Smart casual for men: what to wear
Dark jeans or chinos + a shirt, polo or knit + (blazer) + leather shoes or clean sneakers.
Dinner out, a date, a party at friends', relaxed offices, some work events.
- When
- Any time
- Tie
- No
- Jeans
- Yes
- Sneakers
- Yes
Three outfit ideas
Dinner
Dark jeans, a white Oxford shirt, a navy blazer and suede loafers.
Date
Chinos, a fine black sweater and Chelsea boots.
Weekend lunch
Beige chinos, a linen shirt and white leather sneakers.
What to wear
- Dark jeans or chinos
- An Oxford shirt, a knitted polo, a fine sweater
- An unstructured blazer
Shoes
Suede loafers, Chelsea boots, white leather sneakers.
Accessories
A leather belt, a watch.
What to avoid
- Athletic shorts and flip-flops
- A tie – unnecessary and often too much
Colours
Neutrals with one bolder accent; lighter in summer.
In summer
In summer: linen shirts, knee-length chino shorts (men, only in relaxed settings), midi dresses, leather sandals.
In winter
In winter: cashmere, roll necks, Chelsea boots, a coat over the 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 smart casual
Casual clothes, but considered: dark jeans or chinos, a shirt or good knit, a blazer, leather shoes or clean sneakers. 'Smart casual' appears in mid-20th-century Britain but truly spread in the 2000s as strict office codes faded. It's the most interpreted code – the point is relaxed but deliberate.
Beach formal for men
A linen suit or linen trousers + shirt, no tie + loafers or sandals.
Other codes for men
Frequently asked
01Smart casual: is a tie required?
No – a tie isn't needed and would often look too formal.
02Smart casual: are jeans OK?
Yes – dark, clean, unripped jeans fit this code.
03Smart casual: are sneakers OK?
Yes – clean, minimalist leather or suede sneakers work.
04Can you wear sneakers with smart casual?
Yes – clean, minimalist leather or suede sneakers. Not running or gym shoes.
05Smart casual vs business casual?
Business casual is for work (often no jeans, more blazers). Smart casual is casual dressed up: dark jeans and sneakers fit here.