Smart
casual is a balance between clean cut and casual. The phrase is very common in
the modern fashion world. It’s usually thought of as something you could wear
to work, but still look stylish after hours. It may sound simple, but it is
definitely hard to grasp though certainly would impress on a first date without
looking out of place at a mid-range restaurant. It is common to find a college
teen or student putting on a mixed assortment of second hand sports jacket and
a faded pair of roadside jean trousers making him look like a scarecrow! At his
age and based on his income that is the best he can put together even if it doesn’t
come out as a good look.
Smart
casual has some basic tenets:
It is advisable not to wear a tie if you wish to pull
off a smart casual outcome. A tie tends to emit formality which a smart casual
is not after. However, a knitted tie can be worn with a cardigan or denim
jacket but not with a formal suit jacket, to pass off as smart casual.
Smart casual is your work outfit and no one will
fault you for overdressing, however, should you fall on the way side, do it on
the side of smart. One rather wears a full suit, or even a tuxedo than a
t-shirt and jeans in an office environment. Smart casual is a fine line to
tread, but easy to manage once you know the rules.
Utility Shirt
Should your work rules allow a t-shirt, it is okay
to adorn one (then you don’t need a smart casual guide), otherwise a t-shirt is
a no go area for smart casual – it is the epitome of full casual. Don’t even
think of throwing over a jacket! Instead opt for a utility shirt. A utility shirt is a shirt that really stands to
attention. A khaki shirt with a little bit more. It is a work shirt style made
of casual buttons up that is made from a heavier cotton material (although
cotton/synthetic blends are becoming more common these days) and is
specifically designed as a work wear item.
In terms of design, a characteristic utility shirt will
have at least two front pockets with possibly a tab collar or tab sleeves. Some
utility shirts will even have even pockets along the sleeves while other
varieties will be made from material heavy enough to make them almost like
jackets (i.e. shackets):
Baggy
is sloppy. Go for slim fit, especially for your pants though you might end up
looking like a fashion magazine model. Making a mistake with skinny is is safer
than making with baggy. Baggy pants scream out that “I am still listening to
Luambo Makiadi Franco”. By the way skinny is not for all ages. If over 40
please don’t attempt, you will look out of place and awkward!
The
foot department needs to be pampered, but not with sneakers please. Sneakers
are very good and some are really expensive upwards of $200, but for a smart
casual outcome are a disaster!
Smart casual shoes
Go
with some versatile dress shoes or boots. Avoid patent leather or anything that
seems to formal. It’s fairly easy to tell what shoes belong with a three-piece
suit, and what looks good with denim.
Slacks
Denims
are great for smart casual, but slacks should be your first choice. Modern
jeans with holes or weirdly dyed with frayed edges are unwelcome. They should
be dark, intact and of heavy raw denim. Light jeans are informal.
Go
for simple but quality clothes. They last longer and a good eye will notice. It
is common to rush for cheap polyester, but note that it will last only a few
months. Avoid formal jackets like the
tuxedo or a gold buttoned blazer. A tweed
blazer will work miracles partnered with dark denims.
Lastly your persona should exude coolness. A well trimmed beard on a well washed face oozing a light male fragrance will make a fashion statement.
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