The current style scenario is more about expressing what you like and less about following ‘style’ rules. Casual style with some sharp touches has a name now – Smart/Sharp Casual. Smart casual outfits can be worn on many occasions and events, including many major occasions(if accepted).
Some work places like offices have gone so casual that they have started accepting a more modern ‘smart or sharp casual’ workwear. Smart casual outfits are a great way to express yourself with your style.
What is Smart/Sharp Casual?
There is no exact definition, but to make things easier and simpler –
Smart or sharp casuals is when you’re wearing something that is a combination of casual and dressy but your overall outfit should lean towards Casual. Also, as the name suggests (smart and sharp), the outfits while being casual, should look sharp and on point with well-fitting clothing pieces.
Smart casual is anything dressier than an outfit made up of jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers, but less formal than a suit.
Smart Casual and Business Casual
The outfits in smart casual and business casuals are similar. Most smart casual outfits, with minor adjustments, can also work as business casual outfits and vice versa.
Clothing pieces like a polo shirt cannot be a part of business casuals because it takes away the business environment feel. On the other hand, a piece such as a formal blazer is not compatible with smart casuals because it would make the outfit dressier.
Smart casual outfits can make you stand out on any occasion where you don’t have to follow a strict dress code. The world is going very casual now but ‘way too casual’ is a big no for most professional and even casual settings. Smart casual is like a modern gentleman’s attire where he keeps the right balance between casual and dressy.
Very bright colors would be unsuitable for smart casual outfits. Colors, in general, are important for your outfits. For instance, a tropical vacation should include colors such as white, various shades of blues, browns, and oranges(light shades of orange).
Smart casual is not an official dress code, so there are no rules about it and which clothes you should include or avoid.
Anything like these below would probably be unsuitable if you’re going for that smart casual look –
1. Crew neck T-shirt – It’s the most casual summer piece out there and don’t work in a smart casual outfit when worn by itself. It will ‘definitely’ work if worn inside other clothing pieces.
2. Hoodies – Unless you’re in a Polo Ralph Lauren shoot, a hoodie is not a suitable clothing piece for a smart casual look due to its casual sporty ambiance.
3. Chunky Sneakers – Big chunky sneakers became popular 3-4 years ago and are a big part of sneaker culture now. They are way too casual for smart casuals and lean more toward the street style side.
4. Color-blocking and Big Patterns – Color blocking can be part of everyday casual outfits but not smart casuals. Big logos and patterns, again aren’t suitable for smart-casual looks.
5. A Suit – The most formal thing out there is a suit so it will only work under a formal dress code situation.
These are some of the pieces you need in your smart casual wardrobe to create outfits –
1. Solid Sweaters –
You need some lightweight sweaters for smart casual outfits. A sweater isn’t a very formal piece of clothing but helps when you want to look sharp and on point. Sweaters like v-neck, quarter-zip, etc are the best options you can go for to create those fall and winter smart casual outfits.
2. Chinos –
What can be dressier than pair of jeans but less formal than suit pants? It’s Chino pants.
They can be worn in various types of business casual and smart casual situations. The chinos you wear for smart-casual looks shouldn’t be skinny or oversized.
3. Minimal Sneakers (in colors like black, grey, and white) –
Chunky and color-block sneakers are ideal for everyday casual outfits but would not be suitable when dressing a bit classier. Minimal sneakers that have no designs and logos on them go better with smart casual outfits.
Anything from Adidas Stan Smith to expensive Common Projects sneakers (and similar) would work. The colors you should consider are neutrals, avoiding very bright colors.
4. Shirts –
The two best types of shirts are –
Oxford – Oxford shirts are an essential wardrobe piece for men. You can wear them throughout the year and they are suitable for all types of smart outfits.
Flannel – Flannel shirts in general are very casual pieces of clothing. They can still work in smart casual outfits if the shirt doesn’t have very big checks and graphics. Get them in lighter shades of colors avoiding any bright and loud colors.
5. Raw Denim –
When you don’t want to wear chinos but still look smart wearing jeans – the dark blue or indigo denim. It’s the classiest jeans out there and is super versatile and goes with all your outfits.
6. Shoes that are a Bit Classy –
No question that the minimal white sneakers are casual but classy. There are other shoe styes that can bring your smart-casual outfits to the next level. That are Loafers.
Loafer shoes are not trendy anymore but they are a part of classic style. They are classier than a sneaker and look good in springy-summery outfits. You can get horsebit loafers (made popular by Gucci), as they will pretty much cover all your loafer shoes needs. They work in all types of outfits from smart casuals to dressy.
The black or brown formal shoes serve a similar purpose and you can consider them too.
7. Sports Coat/Casual Blazer –
The alternative to the suit jacket is a sports coat or a casual blazer. When wearing a casual blazer, it doesn’t have to be the same colors as the pants. You need a casual blazer for a laid-back but smart look.