FASHION STYLING SMART CASUAL
FOR MEN: THE DRESS CODE THAT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE CONFUSING!
If the words smart casual make you want to stare blankly into your wardrobe, you’re not alone. But it’s actually much simpler than most people think. Here’s our guide to some easy-to-put-together outfits and suggested styles for your next workplace function…
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f the words smart casual make you want to stare blankly into your wardrobe, you’re not alone. It’s one of those dress
codes that everyone seems to understand – until you actually have to get dressed! Is a blazer too much? Are jeans acceptable? Can trainers make the cut, or are you heading straight to HR? The good news? Smart (or business) casual is much simpler than it’s made out to be. Once you understand a few basic principles, getting dressed for work becomes a whole lot easier. The biggest mistake people make is assuming business casual means the same thing everywhere, but unfortunately it doesn’t. Think “smart first, relaxed second”. Business
casual sits somewhere between a full suit and your weekend wardrobe; but that doesn’t mean throwing random smart and casual pieces together and hoping for the best. Instead, aim for polished basics with clean
lines and good fit. A well-fitting Oxford shirt, chinos and leather loafers will almost always look more professional than a trendy outfit packed with logos, oversized silhouettes or distressed denim.
Smart Matching suit Suit trousers and waistcoat Shirt with/without a tie No denim No trainers – go for smart brogues
Keep things simple Build a wardrobe that works together. You don’t need dozens of outfits; in fact, a smaller collection of versatile pieces is usually the smarter investment. A solid business casual wardrobe could include: ¡ Two or three Oxford shirts and a few polos ¡ One lightweight knit jumper ¡ Two pairs of chinos ¡ One pair of smart wool trousers ¡ Dark, well-fitting jeans (if your office allows) ¡ An unstructured blazer ¡ Brown and black leather shoes ¡ Clean white trainers (for relaxed offices)
Stick to neutral colours like navy, grey, white,
olive, beige and black. They mix together effortlessly, meaning you can create plenty of outfits minimal effort!
Fit beats fashion You could spend hundreds on designer clothes, but if they don’t fit properly they’ll never look quite right. Likewise, an affordable shirt that fits your shoulders well and trousers that skim your legs without clinging can look surprisingly polished.
A bit of both Sports jacket or blazer Ties are optional Polo tops are OK Denim trousers or chinos
Casual Casual jackets Solid t-shirts Solid denim trousers Clean trainers
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