Men’s Casual Attire
Men and women have nearly unlimited options when it comes to casual attire. Just be sure that the clothing is clean and free of excessive raggedness or tattered areas.
Jeans, khaki pants and a wide variety of skirts are acceptable. Skirts should be tailored and hemlines above the casual attire knee are appropriate. Shoes should be comfortable and free of visible dirt marks. Oxfords, loafers and ballet flats work well for smart casual attire.
Men
Men’s casual attire is perhaps the one area where there’s most scope to express personal style without worrying about adhering to formal dress codes. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t pitfalls to avoid.
A key consideration for any smart casual outfit is balance. Too many trends can easily overwhelm a look, while an overly formal approach can feel out of place in a more relaxed setting. Balance the two with a few key elements that will elevate and add personality to your look.
Invest in classic button-down shirts in neutral colors and fits. These will form the foundation of your casual wardrobe and can be dressed up or down throughout the day with accessories. Experiment with the fit and texture of shirts to find your ideal, but always ensure that the shirt’s collar and sleeves are properly tailored.
Add texture to your smart casual ensembles with the likes of corduroy, suede and mohair. Texture is the secret to advanced style and it can casual attire take your everyday staples from humdrum to humdinger.
Pair dark denim jeans with a t-shirt or polo shirt for an effortlessly cool look. Denim is a timeless fashion icon, having been invented as part of the mining uniform in the ’20s and then reborn in the ’50s as a symbol of anti-conformist style. Since then, it’s been a mainstay of casual wear, from bleached and flared in the ’70s to high-waisted and acid washed in the ’80s to skin tight in the ’90s and beyond.
Then there’s the classic combination of a navy jacket and light-colored chinos or jeans. This looks particularly sharp in spring and summer when pastel shades are most popular, but it can also work well in autumn and winter with rich jewel tones such as blue, olive and burgundy.
Add a belt to your chino or jeans for a polished but casual look. A belt adds height and length to your frame, making it a great alternative to a tie and a good way to tuck in a loose shirt.
Wear a leather belt with your chinos or denim to add contrast and depth to your smart casual look. The texture of leather brings an extra element of sophistication to a look, and the material is durable enough to last and to keep looking good over time.
Add a logo baseball cap to your casual outfits for a standout look that’s sure to turn heads. Be careful not to overdo it though – this is one trend that can easily become garish and dated, so a couple of caps are sufficient. You can even wear a hat that carries the signature of your favorite brand to show off your individuality.
