What is Smart Casual Attire for Men? Look & Feel Good With These 3 Examples!

With today's influx of fashion choices, you may get overwhelmed about how to dress up for work. Adding to the confusion are dress codes, such as business casual and smart casual attire for men. While both categories include "casual", they involve different fashion sensibilities and clothing items. To guide you in your wardrobe choices, JobStreet distinguishes the two— with examples!

Also read: Work Smart: Where to Buy Office Wear for Your Wardrobe Upgrade

What is Business Casual Attire for Men?

While business attire typically means traditional, conservative, and tightly polished, business casual offers more flexibility. While it's a more relaxed look, business casual indulges more on the business look rather than the casual. This dress code is an excellent way to experiment if you are comfortable playing with fashion. Mixing and matching office and casual wear allows you to balance your still business-appropriate outfit with less formal elements.

Business Casual for Men Examples

Need fashion inspiration for your business casual days? Here are a few ensembles to get you started.

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Look #1: A hint of play

Key item: patterned blazer

A black blazer screams formal, but with a plaid pattern, its stiffness factor quickly goes down several notches. The trick here is to select subdued colors such as black, blue, and gray. Sticking to classic patterns like plaid, pinstripe, and herringbone is a great idea, giving you a playful vibe without going overboard. Pair it with a dress or collared shirt in a neutral tone and a pair of great-fitting pants–and you're ready to go!

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Look #2: Classy 

Key item: white button-down

With our tropical weather, it's best to wear light-colored clothes which deflect heat instead of absorbing it. A long-sleeved white button-down is a must-have because it looks neat, smart, and appropriate for several occasions. Sport a light and casual look with khaki pants and brown dress shoes. To make it slightly more formal, use dark-colored pants, strikingly contrasting your top.

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Look #3: Casual Peeking

Key item: polo shirt

A checkered polo shirt can still fall under business casual if you keep your other fashion pieces on the formal side. Pairing it with a tailored blazer or coat shows you're ready to work. But when the day is over, you can shrug off your second layer of clothing and attend a laid-back get-together with friends.

Also read: Best Job Interview Outfits for Women: the Proper Attire for 5 Industries

What is Business Casual for These Industries?

Your attire also depends on the field you work in. Take a look at our suggested fashion items per industry.

• Creative: Writers, graphic artists, and designers often work in casual settings, which allows more room for showing off their style. Playful elements may come in pops of color, printed ties, and statement jackets.

• Corporate: Business casual in corporate offices usually mean khakis or pants with a button-down shirt. Avoid sneakers and jeans and go for blazers and sport coats.

• Technology: Like in the creative industry, tech professionals can be more relaxed in their attire. Suggested pieces include polo shirts, sweaters, and even dark jeans.

• Law & Finance: Both these industries lean toward the formal side, so invest in dress shoes, dress shirts, and slacks. Ties may or may not be required.

What is Smart Casual Attire for Men?

Smart casual means dressing down enough to be comfortable but dressing enough to look professional. Remember that casual doesn't mean sloppy; ensure your casual clothes are neat, wrinkle-free, and well-tailored. 

When putting together a smart casual outfit, it's important to balance dressing up and being comfortable. Pay attention to how your clothes fit, and ensure they are well-tailored and in good condition. Different company cultures have different interpretations of smart casual, so be observant about what the majority wear. 

Smart Casual for Men Examples

Yay for casual Fridays! Even if you're going for comfort, remember to still look polished and professional with these looks.

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Look #1: Dare with Denim

Key item: jeans

Jeans are the ultimate symbol of casual wear. Opt for dark-colored jeans, which maintain a sense of formality while complementing almost any collared top. If you want to ditch the collar, you can wear a plain t-shirt matched with a sport jacket or blazer. Wear Oxford, Derby or boat shoes to complete your smart casual look.

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Look #2: Quite White

Key item: white sneakers

Sneakers have become versatile, crossing over to the formal side, with people pairing them with suits and dresses. White sneakers, in particular, create a classy effect with their minimalist appeal. To stay chic, keep them spotless and wear them with a smart-looking ensemble, such as dress pants and a light coat.

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Look #3: Play with Layered

Key item: thin sweater

Instead of a coat or blazer, you can also achieve a smart casual look with a sweater. A v-neck sweater works to show your undershirt's collar, giving your outfit an extra flair. Choose loosely woven and light fabric because we live in the tropics. Go for plain sweaters with neutral colors for a polished vibe.

What is Smart Casual for These Industries?

Make sure you dress according to your chosen field. Here are some industries and their typical definitions of smart casual.

• Creative: You can experiment with trends and unique pieces, such as slim-cut pants, eye-catching jackets, jeans, and sneakers.

• Corporate: Because you're often in meetings with clients and superiors, it's best to err on the formal side with dress pants, collared shirts, and dress shoes. A blazer or sport coat wouldn't hurt.

• Technology: Time to play! Take advantage of this dress code by reporting for duty in dark jeans, t-shirts paired with jackets, and clean sneakers.

• Law & Finance: Similar to corporate settings, smart casual for these industries are dressier. Avoid jeans and sneakers and opt for dress pants and shirts.

Dressing professionally is all about exuding confidence and respectability in the workplace. Whether you're going for business casual or smart casual, make sure the clothes fit you well (not too tight or loose). Stay moderate with the accessories; to be safe, check with your HR department for their definition of these dress codes.

More Tips for a Winner Work Outfit

Need more workplace fashion advice? Here are some pointers:

Invest in quality over quantity.

Choose classic and high-quality pieces that never go out of style. Even if they’re pricier than fast fashion, they’re likely to be more durable, saving you money in the long run. Besides, you can mix and match them, creating different looks.

Keep it simple.

Avoid loud colors and embellishments, which may distract clients and colleagues from your professionalism. You should carry the clothes and not the other way around. 

Keep your shoes polished and clean.

Some people overlook the importance of clean shoes. Remember that every piece of your outfit reflects your personality and habits, so keep everything (including your hair) neat and tidy.

Dress to Impress in Your Next Job

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