Dress code · Always
Smart casual
Casual with a chic edge: a good shirt, chinos or slim trousers and, if you like, a blazer. Plenty of freedom, always polished.
At a glance
On the invitation
Smart casual
When
Work, first dates, informal occasions
The essentials
An elegant shirt
The trousers
Chinos or slim trousers
Add
Sport coat or blazer, optional
Never
Sneakers or jeans
Where this dress code sits on the ladder
The outfit, piece by piece
What to wear, why, and where to find it.
- 01
Shirt
A modern, elegant shirt is the foundation of the look. In winter, a turtleneck under the sport coat works well.
Shop shirts - 02
Chinos or trousers
Chinos in summer, slim-cut trousers in winter. The fit makes all the difference.
Shop trousers & chinos - 03
Sport coat or blazer
Not required, yet precisely the difference between casual and smart.
Shop casual sport coats - 04
Shoes
Smart men's shoes with a modern look, such as loafers. Sneakers are generally too casual.
Shop loafers
Do
- Modern shirt
- Chinos or slim trousers
- Good fit
- Smart shoes
Don't
- Jeans
- Torn or worn clothing
- Sneakers
- Too casual a look
The complete etiquette
All the rules, background and exceptions at a glance.
A casual outfit with a refined edge. Plenty of freedom, yet always polished and considered.
Not every dress code or etiquette is clearly defined. Smart Casual is a good example. This dress code is rather difficult to pin down. An outfit in line with Smart Casual etiquette is essentially a casual outfit with a refined, or 'smart', edge. This gives you quite a bit of freedom.
Casual + neat + modern look = the right balance.
So how do you make sure your outfit still complies with Smart Casual etiquette? Fortunately, there are a few practical guidelines that we are happy to share with you, so you avoid a faux pas.
Plenty of choice, as long as your outfit stays polished.
Not too casual and not too formal.
A sleek fit and a contemporary look.
Clothing with a smart twist
In essence, Smart Casual as a dress code stands for generally neat, comfortable clothing with a smart twist. You will usually encounter this dress code in a work setting or at occasions that are not overly formal, such as a first date.
The shirt in particular is key to an authentic Smart Casual look.
Smart Casual shirt with matching trousers
When putting together a Smart Casual outfit, you first choose a beautiful, elegant shirt.
Depending on the season, you can opt for chinos or slim-cut trousers.
- Modern shirt
- Chinos
- Slim trousers
- Good fit
- Jeans
- Rips
- Worn clothing
- Too casual a look
Don't wear jeans. They are usually too casual for Smart Casual.
Blazer or jacket as an optional choice
In addition to the trousers and shirt, you can optionally add a blazer or jacket. This is not mandatory.
In winter, you can, for example, also wear a turtleneck under a jacket.
Accessories according to Smart Casual etiquette
You do not necessarily need to wear a tie.
Opt instead for smart men's shoes with a modern look. Sneakers are generally too casual.
Prefer personal advice?
In doubt? Our stylists know every dress code.