Dressy casual for men: what to wear
Chinos or wool trousers + a collared shirt + (blazer) + loafers.
Family celebrations, birthdays, relaxed weddings, restaurants.
- When
- Any time
- Tie
- No
- Jeans
- Depends
- Sneakers
- No
Three outfit ideas
Birthday
Chinos, a linen shirt and an unstructured blazer.
Family gathering
Grey wool trousers, an Oxford shirt and loafers.
Evening
Dark jeans, a black shirt and Chelsea boots.
What to wear
- Linen or cotton shirts
- A blazer, no tie
Shoes
Loafers, derbies.
Accessories
A belt, a watch.
What to avoid
- Shorts, graphic tees
Colours
Free, seasonal.
In summer
In summer: maxi dresses, linen trousers, sandals.
In winter
In winter: knit dresses, wool trousers, a blazer.
Details that make the difference
- Tees and shirts should fit through the shoulders – oversized looks sloppy.
- Chinos and jeans should taper, with little or no break.
- In summer, wear loafers and sneakers with no-show socks.
- An unstructured blazer is the most versatile casual piece: it works with jeans and chinos alike.
About dressy casual
A notch above smart casual: a dress or dressy trousers, a collared shirt, no tie. 'Dressy casual' is an American invitation phrase meaning 'dress up, but no suit and tie required'.
Beach formal for men
A linen suit or linen trousers + shirt, no tie + loafers or sandals.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Dressy casual: is a tie required?
No – a tie isn't needed and would often look too formal.
02Dressy casual: are jeans OK?
It depends on the place: dark jeans with a blazer are sometimes accepted, but trousers are the safer choice.
03Dressy casual: are sneakers OK?
No – choose leather shoes.
04Are jeans OK for dressy casual?
Dark, smart jeans with a blazer sometimes, but trousers or a dress are safer.