What does smart casual mean?
Smart casual explained simply, with three ready-to-wear outfits for men and women and a quick list of what counts as too casual or too formal.
Smart casual sits between a suit and weekend clothes. It means looking polished and put-together without being formal: no tie needed, but no gym wear either.
A simple way to get it right: combine one smart piece (a blazer, a shirt, tailored trousers, leather shoes) with one casual piece (dark jeans, a knit, clean sneakers).
3 ways to wear smart casual
The Reliable Blazer
- TopLight blue oxford shirt
- LayerNavy blazer
- BottomDark indigo jeans
- ShoesBrown leather loafers
- AccessoryBrown leather belt
Blazer and shirt on top are smart; dark jeans keep it casual. It's the safest smart-casual formula there is.
Tip Dark jeans with no rips are essential; anything faded tips it into casual.
Polished Knit
- TopCream fine-knit jumper
- BottomBlack tailored trousers
- ShoesBlack leather loafers
- BagTan leather tote
Tailored trousers and loafers are smart; a soft knit keeps it relaxed. Cream and black look crisp, and tan leather adds warmth.
Tip Tuck the front of the jumper in slightly to define the waist.
Summer Smart Casual
- TopWhite linen shirt
- BottomNavy linen trousers
- ShoesTan suede loafers
- AccessoryTortoiseshell sunglasses
Linen is breathable and relaxed, but a buttoned shirt with tailored trousers and loafers keeps it smart.
Tip Linen creases; that's part of its charm, but start with it freshly steamed.
The rules
- One smart piece plus one casual piece is the easiest formula.
- Swap trainers for loafers, desert boots or clean leather sneakers.
- Dark, unripped denim counts as smart casual; faded or distressed denim doesn't.
- When unsure, slightly overdressing is safer than underdressing; a blazer can always come off.
Skip these
- Gym wear, hoodies or sportswear logos
- Ripped jeans and flip-flops
- A full suit and tie (too formal)
More style guides
- White sneakersWhat to wear with white sneakersThree easy outfits built around white sneakers, from weekend denim to a sharp blazer look, plus the rules that keep white trainers looking smart.
- Navy blazerHow to style a navy blazerThree ways to wear a navy blazer, from the office to the weekend, with the colours and shoes that work best alongside it.
- Black jeansWhat to wear with black jeansBlack jeans outfit ideas for women: a relaxed weekend look, a smart office outfit and an evening look, with tips on colours and shoes.