OutfitSuggestion

What to wear for smart casual

Smart casual is casual clothing done neatly: a blazer over a T-shirt or a knit, chinos or dark, clean jeans, a midi skirt or a shirt dress, with loafers, ankle boots or clean leather sneakers. No suit and tie, but nothing you would wear to the gym either.

The details make the difference. Jeans should be dark and without rips, sneakers plain leather and spotless, shirts pressed. Leave out sportswear, flip-flops, graphic T-shirts and shorts, unless the invitation says it is an outdoor summer event.

Because it is the vaguest dress code, read it from the occasion: a smart casual office leans toward blazers and chinos, a dinner or a party toward dark jeans and a good knit.

Smart casual outfits to try on

Five combinations that hit the line between polished and relaxed. See each on your own photo.

Blazer and chinos

Blazer and chinos

The textbook smart casual outfit: an unstructured navy blazer, a white oxford shirt and tan chinos. Suede loafers keep it relaxed enough for a dinner and neat enough for the office.

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Knit polo and chinos

Knit polo and chinos

A fine-knit polo looks dressier than a cotton one and stands in for a shirt in warm weather. With slim chinos and white leather sneakers it is smart casual at its easiest.

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Blazer and jeans

Blazer and jeans

A tailored blazer over a plain white T-shirt with dark jeans and clean white sneakers shows where smart casual sits: one tailored piece, the rest relaxed. It works for anyone.

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Knit top and midi skirt

Knit top and midi skirt

A fitted black knit tucked into a camel pleated midi skirt, with ankle boots, is polished without being formal: right for an office dinner or an evening at the theater.

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Shirt dress

Shirt dress

A belted olive shirt dress is one piece that reads smart casual on its own. White sneakers keep it relaxed; ankle boots or loafers dress it up.

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Take a full-body photo

Stand back so your whole body is in the frame, head to toe, facing the camera. A mirror selfie or a photo someone takes of you both work. Fitted clothes and even light work best.

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FAQ

Can you wear jeans for smart casual?

Yes, if they are dark, clean and without rips, and you dress them up with a blazer, a collared shirt or a fine knit and leather shoes or clean sneakers.

Are sneakers smart casual?

Plain leather sneakers in white or black are widely accepted, as long as they are clean. Running shoes and chunky athletic sneakers are not.

What is the difference between smart casual and business casual?

Business casual is office wear without a suit: chinos or tailored trousers, collared shirts or blouses, often a blazer. Smart casual relaxes it further and allows dark jeans, knitwear and clean sneakers.