Not sure what to wear for a smart casual occasion? Join the club. With new types of clothing and accessories continuously surfacing in the market, deciding what’s casual or formal can take quite a bit of work. Then again though, when in doubt, it’s always better to lean on the formal side.
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Now then, let’s tackle the hard part of dressing in a smart casual manner by dividing this article into a section for men and another for women:
Men
Not All Jeans Can be Worn
Jeans are okay in the smart casual category. About the only thing you’ll need to remember is to pick out either a navy blue or black pair as lighter options are deemed as inappropriate.
Choose the Right Knitwear
If you’re a fan of patterns and prints, you should definitely tone down on your entire outfit. You’re going to be comfortable with this option, but avoid something that’s ill-fitting as that can tear your whole outfit apart.
Avoid Silk Ties
Silk is one of the best materials ever, but it is definitely a formal choice. If you’re going to wear a tie, choose a knitwear one instead to bring about a casual air to your whole ensemble.
Up the Shoe Game
Avoid slipper and sandals like the plague. Whatever you choose to wear on top will be instantly nullified if you wear them. Instead, opt for a versatile pair of boots or dress shoes.
Not Every Suit is Suitable
Go for a slim-fitting option in a dark or neutral colored tone. Do not wear a tuxedo (as that’s over the top formal) and also avoid wearing a navy blazer with metallic buttons.
Women
Choose the Right Bottoms
It’s pretty easy to dress overly casual or formal in the blink of an eye. This is why it’s good to start our outfit by picking out an appropriate bottom. Get a pair of dark-colored pants or skirt and make sure to choose a slim-fitting cut that complements your body.
Get a Nice Top to Balance It Off
If the bottom is bright, you can easily tone your whole look down with a white or neutral colored top. Likewise, if the bottom is dark colored, you can always choose a brighter top to balance your entire ensemble.
Your Shoes Matter
Nobody wants to see your toes if you’re going to wear a pair of slippers or sandals in a smart casual manner. If you do want to show them off, go with a pair of heels. Otherwise, close-toed pumps are your next best option.
Consider Wearing a Belt
This is not a necessary item, but it can help to pull together your entire look. It can also be a statement piece or even just to provide a textured relief. If you’re wearing a dress, you can always choose to wear a thin belt to cap it off.
Get a Nice-Looking Purse
As a practical accessory, this item does not have to match your outfit. A good choice is a sleek addition in a neutral or dark tone to complete your look. If you’re a fan of color, you can always opt for a simple colored piece.
For more tips on this topic, let’s take a look at some smart casual dressing style pieces for both men and women. Our New York limo service friends at MTC have published a blog post that offers some great tips on this topic. Enjoy!
