All about smart casual style for men

The casual style is familiar to every city dweller today - it is fashionable, but comfortable clothes for every day. And even those who do not know about him probably have a couple of such things in their wardrobe.

In simple terms, smart casual is the same stylish and practical wardrobe, but with classic elements. Smart casual looks modernize the formal style, making it comfortable. In this article, we will talk about its basic principles that are relevant for men.

Recently, many have stopped adhering to any dress code and began to come to work in casual clothes. So there was an improved casual with the prefix smart, that is, "smart" or "elegant". It is equally appropriate for both business events and parties.

Of course, this does not mean that now it is enough to wear sweatpants with a white shirt, it would be sheer eclecticism. Rather, each thing itself should combine opposite tendencies - simplicity and formality.

The most common opinion is that this is a young style, and it was formed in the 80s. But in one way or another, he manifested himself throughout the last century. For the first time, such a thing as "smart casual" was officially mentioned in one of the newspapers in 1924 in relation to a sleeveless dress.

Here are some examples of basic variations of this style:

• classical - plain or plain printed shirt, blazer, neutral chinos, dark belt and shoes;
• free - jeans, white shirt and dark cardigan;
• layered image - plain shirt, jumper, jeans, cardigan;
• winter - insulated wool trousers, turtleneck, blazer.

As you know, men usually prefer the comfortable, not the fashionable. So thanks to this style, they can find compromise solutions for every day. Consider what kind of capsule or, in other words, garments you can use to create smart-casual bows.

They are much more appropriate in this style than T-shirts.... Checkered options will perfectly fit into such a wardrobe. In hot weather, linen shirts or T-shirts are selected. Another option is Oxford button-down shirts. They are made of textured cotton and have their own design features - a button-down collar and a "relaxed" cut.

Close to them chambray shirt Is another hit of the smart-casual wardrobe. This lightweight cotton plain weave is lighter than jeans, although it is somewhat reminiscent of it. The polo suits this style optimally. This piece ideally combines the features of a business shirt and the informality of a T-shirt.

Not the best example of a masculine smart casual, but sometimes that's okay. Only the style of the T-shirt should be as simple as possible, the fit should be tight, and of course it should be of high quality and not washed out. A T-shirt will be a good complement to olive dress pants. She will make another interesting tandem with white chinos.

A modern blazer looks like a club, that is, a "lightweight" jacket. It looks less formal than the usual one. Materials such as cotton and linen are relevant. Natural tones such as browns, beige and greens work great with light colored pants.In general, in this style, the combination "dark top, light bottom" is very often used, as the opposite of the classics.

Blazers are welcomed from a non-smooth fabric with some texture. Choose a slightly shortened style with thin lapels on the chest. The color scheme is the same as for blazers. Soft shoulders make this initially austere piece of wardrobe more comfortable.

If sweatshirts and hoodies are welcome in casual, then in smart casual there are no such frankly sporting things. Check out the more glamorous cardigans in merino, cashmere or even cotton.

It can be worn over a very simple T-shirt without prints or décor. The cardigan can be taken in both small and large knits, with an elegant V-neck or a large voluminous collar, with a zipper or with buttons.

If you already have jeans in your smart casual wardrobe, then they should be dark and not have scuffs. This style does not imply worn-out things, both naturally and artificially aged. And best of all, give preference chinos, such as white cotton. Linen trousers also look solid and natural, so they have a place in the smart casual wardrobe.

So that pants made of such capricious fabric fit well, they can be sewn to order. It is a little troublesome, but such an element of the wardrobe will become one of the main ones. Trousers in khaki or a similar olive shade will fit well into the concept of style.

A useful addition to your smart casual arsenal is a pair of shoes. Take a closer look at styles that have some of the characteristics of classic shoes, but are not devoid of modern bells and whistles. Chelsea boots can impress with their rock and roll. Brogues are shoes of different styles with perforations along the seams, on the toes and on the heels - not a bad idea either.

Better yet, get yourself a pair of derbies... Their sides are sewn over the front. That is, if you untie the laces, then their side parts freely diverge to the sides. They can be bent almost 180 degrees, and this shoe model can be either with fashionable perforation or without it. Sneakers will fit into such a bow with some reservations. Of course, they must be expensive and of high quality. Understated models with a neat cut that do not look sporty will do.

Smart casual sneakers are even more questionable than sneakers. Some even firmly reject them. But a modern take on this style allows you to experiment with this shoe too. If you have a weakness for sneakers and want to wear them with clothes of this style, then “converse” or other well-known brand series will be preferable. For example Jack Purcells or Stan Smiths. Light or dark, but not simple gym shoes.

Barefoot shoes are not welcome in such a wardrobe. You need socks that have to match in color with some element of your image. If you want to wear a tie, then buy a non-classic narrow version, perhaps even from knitwear. It can be in the tone of a pocket square, which will also decorate your fashionable bow.

• Here's a smart casual look for cool weather. Complement a turtleneck or a thin elegant sweater with warm trousers. They can be wool, tweed or corduroy. A vintage blazer and desert boots make this look even cozier - suede boots with crepe soles with two or three pairs of lace holes. For those who do not like turtlenecks with a long collar, or who do not suit them, you can offer a polo with a cardigan.

• Interesting multi-layered image according to the principle “the more things, the better”. The trend for such complex bows is still relevant. Plus, with so many things, you definitely won't freeze.The main thing is that all wardrobe items are laconic. Plain shirt, V-neck jumper, jeans, cardigan and socks with the same or similar knit.

• At first glance, a simple but very stylish combination. Dark T-shirt, olive dress pants, suede chelsea and matching watch. This bow looks not only relevant, but also a little brutal. Suitable for men who do not want to dress too youthfully and want to preserve masculinity in their appearance.

This versatility has propelled it to the peak of popularity in recent years. Simple but solid things made from natural materials have displaced officialdom and pretentiousness from the catwalks and from everyday life. If you are trying to keep up with the times, then you can safely experiment in this direction and create actual images for yourself for every day and for special occasions.