A Guide to Choosing Your Casual Dress Code

There is a delicate balancing act between the smart-casual look that is easy to get wrong. Too smart and you can look decidedly overdressed. Too casual however, and you could be mistaken for the town’s hobo.

No wonder many men struggle. As with all fashion, there are tips and guidelines to help the most hapless. And these apply even to casual wear.

Three basic tips for casual dressing

Always ensure the item of clothing is a good fit for your body shape, and flatters you.
Choose items that are made from high quality material and are well made.
Aim for classic styles that won’t go out of fashion, but still compliment your body shape.
There are a variety of different kinds of casual wear, from business casual, to dress down Fridays.

We are doing to take a look at just a few and showcase some ideas to help you put together a smart-casual look for yourself.

How to put together a smart-casual look

If you have an invite and the dress code states ‘smart-casual’, always err on the smart side.

As for outfits; you should always start off with a casual men’s shirt that stands out to you. As the look is a casual one, you can be a little more adventurous than you would in the office. This means you can pick brighter colors, louder checks or stripes.

Once you have chosen your shirt, team this with a cool pair of chinos, a trendy blazer and a smart pair of desert boots.

How to put together a ‘dress down Friday’ look

Some men panic when they are asked to step out of their suits and wear their own clothes to the office. But this is an ideal time to show off your individual style and personality.

Layering is the key here, so pop a plain tee-shirt underneath and finish off with a stylish jacket.

Make the whole outfit come together with a pair of dark denims and smart trainers.

How to put together a business casual look

As the emphasis is on business, keep to fine details, such as small stripes and patterns, but make sure the cut and material of fabric are of a high quality.

Shirt colors can be louder than normal but temper this with a darker, stylish jacket to tone the outfit down.

Finish the ensemble with smart loafers and chinos or cords.