify for smart casual. To style these, a simple button-up shirt, Chelsea boots, or woven TREY slip-ons can be paired with a simple button-up shirt, mid-wash denim, grey crew tee, and a linen shirt. Smart casual jeans also work well with Chukka boots, a rounded toe and mid-ankle profile, like the BECKETT or the BRODY.
Smart casual accessories can include belts, watches, sunglasses, and other accessories that match your shoes. Brown with brown leather and black with black are ideal, while sunglasses can be worn only if they’re outside. A sharp diver, vintage watch, or field watch works great for a watch.
If a bag is necessary, consider a leather satchel like the HUGO, as making small talk with a bag on your shoulder is bad form.
Can men wear shorts for business casual?
Business casual attire for men includes dress slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid polo shirts and jeans or shorts during interviews. To solidify good standing at a new position, wear neutral-colored short-sleeved button-down shirts, button-up or collared shirts, sport coats, or mixed-colored sweaters. Wear semi-formal pants, dress slacks, and dark jeans, and wear tie-up, dark leather shoes, or loafers.
What is smart casual for men in hot weather?
A short-sleeved shirt is a stylish and hot weather-friendly option when paired with well-cut trousers or chinos. However, it’s important to pay attention to the fit of the shirt, as it can either look elegant or erroneous depending on how it sits on your frame. Ensure the shirt flatters your torso and arms without straining around the biceps or neck. When choosing legwear, look for cropped styles or those that turn up easily at the hems. Avoid wearing sockless shoes, as failure to do so can quickly undo your efforts. Investing in invisible socks can also improve your look and body odor.
Are shorts smart casual?
Tailored trousers or chinos are ideal for men’s smart casual clothing, serving as an ideal in-between to casual jeans and joggers. Chino styles are suitable for summer garden parties and events, and can be paired with a short sleeved shirt. Leather and suede shoes are also suitable for a smart casual look, with warm brown or beige options providing a relaxed air. A pop of color in loafers, brogues, or boots can add personality. A smart casual workplace outfit requires a careful balance, with too much smartness indicating effort, and too little casuality indicating a laid-back attitude.
Can I wear shorts in smart casual?
Smart casual attire includes shorts, which should be tailored and sit above the knee. They should be made of a linen-cotton blend. To complete the outfit, men should wear respect and confidence, with generous speech and a confident walk. The right materials and colors can create a memorable smart casual outfit for any occasion. For assistance in choosing the style and fit, book a session with Godwin Charli.
What can’t you wear for smart casual?
This post outlines the top 5 Smart Casual Dress Code Mistakes for female professionals and leaders. It emphasizes the importance of being overdressed, dressing head to toe in traditional corporate wear, paying little attention to grooming, and not wearing clothes that don’t fit well. The post also defines “smart casual” and shares tips on how to dress for it in today’s workplaces. By following these guidelines, individuals can successfully dress for their roles and contribute to a more professional and respectful work environment.
Do shorts look unprofessional?
Swann posits that shorts, despite being regarded as a leisurely item of clothing, can foster a leisure mindset and should be eschewed in numerous work settings, even if they are more formal or have longer inseams, as they may be perceived as unprofessional.
What is smart casual dress code for men?
A smart casual dress code should include polos, sport jackets, short or long sleeves, collared button-downs, fun patterned dress shirts, casual dress pants, chinos, dark wash jeans, and professional foot-wear. Pairing formal attire with casual attire can be achieved by pairing a sport jacket with dark wash jeans and a fun dress shirt pattern. When preparing for an event requiring a smart casual dress code, it is crucial to understand the type of event and avoid overdressing or underdressing by pairing the wrong pieces together.
For work happy hours, a sport jacket with a pattern dress shirt is perfect, while a polo shirt with jeans or wearing too many bright colors is not considered smart casual. For a more casual outfit, a polo paired with chinos or dress pants is a great option for a holiday party at TopGolf.
What is not smart casual for men?
A smart casual ensemble can be achieved by donning a plain, toned-down t-shirt beneath a jacket, whereas a shirt with a print is more aligned with a casual style. The absence of a jacket when wearing a t-shirt is indicative of a more casual style. In regard to shirts, the addition of color or pattern is recommended, and they should be paired with blazers or pullover sweaters. In regard to trousers, it is advisable to incorporate a greater degree of color than is typical in a business casual context. This may include denim or other smart chinos, as well as ripped jeans and shorts, which can impart a casual appearance.
📹 5 BEST Ways To Wear Shorts For Men | Mens Fashioner | Ashley Weston
Looking for new ways to rock your shorts this summer? Here are 5 of my FAVORITE warm-weather outfits to get you inspired!
Lots of very badly dressed older men in the comments very butt hurt by this article lol. These are just rules of thumb and you can get away with breaking them depending. But a lot of guys do lose all fashion sense and look a mess. You’re free not to care but you’re also free for people think you look a mess, find you less attractive etc.
Great advice Ashley! So many men totally blow this in summer. Dated, tacky, ugly. One thing I keep at the ready is very lightweight long solid coloured golf pants. Paired with a solid camp shirt in either linen or cotton, it really turns heads. I use this when its cool out or when shorts just aren’t appropriate. Watch, one ring and one thin metal, thread, bead or leather bracelet…thats it, no more. Another accessory I have is a plain solid coloured cotton shopping bag that compliments the outfit. Usually white, cream or beige. Tossed over the shoulder, held by a finger or two and hanging down my back. (not around the shoulder like a purse) Says Im keeping it cas and with a bit of whimsy, but still have stuff to carry.
The ONLY thing I’m not convinced of is the Just-Say-No to pleated shorts. Depending on the length, fit, and how it’s styled, I kind of dig them. I can see how pleated shorts can go wrong easily though — there would have to be a subtly to them, but I still think they can work. Disagreement aside, solid article.