Smart casual style (in Russian it sounds like 'smart casual', and literally translated from English as 'smart casual' style) is a rather vague and vague dress code for a man. Place, event, cultural norms dictate different standards of smart casual style in each country. Consequently, there is a constant debate about what is included in the norms of the 'smart casual' dress code and what is not.
By the way, even different dictionaries give different definitions to smart casual style. For example, Australia's national dictionary 'The Macquarie Dictionary' defines: – 'good looking and casual style'. Oxford University Dictionary gives a slightly different definition: – 'neat, traditional, but relatively informal'. The Urban Dictionary of English slang gives a third definition to smart casual: – 'the ridiculous dress code in which people go to parties, concerts and sit in workplaces'. Even Wikipedia does not give a precise definition, but refers to different opinions of fashion houses, news magazines and representatives of the media industry. We will try to figure out today what is smart casual style and how to follow it.
Smart casual style is a casual, informal dress code that allows you to combine classic style with fashionable wardrobe items.
Smart casual history
The term 'smart casual' first appeared in an American news newspaper in the early 20th century, but only in the 1950s did it become popular among office workers and business people in America, then Europe. In those days it was supposed to just swap out the classic blazer for a more 'casual' cotton blazer and you are already dressed in smart casual style. Today there are much more requirements to follow by combining formal and informal styles in one smart casual dress code. This does not mean that you can put on a jacket with sweatpants and immediately go to work. Things are a little more complicated.
The balance between formal and informal dress code is key. To maintain harmony, the first thing that needs to be taken as a basis is elegance, only then dilute the image with everyday clothes. For ease of understanding, we divide the description from top to bottom, starting with outerwear and ending with shoes.
What to wear on top
Blazer or jacket
A blazer or jacket is an easy way to add personality and style to a men's outfit. In warmer months, wear a cotton or linen blazer; in the cold season, a denser fabric is suitable – wool. As for the color, choose a color to taste, the main thing is to choose the right jacket and combine it with other details of the wardrobe. In my opinion, natural, pastel colors are best suited: khaki, brown, green.
Selected Homme smart casual blazer
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Marcello Gotti smart casual blazer
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Shirt
The plain shirt is traditionally suitable for all dress code options, including smart casual. However, you can also experiment with the pattern. Alternatively, a striped or checked shirt will do. It's even better if you have a pocket square with exactly the same pattern that can be folded into your jacket pocket. If there is no tie, open the top button of the shirt.
Henderson smart casual check shirt
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Henderson smart casual patterned shirt
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T-shirt
You can wear a T-shirt under a jacket or blazer, but make sure it matches the colors of other accessories on you. When in doubt, use a plain T-shirt with a shallow neckline – this is ideal.
Boss Hugo Boss Tee
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Fred Perry T-shirt
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Tie and other accessories
You can refrain from a tie, unbutton only the top button of the shirt and finish there. However, you can try choosing a thin tie or knitted tie to accentuate smart casual style.
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In addition, you can use a colored tie clip and sunglasses if the sun is shining over your head.
Tweed jacket, navy vest and casual tie and pocket square 
Casual blazer, classic white shirt, suspenders and woolen tie. 
Beige blazer, plaid shirt and pocket square 
Brown blazer, beige trousers, dark casual shirt and knitted tie.
What to wear below
Pants
Avoid classics with smart casual trousers. Smooth arrows and clear lines are useless here. Chinos or khaki pants are great (if you don't know what kind of pants they are, read about pants in a men's wardrobe). When it comes to jeans, there is some disagreement. Some say that jeans are only for a casual dress code, others say that jeans are different and you can choose a model for a 'smart casual' look. Which side will lean, you decide.
It is better to match the color of the trousers to the jacket or play with the combination with shoes and a belt. Dark shades look more serious than light shades, which one to stop at is up to you again.
Banana Republic Pants
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S.Oliver Chino
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Shorts
Cropped trousers – shorts can also be worn in smart casual style. However, they don't have to be beach trousers. The best option is cropped chinos, without any strings or patches.
Shorts by Carhartt
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Bagutta Shorts
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Footwear
You can experiment with anything, but the shoes should be closer to the classics. Your choice is classic men's shoes: loafers, monks, brogues, chukka boots, and just boots. Today the store presents models from different materials and all colors of the rainbow. Buy the ones that suit your look, but it's best to avoid just black, otherwise you will look like an ordinary office clerk. More color, gentlemen!
Classic leather boots 
White sneakers 
Suede topsides 
In custody
Concluding the article, I want to summarize all that has been said. The goal of smart casual style is to look good, but at the same time not infringe on yourself in comfort. It is obligatory to use natural materials: cotton, linen, wool or their mixtures. No synthetics. If you're looking for shoes, look at brogue shoes or loafers in glossy brown leather. Of the accessories, the best option is a thin tie and an unusual knitted tie in combination with a pocket square (by the way, you can fold the pocket square according to the smart casual dress code).
Find your style and don't be afraid to experiment. Check out our smart casual gallery for inspiration. Follow the simple rules of a smart-casual dress code, and you can achieve comfort and at the same time easily pass the face control of a fashion club.
Smart casual style – photo
Checkered jacket in beige and burgundy combined with a vest of the same color and a white shirt. Below are dark chinos. Shoes – high brown brogues. 
Light green blazer with striped blue and white shirt and silk pink tie. Optional: striped suspenders and a pocket square. Below are beige trousers. 
Swamp checkered wool blazer paired with a striped white and purple shirt and a knitted purple tie, pinned to the knot. Bottom – Dark gray wool trousers. 
A beige tweed blazer paired with a multi-colored plaid shirt with a button-down collar and a striped multi-colored tie. Bottom – sand-colored corduroy trousers. 
Left: green wool suit paired with a blue shirt and tie with navy and burgundy designs. Additionally, a white presidential-style pocket square is folded. Right: classic gray striped suit with double-breasted jacket. Outerwear – a classic dark blue coat. The headdress is a hat. 
Green blazer paired with a light blue shirt and navy blue tie. Bottom – classic navy blue trousers combined with oxfords.
