Creating a Smart Casual Look: Five Practical Tips
While your boss doesn’t require you to show up at the office in a suit, it’s still essential to make a professional impression. The exact look depends on the company and its culture. Furthermore, over the years, office outfits have become more casual. Smart casual for men is a clothing style that allows you to have a well-groomed yet relaxed appearance. Putting together a smart casual outfit can sometimes be a balancing act. In this article, we provide five practical tips:
1. Combine Formal and Informal Pieces
In English, ‘smart’ means looking neat. So, smart casual essentially means dressing in a relaxed but well-put-together manner. The most effective way to achieve this is by combining different pieces. You can stylishly pair a trendy blazer with well-fitting chinos. Additionally, a solid-color dress shirt with jeans is a tried-and-true combination. The key is to make your outfit look effortless. So, don’t overthink it.
2. Invest in Quality
If you don’t have anything in your wardrobe that directly suits the smart casual style, it’s essential to focus on quality when shopping. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Choose comfortable, durable materials such as cotton, wool, linen, and silk. Examine the quality of the stitching, button strength, and the garment’s finish. Run your fingers over the fabric to see if it’s something you can wear comfortably all day.
3. Pay Attention to Fit
This applies to every clothing style but is especially crucial for a smart casual outfit. Your clothing shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. A good fit provides enough freedom of movement and a balanced appearance. Consider your body type and choose the fit that suits it best, such as a Modern-Fit. If you can’t find anything in your size, consider visiting a tailor to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Play with Color
Smart casual comfortably sits between formal and informal, so it’s essential to incorporate color into your outfit. Neutral colors like navy, gray, and sand make a tried-and-true base, but there’s nothing wrong with introducing color through a pocket square in your blazer, a belt, or bold sneakers. However, consider the occasion and audience for which you’re dressing. A summer gathering or work event requires a different smart casual outfit than a Christmas dinner.
5. Pay Attention to Details
In a smart casual outfit, details play a significant role. Avoid pants and garments with stains, signs of wear, or tears. Instead, opt for clothing that you can wear every day for various occasions. Examine the finish for neatness and the quality of the fabric. Simple accessories like a watch, leather belt, and cufflinks are enough to elevate your outfit to a more sophisticated level.
