Guide to Smart Casual Attire

Selecting an outfit for your first day at work, a networking event or an interview can be difficult–especially if you’re unsure about what is considered acceptable attire. While it is certainly necessary to follow any existing dress codes for professional events, you should also feel comfortable and confident in your clothes.

If you like to combine form and function in your work wear, smart casual attire can be an excellent choice as you will have a professional, trendy appearance while being comfortable at the same time. In this guide, we discuss what smart casual attire is and how to select a smart casual outfit for your next professional endeavor.

What is smart casual attire?

Smart casual attire is a professional dress option that incorporates trendy pieces into an outfit to achieve a clean yet comfortable, semi-formal appearance. There are a wide variety of clothing options to choose from for smart casual attire including skirts, dresses, tailored pants, casual pants, jumpers, collared shirts or blouses, and possibly a blazer or a jacket depending on the occasion.

The main difference between smart casual attire and business casual attire is that smart casual attire may incorporate more trendy, fashionable pieces. However, they're both a style of clothing that will give you a professional appearance without having to wear a suit or other formal professional clothing. Informal smart casual options can also include sneakers, dark-coloured jeans and nice, structured t-shirts.

A smart casual wardrobe should include versatile clothes that are comfortable and can work with one another to form a variety of outfits for your professional life. Let’s take a closer look at examples of smart casual attire for the workplace.

Smart casual attire for men

A smart casual wardrobe for men is based around a few essential items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. The ideal smart casual outfit includes a combination of both formal and informal pieces.

Pants

When building your smart casual collection, shopping for pants is a good place to start. You will need a quality pair of non-ripped denim jeans with straight legs that are either dark wash–blue or black coloured. Denim jeans provide a classic look that fits into numerous environments, both professionally and personally, and can be dressed up if needed.

You can also invest in chinos or khakis in colours such as navy and tan. These styles of pants can serve as a base for any smart casual outfit and is appropriate for many different settings.

Shirts

Examples of smart casual shirts include short and long-sleeve button downs, henleys and classic t-shirts. You can also incorporate jumpers which can easily be dressed up and down based on your pants and shoes. If you feel comfortable with colours and patterns you might also invest in statement pieces that can be paired with solid basics.

Jackets and blazers

Jackets are a great option to mix up your outfits, and they look great in both formal and informal settings. An unstructured, dark blazer can create a smart, professional look while also feeling casual. Look for blazers you feel comfortable wearing both at work and on your days off.

Shoes and accessories

Make sure you have a couple of professional shoes such as oxfords or boat shoes for more formal occasions, and a pair of clean leather, canvas or suede sneakers for casual situations. To accessorise, opt for classics such as leather belts (match the colour to your shoes) and wrist watches.

Related: A Guide to Business Attire for Men (With Tips)

Smart casual attire for women

Women have many different options when putting together a smart casual outfit. From skirts to khakis and blouses to button-down shirts, make sure you choose versatile pieces you can pair with others in your wardrobe. If you’re unsure about more trendy styles, opt for basics that make you feel comfortable and confident.

Related: How to Dress Business Casual for Women

Pants and skirts

In addition to tailored pants, chinos and jeans, you might also incorporate skirts into your wardrobe. Opt for long skirts or those that hit just below the knee, like pencil skirts. You might also explore different skirt fabrics such as denim or corduroy to pair with basic tops and jackets.

Tops

Nearly any top will work well in a smart casual outfit as long as it is clean and free of holes or wrinkles. Examples of smart casual tops include jumpers, Henleys, button-downs, blouses and nice t-shirts.

Dresses

Dresses are a good option for an easy outfit on days when you don’t have much time or simply want to feel professional and comfortable. For a more formal outfit, combine a dress with a pair of low heels and simple jewellery.

For less formal environments, you can pair your dress with more stylish jewellery, a denim jacket and casual footwear such as flats or open-toe shoes.

Gender-neutral smart casual

There are also many gender-neutral options available for anyone who wants to look professional and stylish. When choosing gender-neutral smart casual outfits, the most important thing to lookout for are clothes that you are comfortable in and fit you well.

Some of the most basic and attractive smart casual outfits can be considered gender neutral. For example, a pair of grey tailored pants, a white button-up shirt, and a simple black jacket with boat shoes are a great gender-neutral smart casual option that can be worn in nearly any professional setting.

Here are several examples of gender-neutral smart casual clothing items:

• button-down shirts

• Henleys

• t-shirts

• jumpers

• vests

• jackets

• blazers

• cargo pants

• chinos

• jeans

• pants

• oxfords

• boat shoes

• boots

• sneakers

• watches.

With the right mix of casual and formal clothing, you'll look great during your workday, in your next interview or at a networking event.