The workplace as we know it is changing. Open plan co-working spaces are replacing traditional offices all over the world. More and more freelancers are entering the workforce. Major corporations are relaxing their stuffy dress codes. With all these changes comes a new category of dress for guys to navigate: smart casual.
What is Smart Casual?
Smart casual is basically a mash-up of business casual, casual and business dress codes. If you threw them all into a blender together, smart casual would be the end result. On the surface, smart casual is a more stylish, fashion-conscious approach to professional dress. Instead of the status quo (khakis and a woven shirt), there’s more room to play. Smart casual …show more content…
Stick with white but try a less formal option like a classic oxford or a casual woven shirt with pockets and a button-down collar. Even though your shirt is less formal, it should still be cut slim so your overall silhouette is sleek.
Shoes
This is the stage of the outfit where a lot of guys tend to trip up. Sure, smart casual is all about the combination of dressy and casual items. But sneakers don’t quite work in this scenario. Shoes are often the first part of your outfit that people notice. When you step into a smart casual scenario wearing sneakers, they cancel out the elegance of your overall look. Instead of sneakers, pack in some personality with a Chelsea boot or a double monkstrap shoe. It’s okay to forgo classic styles like the oxford or the wingtip, but don’t go too far in the other direction.
Accessories
Your accessories can be open to interpretation but try to avoid getting too stuffy or too relaxed. For your belt, stick to leather but try more adventurous styles like a braided belt. Concerning your bag, avoid the briefcase or the backpack. Instead, test out a folio or document holder. And as far as timepieces go, stick to the classics. Trendy watches that are digital or made of experimental materials can clash with your