The question we're asked the most: “what is smart-casual”. Well, aside from being thrown around far too much, it's a dress code that actually does need some explaining. Because there's a fine line between getting it right, and getting it oh so wrong. A blend of opposites, it tended to end up in a grey sartorial area: as tricky to pull off well as it was easy to just look out of place in.
In 2023, short of politics, finance and law, smart casual will most likely be the preeminent dress code for most professionals (more on that later). But the smart casual dress code is commonly in use for the following: date night, parties, wedding receptions and, strangely enough, even some nightclubs.
But, while many people will come over all hot and sweaty at the mere sight of the words “smart casual”, it's actually not the worst thing. When done right, smart casual can take you from a work meeting to a dinner date. Then onto a party. And this is where it comes into its own. Because at no point will you feel under or over-dressed, out of place, or plain stupid.
As with anything worthwhile, it takes a little effort, knowledge and sound judgement to do well. Here’s the GQ guide to nailing it. Thank us later.
What actually counts as smart casual?
Before we start to define ‘smart casual’, it’s probably best to identify what is smart, and what is casual. ‘Smart’ items are those that traditionally fall within tailoring. A jacket and trousers, stiffly collared shirts, and finishing touches like ties, pocket squares and cufflinks are all absolutely, definitely ‘smart’.
Smart shoes are always leather, and include brogues, derbys and loafers, with leather soles (hard soles only!). Meanwhile, casual means clothes that were originally designed for sport, or manual labour. Jeans and chinos, hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts, jumpers, roll necks, tracksuits and trainers and suede shoes like Wallabees count. As do most boots, really. But more broadly, it’s anything that has a looser silhouette in a fabric with a bit of give.
Boss suit
The ‘serge’ suit with micropattern texture
The ‘smart’ elements of the outfit respect the occasion and give a sense of put-togetherness. You really do want to look like you've made an effort, but with a sense of comfort. Smart casual cannily blends all that together: tailoring with denim (more on that later), trainers with trousers and T-shirts with suits to create outfits that give light to a famous grey area.
Can I do smart casual for my workplace?
This really depends on where you work. Sure a lot of places have relaxed their uniforms when it comes to office wear, but there will still be places that won't let you rock up in a pair of sneakers. If you're high-flying banker with an office at the top of The Leadenhall Building, or work for the Big Four, then we reckon smart casual isn't your gig. Instead, you need to go down the more traditional suit and tie route. If you work for a startup – be it fintech, a fashion e-tailer or a food delivery service biz (Deliveroo, Wheely etc) – then you're on the money with a smart casual get-up.
What is the smart casual dress code?
Smart casual requires a bit of knowledge. Whatever you do, just don't wear the top half of a suit with a pair of jeans, or a pair of formal brogues with tracksuit bottoms. That's heinous. To really break it down, know that smarter pieces need to have their formality diluted with texture, softness, a more relaxed cut. Or all of the above.
