Few things can make a man second-guess himself like the words “smart casual” on an invite. Dress codes are supposed to be clear and simple. It’s right there in the name: “Dress CODE.” Black tie means a tux and shiny shoes. Business casual means a button-down shirt and chinos. But if you’re like most guys, smart casual probably leaves you with more questions than clarity.
“Does it mean I should wear a tie without a suit, or should I wear a suit without a tie?”
“Can I wear jeans? Do I have to wear a jacket? Can I wear a jacket with jeans?”
“Wait...is smart casual the same as cocktail attire?”
(It’s not)
You’ve got more important things to think about. At this stage of the game, you shouldn’t be losing any sleep over what to wear. Here’s a simple guide to navigating smart casual without breaking a sweat. We’ll explain what smart casual is (and isn’t), share pointers for mastering the style, and list the fundamental pieces you need in your wardrobe.
What smart casual style is (and isn’t)
Smart casual strikes a balance between the structured harmony of formal dress and the personal expression of casual style. It’s all about looking smart. Whatever you wear should be distinctive in style, design, material, and fit to create a stylish, put-together look.
Getting smart casual right
| Clothes | Too formal 🎩 | Too casual 👟 | Just right 😎 |
| Top | White French cuff dress shirt | Vintage Atari shirt | Patterned Oxford cloth button-down shirt |
| Pants | Pinstripe suit pants | Faded or ripped jeans | Earth tone chinos or tech pants |
| Jacket |
Matching suit jacket |
Hoodie | Tweed sports coat |
| Socks | Oxfords | Air Jordans | Leather loafers |
It’s more than mixing and matching formal and casual clothes. It doesn’t mean you can swap your suit pants for your old jeans. It means you take high-quality casuals and match them in a way that shows you care about how you look. For instance, instead of a black T-shirt and jeans, the smart casual choice would be a quality blue polo and brown pants.
When and where to wear smart casual attire
Smart casual is for “dressy and relaxed” social environments and occasions where you’re expected to be presentable but not overly formal. It’s the de facto dress code for cruise ships — but also appropriate for restaurants, resorts, or theatres.
Because it’s a more casual style, you have a lot of variety in what you can wear. The “basic” smart casual outfit is a tailored jacket, patterned button-down shirt, chinos, and loafers. You’ll never be underdressed if you wear it. However, depending on the location, it may not be the exact right fit, which is where the confusion lies. Let’s talk about how to master the style and always have the right look.
How to master the smart casual dress code
Smart casual is perhaps the most versatile dress code because it gives you the freedom to express your unique style. But it’s not a free-for-all. True style is a deliberate harmony between the occasion, your character, and your clothes. The key to mastering smart casual is understanding the rules and letting them guide you to create a look that’s sharp, appropriate for the situation, and unquestionably your own.
Getting it right is easier than you think. Here’s how to become a smart casual superstar.
Always understand the situation
“He who is best prepared can best serve his moment of inspiration," wrote Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Those wise words are the cornerstone of smart casual dressing. Preparation is everything. Understanding the context puts the “smart” in smart casual. It eliminates the guesswork so you’ll understand what’s expected of you and always show up with exactly the right look. To prepare for the event, ask these questions.
Who is hosting the event?
Think about who invited you. If your CEO is hosting a dinner and says, “Come casual,” go for a slightly dressed-up outfit with a jacket, dress shirt, and sharp trousers. If a friend or family member is throwing a house party, opt for a sweater and trousers. A black Jack Archer Legacy Sweater paired with our Jettsetter tech pants in Olive Green is a great party combo.
Who will be there?
Tailor your style to your audience. If it’s an after-work event and your boss, your boss’s boss, and everyone from the office are going to be there, best to go with an upscale business casual look by throwing on a blazer over your button-down. For a casual dinner with the parents, opt for an earth-tone knit polo and tan five-pocket pants.
What kind of event is it?
What’s the event about, and what’s your role in it? If it’s a date night with someone special, dress to the nines with a stylish sports coat, dark shirt or sweater, brown pants, and your best brown shoes. For a professional event like a conference reception, choose a dressier look, like a navy blazer, a striped blue shirt, and a pair of Ice Gray Jetsetter pants.
Where is the event?
Read the room before you arrive by considering the venue. If it’s a fine restaurant or theatre, then upscale your outfit. If it’s a backyard party at your boss’s cottage, you’re probably fine with something more casual, like a green or blue camp shirt, gray linen pants, and deck shoes with a light sweater in case the evening is cool.
Day or night, rain or shine?
Daytime events call for lighter colors, like earth tones or pastels. In the evening, switch to darker colors and richer patterns. If you expect cold weather, plan to wear an overcoat and clothes made from heavier, warmer fabrics, such as wool. In hot weather, switch to light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton blends.
Pro tip: Slightly overdress. Being dressed slightly smarter (without showing off) is much better than being underdressed. When in doubt, bump up your outfit by adding a jacket. You can always take it off later if you feel overdressed.
|
Question |
Option A (+1) | Option B (0) |
| Who’s hosting? | Boss/CEO | Friends/Family |
| What’s the venue? | Fine restaurant/Theatre | Backyard/Casual spot |
| What time of day? | Evening | Daytime |
| Who will be there? | Colleagues/parents | Friends only |
| Who will be there? | Cool / wool & layers | Warm / linen & cotton |
Scoring Key:
- 0–1 points → Casual smart casual: Sweater + Jack Archer Jetsetter Pants + loafers
- 2–3 points → Balanced smart casual: Knit polo + blazer + dress shoes
- 4–5 points → Elevated smart casual: Sport coat + button-down + trousers
Use color and texture for full effect
The beauty of smart casual is that it gives you the flexibility to use colors, patterns, and textures to add character to what you wear. Start by swapping one piece. For instance, change out your run-of-the-mill khakis with a pair of Jack Archer tech pants in Bourbon Brown to add warmth to your outfit. Add a dark orange turtleneck and a tan sports coat for a great monochrome look.
Add a signature piece (or two) to your outfit
A signature piece is a unique accessory or item that signals you have a style that is unmistakably your own. Your signature piece could be a style choice, such as incorporating a specific color into your outfits or wearing Harris Tweed blazers. Or it could be a specific item like a vintage watch or a pair of spectator shoes. Whatever you choose, be genuine, subtle, and consistent with your style.
Find a good tailor
Fit is everything. Find a good tailor and invest in having your clothes properly fitted. Simple alterations like hemming a pair of pants for the perfect break or taking in a jacket to give it a cleaner line make all the difference in the world to your appearance.
Wear unique socks
Socks are the unsung heroes of men’s style. They’re the perfect way to make a statement and get noticed. For most men, socks are an afterthought. They simply match their socks to their pants or (shudder) their shoes. But you’re not most men. Go against the flow and choose unique socks that say who you are. Be bold. Experiment with different styles and colors. Maybe a colorful argyle or bold stripes. Don’t be afraid to take chances.
Even world leaders lean into statement socks — just look at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who’s known for pairing bold socks with his suits.
These are the socks you’re looking for. #MayTheFourthBeWithYou#GuerreDesÉtoiles pic.twitter.com/AXTQkgmkYH
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) May 4, 2017
Understanding the smart casual dress code is half the battle. Having the right clothes is the other half. Let’s look at how you can build a great smart casual wardrobe.
Smart casual wardrobe essentials
Now that you know how to master smart casual style, you need the clothes to make it work. Here are the essentials every well-dressed man should have in his closet.
Jackets
If a smart casual outfit is like a pizza, the jacket is the cheese. After shoes (see below), it’s the second-most important element of the smart casual style. Your choice of jacket sets the tone for the entire look. A dark blazer speaks of sophistication. A tweed sports jacket adds warmth and texture. A black leather jacket exudes classic cool.
You get the idea.
If you only get one jacket for your wardrobe, get an unstructured blazer. Navy is the classic choice. It goes with everything and can be worn day or night.
Other great smart casual options are textured sports coats. Tweed is always in style, although for warmer weather, you may want to opt for a cooler linen blend.
For less formal events, you can exchange your blazer or sports coat for a more casual option like the Jack Archer Legacy jacket or a harrington jacket.
Remember, it’s never a mistake to arrive slightly overdressed. Show up in a jacket. If it’s too formal for the occasion, you can always take it off.
Shirts
Shirts are the workhorses of the smart casual style.
Oxford shirts are a great go-to. They’re made from a slightly heavier fabric than dress shirts, which makes them a versatile choice worn alone or under a jacket. Grab a few Oxfords in different colors and patterns. Checked and striped shirts are always classic choices, or you could opt for a rich herringbone, tattersall, or gingham pattern for a bit more personality.
Polo shirts are also an excellent choice. Choose knit polos or tech polos made from quality fabrics. A pastel classic golf shirt paired with our tech pants in Bering Sea and boat shoes gives an athletic vibe for garden parties.
T-shirts may be too dressed-down for this look. However, a black long-sleeved t-shirt (like the Jack Archer Precision long-sleeved tee) matched with a blazer could work for events where you wouldn’t have to remove your jacket.
Pants
A stylish pair of trousers is the foundation of a killer smart casual outfit. The trick is to wear pants that aren’t too formal or too casual. Chinos are the classic smart casual pants. They’re casual and comfortable, but dressy enough to carry off the style.
Tech pants are the up-and-coming choice for men’s smart casual attire. They have all the advantages of chinos, and then some. Made from advanced performance fabrics, tech pants offer a superior fit, keep their shape all day, and are stain and wrinkle resistant. Jack Archer Jetsetter Tech Pants deliver the perfect blend of polish and performance.
In cooler weather, you can opt for pants in a warmer, more comfortable fabric, such as corduroys or wool pants. During the summer months, choose a lighter fabric like linen.
Jeans are a controversial choice for smart casual. Ripped or faded jeans are a no-no, but dark jeans can be ok for some situations. If you wear jeans, go for a dark wash or raw denim, and make sure they’re immaculate. Wear them with a shirt and jacket or a sweater and a nice pair of boots to complete the look.
As with everything smart casual, don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors. Pants in earth tones like burgundy, olive green or dark orange add depth and richness to your outfit.
Footwear
Shoes are the most important element of your smart casual outfit. They’re the first thing people notice about you. (It’s science!) And as the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Make that first impression count by investing in a few fine pairs of shoes. Leather shoes like loafers or derbies are classic choices, as are spectators, brogues, or wingtips. Instead of black, which is too formal anyway, opt for brown or kick things up a notch by getting a pair in oxblood or green.
Woven or linen shoes or boat shoes are great for summer and can be worn with bare feet. In winter weather, switch to dressy boots like Chesleas or chukkas, or, for a slightly edgier look, motorcycle or riding boots.
Sneakers also work, but ensure they’re appropriate for the situation. Upscale leather sneakers or classic Chuck Taylors are a good choice.
It goes without saying that shoes need to be immaculate. Keep them clean and polished.
Accessories
Use accessories to add subtle personal touches to your outfit that speak volumes about your style without saying a word.
A watch is the classic choice. An elegant watch sets off any outfit, plus you won’t have to haul your phone out to check the time. Belts are also great accessories. Make sure your belt, watch strap, and shoes all match. (Brown belt and watch strap with brown shoes.)
A pocket square adds color and personality to a jacket. Don’t be afraid to go with a contrasting color. It’s much more interesting than plain white.
A smart man is a well-dressed man
You’ve cracked the code. Smart casual doesn’t have to be complicated. It all comes down to four things — be prepared, understand the situation, express your personal style, and don’t be afraid to experiment. That’s it. Keep those principles in mind as you build your wardrobe and you’ll enter every situation looking your best.
As you build that wardrobe, Jack Archer is the perfect place to start. We create stylish, high-performance clothing for discerning men just like you. Check out our best sellers for our latest styles.
