Smart-casual style is something that has been blended together despite involving two very opposite concepts. In turn, this can make it challenging to put off and it’s also very easy to get wrong. For menswear collections hoping to incorporate a smart-casual appearance, it’s important to get the balance just right.
After the last couple of years with most of us living in loungewear, smart-casual might be the style you need to pull your collection back into the real world. With that in mind, fashion wholesaler Whispering Smith give some advice on how to achieve the smart-casual dress code and getting it right every time.
What does smart-casual really mean?
If you’re hoping to build a smart-casual collection, it can be helpful to consider both smart and casual with equal weight to begin with. The finished styled outfit should be both comfortable and presentable, so that the wearer feels neither under nor over-dressed. While this sounds like a conundrum in itself, it’s easier to achieve when you break it down.
Achieving the right smart-casual styling can sometimes be dependent on the occasion in mind, which can lend a hand in choosing the right outfit. In many instances, leaning more towards the smart end of the spectrum always pays off. For example wearing a suit but with a slightly unbuttoned shirt means you can remove the jacket if it looks too dressed up.
3 guidelines to always keep in mind
If ever in doubt of how to achieve a smart-casual look, there are three simple rules you can follow and keep in mind to strike a good balance. Firstly, ensure clothes are cut to fit with stylish silhouettes that are fitted, as this can instantly make even a t-shirt look smarter.
Secondly, consider shades like navy, black and chocolate brown as they will add a more elegant feel to any piece of clothing, from knitwear to trousers. Lastly, allow only one sportwear item per look. This could be trainers or a polo, for example.
The best pieces to include in your collection
There are a number of key items you can include in your menswear collection that will help to build a smart-casual look, and they’re all classic pieces that can be worn time and time again.
Trainers have been a bone of contention for many years but if you invest in the right styles, they can add the casual twist you need. Consider leather as they can have more of a luxury appearance, and stay away from heavy branding or embellishment.
You should also consider including chino trousers in your collection alongside jeans, as chinos can offer a solid choice that’s smarter than denim but not as smart as suit trousers. Colours like navy and beige often work best to offer a versatility with other garments.
Polo shirts are another classic essential for a smart-casual look, but shop carefully. Retro Airtex polo shirts will have a sporty look about them, so it’s important to style them with smarter pieces. Look for knitted polos instead that add more elegance to an outfit, particular when paired with chinos and loafers.
Hopefully this has given you a great introduction to the world of smart-casual clothing, and gives you a chance to start experimenting with mix and match styles to find the right balance for your collection!
