Smart casual, also called «casual chic», is the most accessible style to get started with, and for good reason. It is widely accepted by society, easy to find in stores, and suits almost any situation, from a day at the office to a night out with friends. If you want to start dressing better but don’t know where to begin, this is your entry point.
I personally prefer dressing more formally but when i don’t feel like wearing a suit, I know I can fall back on nicely fitted jeans, an Oxford shirt and penny loafers. Add to that a cap in a contrasting color for a bit of interest, and you instantly get an easy-to-wear look that works perfectly.
Why Smart Casual Works
Smart casual has become the modern uniform. Everybody dresses this way now, whether they realize it or not. And the Beauty of it? It’s forgiving. You are far less likely to make style “mistakes” in smart casual compared to more demanding styles such as tailoring. You don’t need to master fabric drape, jacket proportions or matching your tie width to your lapel for example. You can simply start with a few easy garments and instantly have a good style, provided you choose them wisely.
I think that is another part of why this style is so appreciated; the freedom. Freedom on cuts, fabrics, colors….
(Except this marvelous Carhartt Detroit Jacket, the same one Matthew McConaughey wears in Interstellar)
What to Wear
Start with this short list of typical smart casual pieces:
- Chinos or jeans
- Oxford shirts or well-fitted plain cotton t-shirts or even merino wool t-shirts
- Soft shoulder sport jackets and overshirts
- Loafers, minimalist sneakers, or derbies
- Casual accessories like caps or tote bags
A French Ivy look here
– Sebago loafers
– Seiko 5 watch
You’ll find these items in almost every menswear store. They’re easy to combine, comfortable to wear, and sit nicely in the middle of the formality scale (see our guide).
Smart casual is also an excellent foundation for building your personal style. Once you’re comfortable, you can start shifting the look towards something else: add a streetwear piece (a cap, hoodie or sneakers), lean into workwear (canvas jackets, heavy boots), or bring in sartorial elements (flannel trousers, a knit ties). But be cautious, these require more experience to balance well.
All these reasons make smart casual a great place to start: it is neutral, safe, and versatile.
– Sebago
And white 5-pocket pants are seriously underrated
Fit Comes First
Fit can be tricky. We’ve gone from ultra-slim in the 2010s to oversized in recent years. Avoid chasing trends. Instead, find something flattering and timeless for your body type. Not too tight, not too baggy. You want enough structure to look put-together, but enough room to be comfortable and move naturally.
A good fit communicates that you know how to dress, even if you’re just wearing jeans and an oxford shirt. The fit should enhance your proportions, not hide them or exaggerate them. For jackets and shirts, pay attention to the shoulder seam and sleeve length. For trousers, make sure they sit well on the waist and have a clean line down the leg. These small adjustments have a big impact. Don’t hesitate to tailor your clothes if needed, it’s one of the best investments you can make in your wardrobe, provided you know a good tailor / seamstress.
Focus on Texture
Texture is one of the keys to making smart casual work. Choose fabrics that aren’t too sleek. Think:
- Oxford cotton instead of poplin
- Denim or thicker cotton chinos over dress trousers
- Flannel shirts, tweed jackets or corduroy pants
These materials bring visual interest and help tone down formality. That’s important when mixing pieces, texture helps everything “sit” together naturally.
Ready to Level Up?
If you’ve already spent some time wearing smart casual and have your basics covered: well-cut chinos and denim, quality loafers, oxford shirts, basic t-shirts, jackets in natural fabrics, then it might be time to step things up. The next move is to introduce more distinctive, character-rich pieces. They might feature unexpected colors, maybe larger volumes, eye-catching details. These are garments with more personality: maybe a sport jacket in a bold check, loafers in suede with a bit of patina, pleated trousers in corduroy, or a vintage-inspired workwear overshirt. The key is to add just one of these standout items to an otherwise clean outfit. This instantly elevates your look and shows that you know what you’re doing, without going over the top. Small steps, big difference.
This is also where accessories enter the game. A good leather belt, a clean cap, a nice bag, or even a bracelet or ring can bring personality to your outfit without changing the base. As with standout garments, the rule is the same: choose quality and use restraint. A well-made belt or carefully chosen accessory can quietly enhance your style, but too much, and it becomes noise. Don’t hesitate to use them, just don’t overdo it.
In Closing
These days, most environments, whether social or professional, are becoming increasingly relaxed. That’s where smart casual shines. It strikes the perfect balance: you don’t want to look like you’re trying too hard, but you also shouldn’t look like you just rolled out of bed.
Smart casual is the safest, easiest, and most effective way to dress well without overthinking it. It’s adaptable, approachable, and works for almost every setting. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you’ll have the freedom to explore other styles with confidence. But no matter how your wardrobe evolves, smart casual remains a rock-solid foundation to build on.
To go further: check out our guide to the 10 essential pieces. It’s no coincidence they all belong to the smart casual register.