What smart casual style looks like
Try a knit polo with chinos and leather sneakers. You can swap in a blazer or loafers when you need to look a little sharper.
How it works on a normal day
Say you have work, then dinner with friends. A knit polo, chinos, and leather sneakers can do both. If the office is more formal, add an unstructured blazer; if dinner is relaxed, take it off. Check the dress code before assuming sneakers will work everywhere.
Start with these wardrobe essentials
- Unstructured blazer
- knit polo
- chinos
- dark jeans
- loafers or leather sneakers
Three smart casual outfit formulas
Everyday
- Knit polo
- chinos
- leather sneakers
Work
- Unstructured blazer
- Oxford shirt
- dark trousers
Date
- Textured overshirt
- plain tee
- dark jeans
- suede shoes
What to pause before buying
Before buying something new, see if you can make three outfits with clothes you own.
- Very formal pieces with no casual counterpart
- Athletic shoes that dominate the outfit
- Shirts that are too long to wear untucked
Use the profile without becoming a uniform
You can bring in parts of your second style, too. Try changing the shoes or outer layer first, and keep what you enjoy wearing.
For a more traditional look, try an Oxford shirt in place of a polo. Classic style offers structured combinations, but the occasion still decides how formal to go. Compare classic style →
Heading somewhere unfamiliar? Read our guide to clothes and first impressions before assuming one look works for every setting.