Smart casual: a dress code that allows colour and comfort. Fortunately for most of us, the days when we had to follow a strict company dress code are gone. Along came so-called smart casual, which pushed restrictive ties into the corner, along with blister-inducing court shoes. For women, smart casual brings lighter blazers and blouses. Creativity and colour have been given the green light. This style of dressing brings relief and a certain informality, yet it still keeps its elegance.
Casual means informal.
💡History: The name and the style spread in the early 1980s, but in the USA it was already very popular between the wars. The phrase itself first appeared in print in 1924 in Iowa, USA. Both historically and today, the term is often used in relation to business casual, from which it is distinguished as a less formal variant of elegant dressing.
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What do dress code and smart casual actually mean?
First, let’s explain what dress code actually means. It is an English term, and many languages have no clear equivalent for it. Many of them have more or less “adopted it as their own”. It refers to a prescribed way of dressing, including footwear, for particular occasions. We use it most often in the workplace. Many companies have dress code rules written into their internal policies. Employees must then follow these rules.
However, that is not the only place or occasion. Dress codes take different forms and exist for different reasons. You may be asked to follow one by someone organising an event, a party and so on. A ball has its dress code, the theatre has its dress code, and so on. A prescribed style of dress also applies to daywear or eveningwear. It is not limited to clothing as such. It can specify particular shoes, make-up, colours or accessories.
💡 Fun fact: Sean Diddy Comb, the well-known American rapper, is famous for hosting so-called White Parties. These are parties where guests may only come dressed in white.
Most often you will “encounter” a company dress code in the form of suits with ties for men, pocket squares, and pencil dresses with court shoes for women. In general, a dress code tells you to dress formally for work. This applies above all if you have meetings that day. Some companies have introduced a Friday dress code that allows more comfort. However, clothing must still meet formal standards.
Common company requirements include a ban on jeans, short sleeves, shorts, vest tops, sweatshirts and tracksuit bottoms. For some, the biggest challenge is summer, when it is 30°C outside and the company dress code forbids strappy dresses for women, or shorts for men. In this way, the company protects not only its reputation but also the safety of its staff. At least, that is the reason some give when banning short skirts and low necklines.
Smart casual and business casual
The smart casual style of dressing has become very popular, along with the business casual dress code. The two styles are fairly close to each other. Both are professional styles of dress that are somewhat less formal than traditional business attire. They are trends increasingly common in international corporations and smaller businesses alike. They allow fewer suits and more comfort. Jumpers instead of blazers, skinny trousers instead of suit trousers. Don’t expect boyfriend jeans just yet, though.
Smart casual draws more on less formal settings than business casual does. Smart casual should bring more comfort, colour combinations and creativity to the rather monotonous business casual.
Business casual is more common in banking, the financial sector and similar fields. At its core, smart casual is somewhat freer than business casual. The business casual dress code is based on classic formal wear but allows more colour and comfort. It usually means shirts without ties, worn with a jumper or a waistcoat instead of a blazer. By comparison, smart casual is a little looser. It is therefore suitable for upmarket restaurants or semi-formal events, where this kind of outfit will not offend anyone. Many women and men simply don’t find fully formal clothing comfortable, so they try to “relax” a little whenever they can.
Smart casual, women
For women, smart casual brings relief above all when it comes to shoes. Instead of high heels, women can wear low heels or so-called flat business shoes. These look more like men’s shoes, but women can wear them with trousers and dresses alike. They can choose between skirts, trousers and dresses. It hasn’t gone so far that they could come to work in floor-length floral summer dresses, but they no longer have to spend all day squeezed into pencil dresses or skirt suits.
This more relaxed style of dressing opens up options in colours, cuts and so on. Today there is an endless choice of narrow, wide, short and long trousers on the market, and smart casual gives them room. Just combine them appropriately and tastefully with a polo shirt, for example, and you’re sorted. Polo shirts are, after all, a smart casual favourite; just add a jumper or even a cardigan. Some pieces can also be combined with classic women’s T-shirts.
As a general rule, though, it is a good idea to find out first what the company actually means by smart casual. Views on this differ from one company to another. If you are unsure in a new job, look around at what your colleagues wear. Just remember that you should look neat, represent your company and look good. Suit trousers, a polo shirt and a jumper over it are a safe choice.
🛒 Women’s blazers as a smart casual staple »
But how do you choose the right outfit for a particular event?
1. For dinner
Have you been invited to a dinner with a smart casual dress code for women? There are plenty of great outfits you can wear that are appropriate without looking dull. To achieve the ideal look, simply combine classic pieces, such as black trousers, with more interesting ones, such as an off-the-shoulder top.
2. For a wedding
Smart casual wedding outfits can be tricky, because you don’t want to look overdressed or underdressed. To strike the right note, try choosing an elegant dress in a comfortable cut. Then add low heels and relaxed accessories. A jumpsuit or stylish trousers with a top can also be a great choice.
3. For the office
In today’s world, more and more offices are opting for a smart casual dress code. Although you still need to look professional, there is no reason not to take your look to a stylish finish. So consider swapping your usual trousers for a skirt, or opt for a fashionable suit. Alternatively, keep your clothes simple and add a touch of colour with accessories.
4. Daytime events
Whether you are heading to afternoon tea with friends or an informal meeting with a client, creating an elegant casual look for daytime events doesn’t have to be difficult. Anything from trousers and an elegant top to a midi skirt and a jumper can work.
5. Casual dresses
Choose a polished style, such as a shirt dress or a wrap dress, in a neutral colour like black or white. Also make sure the cut doesn’t reveal too much of your legs and chest, and if you want to wear a maxi dress, make sure it has a well-crafted design.
6. Jeans
While tailored trousers are the natural choice for smart casual outfits, jeans can work too. However, elevating this casual staple requires pairing it with the right pieces. Start by choosing skinny jeans in a dark shade, such as indigo or black. Also make sure they are not ripped or frayed. Then finish the jeans with a sophisticated shirt, a blazer and heels.
7. Tops
Stylish, elegant casual tops are not hard to find, but choosing which ones to add to your wardrobe can be challenging. In summer, a white button-up shirt is an excellent choice. As for winter, an elegant roll-neck jumper or a stylish long-sleeved top can look great paired with a skirt or tailored trousers.
8. Blazers
A sophisticated blazer is a great way to turn an otherwise casual look into smart casual. A standard blazer is an especially good choice. It is not your only option, though. Long-sleeved and sleeveless blazers can add an elegant twist to a basic style.
9. Handbags
Accessories play a key role in any outfit. So don’t forget to choose the right bag to go with your smart casual look. To pick the perfect handbag, simply choose a style that suits your sophisticated yet relaxed outfit.
Smart casual, men
Here too, it is good to know the requirements of the company you are about to work for, or perhaps already work for. The market also caters for men, so there is a wide range of nice shoes for them as well, which are not exactly patent leather shoes but are elegant, tasteful and comfortable at the same time. The same applies to trousers and shirts. A snow-white shirt and classic blue men’s jeans also count. You can tuck your shirt in or leave it loose. Men can also turn up the hem of the shirt and roll up the sleeves. You can also buy a longer-cut white shirt. It is up to you. Many styles are designed specifically for this. Polo shirts for men are very modern and tasteful. They are available in various cuts and colours. Coming back to jeans, stick to the classics here and avoid ripped or stretchy modern jeans. These are better suited to leisure time.
Men cannot alternate trousers with dresses, and shorts are not allowed in most companies, so they have it slightly easier than women. If you are unsure, remember that jeans are a “definite no” and tracksuit bottoms with a sweatshirt are “absolutely not”. Then all you need is a nice pair of trousers with a polo shirt and, for example, a modern knitted waistcoat. You will look relaxed and tasteful at the same time.
A modern blazer over a simple T-shirt is also a great and popular combination that men like to choose, and it is comfortable too. Modern blazers have certain sweatshirt features, so they are extremely comfortable to wear, yet men still look very good in them. In addition, men can choose a blazer to suit their personality (more colourful ones for extroverts, black for introverts). Everyone can choose according to their own taste. In general, darker colours look more elegant, while bolder colours and combinations draw attention to you. It depends on what you want.
🛒 The widest choice of smart casual »
There are a few more rules for T-shirts and trainers in smart casual that are often overlooked (the original article notes this about the Czech Republic).
- Clothes should look like new.
- No faded T-shirts or scuffed trainers.
- The T-shirt and shoes fit perfectly.
- They are not faded.
💡 Tip for men: A shirt with trousers and a V-neck jumper.
Tip for men, blue trousers
Blue trousers are a big trend and look great. Every man should try blue suit trousers, which can be combined with a wide range of tops, T-shirts, shirts and coats. They are not as versatile as black ones, but they stand out more and are more unconventional.
🛒 Elegant blue trousers»
Relaxed elegance
You may also know the smart casual dress code as relaxed elegance. Simply put, it is about maintaining elegance and looking tasteful and well groomed without having to feel constricted all day in something uncomfortable and tight. Relaxed elegance brings a kind of sense of freedom and ease to business meetings. The business dress code is a very elegant but strict and demanding style. It does not offer much choice in colours and cuts, and not everyone feels comfortable in it.
However, relaxed elegance does not mean you can turn up to a meeting in tracksuit bottoms and a sweatshirt. Summer dresses, oversized clothing or jeans are not right either. Always keep in mind that you are dealing with strangers and representing your company as well as yourself. Your clothes show that you know what is proper and appropriate. They say how aware you are of etiquette and what you think of yourself. You show that you respect the company’s rules and that you care about social relationships.
However, as mentioned above, dress codes do not apply only to work. Work is simply the most common area where they are used on a daily basis. You can “come across” prescribed dress much more often, though. Few people are not alarmed the first time they see Black tie on an invitation to an event. Black tie is already “a higher league”, and it is often used at balls and very formal social events. And not everyone has a dinner jacket at home.
💡 Tip: If you wear light-coloured trainers, always make sure they are clean. Dingy colours and stains can bring down the level of the whole outfit.
Casual dress code, black tie, white tie, smart casual, business casual
So there are many types of dress code. Whether you are starting a new job or have been invited to an event, occasion and so on, it is always better to find out whether a particular dress code is required. It may seem unnecessary to you now, but when you are standing in the middle of a hall with everyone looking at your outfit, you will wish you had that information. “Black tie is not the same as white tie, and business dress code is not the same as business casual.”
As the saying goes, “clothes make the man”, and we still live in a time when clothing says who you are and where you are. That is why it is good to have at least a basic idea of what is appropriate and what is not. And if you are not sure, do not get caught out, at least at less frequent events, and always find out what the required dress code is. There is no need to overdo it, and less is often more. You do not have to overthink your outfit, just avoid a total disaster.
