A dress code determines the dress code for an event and is increasingly being asked for at various events. This way you can ensure that one or two guests do not appear underdressed or overdressed. The smart casual dress code has gained a lot of importance in recent years and is often confused with business casual. What does “smart casual” actually mean? What do men and women wear with this dress code? What are the dos and don'ts with such an outfit? We reveal the answers to these and other questions in the article!
What is meant by smart casual?
In German, “Smart Casual” literally translates to “elegant informal,” so it’s easy to be mistaken. So this is not a completely informal clothing, but rather alegeres Business-Outfit, which is usually worn at dinner parties with colleagues or on business trips. With this dress code, it is important to find the happy medium between sportiness and elegance without crossing the boundaries.
The Smart Casual dress code is not only asked for at official invitations, but is also often chosen for drinks or dinner with colleagues after work. In young, dynamic companies, for example in the advertising industry, this look is also perfect as office clothing. In this case, however, it is important that you do not dress more elegantly than your boss and at the same time do not appear more casual than your colleagues. In such companies you can express your personality with a more creative outfit, but you also have to adapt to the corresponding work environment.
In general, an “outfit different from what you wear at work” is the most important requirement for this dress code. So you can't wear the same clothes that you wear to work every day. Above all, pay attention to non-professional clothing that is smart, i.e. elegant and pleasing. If, for example, you are invited to a garden party, then smart casual is definitely the right choice for you as upscale leisure clothing.
The dress code for men
The look for men requires a perfect balance between casualness and elegance. Although clothing should be casual, you don't have to skip the suit. The best combination for this dress code is a suit, for example made of cotton, poplin or corduroy, in combination with an open shirt without a tie. A contrasting pocket square can be used instead of the tie. This makes the entire outfit look smarter and expresses a certain elegance.
When choosing a suit, you should pay particular attention to:muted colorsand pay attention to darker tones. It is best combined with a long-sleeved shirt that is either plain or has a subtle pattern. If you like something a little more eye-catching, you can wear a playful, patterned shirt under the plain suit and thus add an accent to your outfit. However, with the smart casual look you should show unobtrusive elegance, so it's better not to overdo it with patterns and bright colors.
Unlike the business casual dress code, a smart casual look usually omits the tie. However, you can still wear them if you want if you follow a few simple rules. We recommend models and patterns that are as subtle as possible and do not make the look too “official” and “business”. In the colder months, a tie can be hidden under a matching sweater and the dress code is adhered to.
Regardless of whether it is part of an entire suit or complements chic jeans or trousers, a jacket or blazer is one of the basics of the smart casual look. However, the jacket should definitely be worn over a long-sleeved shirt. So T-shirts and polo shirts are not permitted. The exact outfit for this dress code also depends on the weather and the exact event. So at a garden party in summer, you may be able to forego the jacket and simply wear an open shirt and elegant trousers.
For a casual yet elegant look, choose high-quality trousers. This can be part of an entire suit, but you will definitely be right with flannel trousers, chinos and corduroy trousers. So the suit itself is not a must. You can also wear jeans for a smart casual look, but there are some restrictions. The jeans for this dress code should be dark blue and definitely not wrinkled or too loose. The clothing should above all appear new, which is why denim jeans are undesirable.
Regardless of whether the pants fit perfectly or not, an elegant belt is always part of the right outfit for this dress code. As far as footwear is concerned, laced leather men's shoes such as derbies or brogues are ideal for a smart casual look. Of course they are not the only option. You can combine the outfit just as successfully with classic leather loafers or elegant sneakers in dark colors. Absolute no-go's when it comes to shoes are sneakers and leather boots. To round off the outfit, matching stockings are worn with the trousers.
The choice of color is particularly important for the complete smart casual look. The motto of the dress code is understatement, so inconspicuous colors are the best decision. This includes trousers, blazers and shirts. For a successful look for autumn and winter, the shirt can be replaced with a turtleneck sweater made of fine material such as cashmere. Alternatively, as part of the dress code, you can wear a V-neck or crew-neck sweater over the shirt.
Once you have found the perfect outfit, you can now put the finishing touches to your look. With the Smart Casual dress code, the accessories should round off the entire look, but still not stand out too much. For men, an elegant wristwatch and a ring are sufficient. However, depending on the outfit, you can complement your appearance with cufflinks. You don't need more than accessories.
The smart casual look for women
And what do women actually wear when it comes to smart casual? This dress code is not as strict for women as it is for men. The woman has several options for a suitable outfit and has significantly more combinations to choose from. In general, she should dress tastefully and elegantly, similar to how she would dress for the office. You simply can't go wrong with a dark pants suit with a light blouse or a suit. Subtle patterns are also possible and ensure a casual look.
Pants of all kinds, such as chinos or business pants, are particularly popular for this look. Above all, they should not be too loose and should look elegant. You can either combine the trousers with a matching blouse and blazer, or opt for the combination of shirt and sweater. Always pay attention to muted colors and color combinations. So a colorful mix of colors and different patterns is completely unacceptable.
Most women always feel good and particularly feminine in a skirt. That's why the skirt is considered a good option for almost every dress code. Even in smart casual, skirts are of course allowed as long as they are no shorter than a hand's width above your knee. They can be easily combined with blouses, shirts and even T-shirts and should always be worn with a matching pair of shoes. The pleated skirt combined with a nice blouse certainly creates the look.
Skirts with elegant sweaters are an equally good combination for spring and summer. This refers to a sweater that is not too thick or too loose and does not have any prints or inscriptions. It should be color coordinated with the skirt so that both create an elegant overall look. Tights are also required but can be omitted in hot weather.
Note: If you choose a sweater or a T-shirt for this dress code, you should always pay attention to high-quality materials and look.
However, the women can also dress a little more informally with this dress code. High-quality dark jeans, combined with a nice blouse and a blazer as a top, can be worn by a woman depending on the occasion and still be within the dress code. However, the jeans should under no circumstances have tears or be too loose. You should also avoid a used look.
As for outerwear, consider wearing a stylish coat during the colder months. Leather jackets and parkas are not part of the smart casual look and should be left for leisure time. In autumn and winter, blazers are considered the best outerwear.
The appropriate shoes for this dress code are closed and not too high. Flat but elegant shoes such as ballerinas, moccasins or Chelsea boots are ideal for this and should be coordinated with the handbag if possible.
Sometimes it's easier to stick to a dress code if you know which items of clothing don't fit the look. We have created a small list of no-go's that you should avoid when it comes to smart casual outfits for women.
- Eye-catchingly patterned clothing
- see-through blouses
- crop tops
- T-shirts, sweaters and blouses with prints
- light or wide jeans with rips or a used look
- athletic shoes such as sneakers and sneakers
- loose boots or leather boots with large buckles
- Sandals and flip flops
- oversized women's bags
In contrast to men, women do not have to hold back when it comes to accessories for this dress code. Noble necklaces, fine bracelets and elegant wristwatches, as well as tasteful earrings complete the woman's look. With the right jewelry, even casual clothing such as jeans and a T-shirt can be instantly enhanced.
