Smart Casual Dress Code For Men: What It Means And How to Nail It

When it comes to men’s dress codes, none are more confusing than ‘smart casual’, sometimes known as ‘business casual’. Keep reading to learn how to master this most mysterious dress code…

Of all the style dilemmas that keep modern men up at night, none is more confusing—or more routinely misinterpreted—than the mysterious smart casual dress code. Is it jeans with a blazer? A button-up with sneakers? Should you tuck your shirt in or leave it loose? Even the internet can’t seem to agree, with every second blog offering a different definition that somehow manages to be both vague and overly specific.

To help you decode this infuriating fashion paradox, we’ve compiled quickfire answers to your biggest smart casual questions. Scroll down further for a more in-depth guide to nailing this look without second-guessing yourself every time you leave the house.

Are Jeans OK for smart casual?

Yes, but be sure to go with a dark blue wash or black jeans. Ripped or “distressed” denim is a no-no.

Can you wear a T-shirt for smart casual?

Yes, but opt for a good-quality, fitted tee. Avoid baggy tees and thin fabrics.

Are sneakers smart casual?

Most of the time, yes. If the occasion veers more formal — a wedding, for example — then opt for dress shoes.

Can I wear a polo shirt for smart casual?

Yes, polos are perfect for smart casual.

Is a long-sleeve t-shirt smart casual?

Yes, but as with any t-shirt it needs to be good quality and fit well.

What is the difference between casual and smart casual?

The difference is that you need to look like you’ve made an effort, whatever that means for your sense of self and style.

What shoes are smart casual?

Sneakers, Chelsea boots, loafers, and dress shoes are all appropriate. If in doubt, go smarter.

Are chinos smart casual?

Yes, they’re perfect. You can read more about chinos here.

If you’re looking for a more in-depth, detailed breakdown of what smart casual means for men, scroll down…

The Macquarie Dictionary defines smart casual for men as “well-dressed in a casual style,” which is about as helpful as describing water as “wet.” The Oxford Dictionary doesn’t do much better, calling it “neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style.” In other words, it’s a vibe.

The truth is, smart casual sits in the murky middle ground between dressed up and dressed down. As Mr Porter puts it: “Anything smarter than a tracksuit, but less formal than a suit.” That sums it up as well as anyone has.

They go on to offer a suggested outfit—blazer, white shirt, neat jeans and brown loafers—but even that leaves room for interpretation. What matters more is how you adapt these loose guidelines to your own taste. Smart casual isn’t a uniform. It’s a framework. The goal is to look put together without looking like you’re trying too hard.

As the name suggests, smart casual puts the emphasis on smart first, casual second. That means it’s always safer to err on the side of dressing up, not down. When in doubt, elevate your look.

There’s a reason the old saying “better overdressed than underdressed” still holds weight. Turning up in a T-shirt, tailored shorts and spotless sneakers might technically qualify as smart casual—but you’ll feel like an amateur if everyone else is wearing chinos, a button-up and a blazer. You don’t want to look like you missed the memo.

However, that doesn’t negate the existence of a somewhat less formal version of smart casual. If your gut feeling tells you that a blazer and chinos might be a little too much, but you’re still not exactly sure what to wear, here’s our advice…

Dark-coloured jeans and polo shirts are your friends. A slick black or white tee may also suffice, but you’re in dangerous territory. In short: if you’d wear it while relaxing at home, it’s a no-go.

Take jeans, for instance. A pair of straight-leg, dark-wash denim can absolutely work in a smart casual outfit, especially when teamed with a polo or button-down shirt. But the moment you swap them for light-wash, distressed or baggy jeans, the look instantly slides into casual territory. Likewise, a plain black or white T-shirt can be styled to suit a smart casual dress code if the rest of the outfit is elevated—think tailored trousers and sleek leather sneakers. Throw in a printed tee or loud graphics, though, and you’ve lost the brief.

The key lies in effort. Smart casual should look deliberate, even if it’s low-key. You want to appear relaxed without looking careless. Instead of trying to dress like you’re heading into the office, focus on balance: take one laid-back item you love and sharpen the rest of your outfit around it. If you’re wearing a T-shirt, add a pair of well-cut chinos and some loafers. If you’re in denim, make sure the cut is clean, the colour is dark, and layer with something like a lightweight blazer or overshirt.

Now that we’ve drawn the line between casual and smart casual, let’s break down the essential wardrobe staples you’ll want to master for a look that feels modern, comfortable and right on cue.

Absolutely. Blazers, bombers, field jackets and blousons all fall squarely into the smart casual dress codeif you pick the right ones and style them properly.

Let’s start with blazers. These are your safest bet when you want to lean toward the “smart” end of smart casual. But not just any blazer will do. Leave your sharply tailored, fully structured work suit jacket at home. It looks too corporate and risks making the rest of your outfit feel mismatched. Instead, look for an unstructured blazer something with soft shoulders, no lining, and a more relaxed drape.

In warm weather, cotton or cotton-linen blends are ideal. Linen on its own can wrinkle easily, but when blended with cotton, it becomes more durable while keeping that breezy summer feel. For the cooler months, go for a wool-silk or merino blend. Details like patch pockets, textured fabrics, and rollable sleeves (thanks to functional cuff buttons) make all the difference.

Bomber jackets, field jackets, and even chore coats can all pass the smart casual test too. The key is in the material and fit. A bomber in suede or wool reads smarter than one in nylon or shiny synthetics. Pair it with a collared shirt and tailored trousers and it’ll slot in perfectly.

Long coats, trench coats and topcoats also work brilliantly as outerwear over a smart casual outfit just keep the silhouette clean and colours neutral or tonal. Navy, grey, olive, camel and chocolate brown are all versatile options.

You’ll generally get more mileage from solid colours or subtle textures, but don’t be afraid to bring in a splash of colour or pattern just avoid anything too loud or novelty. Bold checks, rich burgundy or dark green can all work, but neon, acid wash, or oversized logos belong in a different category entirely.

Whether you’re dressing for date night or a casual office setting, the right jacket can pull your whole look together. Just remember: relaxed tailoring beats boardroom polish every time.

Shirts are where smart casual really starts to open up. You’re not limited to plain business whites and stiff collars. In fact, smart casual gives you full licence to mix traditional tailoring with relaxed shirting just do it with purpose.

A single-colour shirt in a crisp cotton or oxford weave is a safe bet. White, light blue and pale pink are timeless, but smart casual isn’t all about playing it safe. Patterned shirts think stripes, micro-checks, fine houndstooth or even a muted floral can add personality and depth. Just balance them out with neutral pieces. A bold shirt needs quiet chinos. A printed shirt needs a simple blazer.

Yes, printed shirts are acceptable, even encouraged, if done right. Avoid garish novelty prints or anything that looks like you bought it on the way to a bucks party in Bali. Subtle motifs, small-scale graphics or tonal patterns work far better. If you’re wearing a printed shirt to a dinner or smart-casual event, pair it with tailored trousers and a textured blazer. It says you’re up for a good time, but you still know how to hold a conversation.

To tuck or not to tuck? Simple rule: if your shirt has long tails, tuck it in. If it’s a shorter, straight hem made to be worn untucked, that’s fine too, just make sure the cut sits cleanly around your hips. If you’re wearing a jacket or blazer, you’ll always look sharper with your shirt tucked in. Unless you’re aiming for a washed-up DJ vibe, keep it tidy.

As for collars, a button-down is your smartest play. It adds structure without veering into office territory and works perfectly under a blazer or layered over a white tee. In summer, go lighter and brighter: linen blends, open collars, camp shirts and pastel tones can all fit the bill.

Smart casual is about balance. Treat the shirt as your outfit’s anchor or its exclamation mark. Either way, it needs to say something.

This is where smart casual gives a bit of breathing room, especially for guys who don’t love collared shirts or the idea of buttoning anything past their sternum. Yes, a T-shirt can absolutely be smart casual, but only if you play by the rules.

Stick to the classics. Think crisp, structured, well-fitted tees in neutral tones like white, navy, black or grey. No graphics, no oversized logos, and definitely no witty slogans about tequila or bench press numbers. A high-quality cotton crewneck is your best bet, it hugs the shoulders, sits clean through the body, and lets the rest of your outfit do the heavy lifting.

Avoid anything see-through or clingy. Lightweight, sheer fabrics might feel good in summer, but they rarely look good in smart casual settings. You want structure, not shrink wrap. And unless you’re training for Mr Olympia, no one wants a visual breakdown of your chest anatomy.

V-necks? Absolutely not. They had a moment during the peak protein-shake era of the mid-2000s and haven’t recovered since. Keep the neckline high, simple and understated.

The trick with T-shirts in a smart casual fit is to dress them up elsewhere. Pair yours with dark denim, tailored trousers, or even a relaxed suit. Throw a bomber, blouson or blazer over the top, and you’ve got a laidback outfit that still reads sharp. It’s a minimalist move—but when done right, it’s one of the most effective.

If you’re unsure whether the tee works for the setting, swap it out for a polo. It’s just as comfortable but comes with a collar, which nudges the whole thing a little further up the dress code ladder.

As with your upper half, when it comes to putting on some pants, you can take advantage of the more ‘smart’ casual nature intended for your outfit. This means you can forget wearing suit pants or formal trousers entirely and buy chinos or a pair of slim denim jeans instead.

There are still some rules to abide by, however. Keep your pants and chinos fitted and keep colours neutral, and keep them on the shorter side to prevent any ugly folds over your shoe.

And while there is some casual leeway, that doesn’t extend to anything ripped – you’re not in a Pearl Jam cover band or going to a music festival.

If you decide to wear a pair of jeans, you should look to be wearing darker shades of denim blue, or go for black jeans, and be sure to avoid rips to ensure you keep with the ‘smart’ part of the casual. Ideally, pair your denim with a shirt or t-shirt and a blazer.

Yes, in outdoor and Summer settings you can get away with shorts.

With smart casual shorts, it’s probably easier to tell you what to avoid: Boardies, cargo shorts, anything below the knee, and anything you could be seen playing sport in should be firmly ignored.

Instead, you should be wearing something tailored in cotton or cotton-linen. Chuck in a pattern if the rest of your outfit is plain. Otherwise, keep it simple with navy, grey, or cream.

Unlike cocktail attire (smart casual’s older, more buttoned-up cousin), footwear here is a little more forgiving. You’ve got options—just not unlimited freedom. The golden rule? Whatever you wear on your feet should feel in sync with the top half of your outfit. Don’t be the guy wearing shiny Oxfords with linen shorts and a tucked-in polo. It’s not ironic, it’s just confusing.

The vibe of the event matters. If you’re heading to a mate’s 30th at a rooftop bar, clean white sneakers, loafers, or suede Chelsea boots are all perfectly acceptable. They strike the right balance between effort and ease. But if you’re going to a wedding with “smart casual” written on the invite (which is increasingly common), leave the sneakers in the cupboard. A pair of polished derbies or monk straps will serve you far better.

As for sneakers, they’re absolutely fine—as long as they’re clean, minimal, and ideally leather. Think Common Projects, Axel Arigato, Oliver Cabell, or a crisp Adidas Stan Smith. Avoid anything you’d actually wear to the gym or that looks like it was found under your bed after a festival.

And yes, Converse All-Stars can look good with a blazer and chinos. But they also send a message: “I’m trying to be the laidback cool guy who doesn’t care about rules.” If that’s the energy you’re going for, great. Just make sure the setting—and crowd—can handle it.

Desert boots, loafers, driving shoes, suede derbies, brogues and even sleek tennis shoes can all work. Just keep them well-maintained, match them to the formality of your outfit, and don’t overthink it.

You can wear a three-figure shirt, the best-fitting trousers money can buy, and a watch that costs more than a small car—but if your shoes look scuffed, grubby or like you borrowed them from your dad, that’s all anyone will remember.

Ties are optional but, to be honest, we can’t foresee a smart casual attire event that ever screams out for one. Leave it at home and bring a pocket square instead to add some colour. Coordinate it with your shirt, ensuring you avoid hankies that are too bold or contrived.

You’ll also want to be sure you add a belt into the mix to show you understand style. You don’t necessarily need the fanciest full-grain leather belt from a high-end designer brand, as you can certainly play around with materials, such as woven and textile belts.

Sunglasses for the daytime are a must (especially if your conversation partner is a bit dull and your eyes wander). Tortoiseshell is the best pick for individuality, but conservative black or brown frames are fine if the rest of your outfit has plenty of colour.

You should also look into investing in some pieces of jewellery. A simple leather bracelet or a sterling silver signet ring can instantly transform a perfectly passable smart casual outfit into one that will help you stand out and be the subject of gossip the following day.

And remember, men, never leave the house without a good smile and a courteous attitude. They’re the best accessories you can bring.

“Denotes giving thought to your casual outfit. The ‘smart’ in smart casual also implies clever dressing. Considering comfort, and relaxed style, the key for me is to have one smart or hero piece in your casual ensemble. A denim shirt with a linen suit, a pair of box fresh sneakers with an unstructured suit or handmade loafers with your favourite jeans, just may do the trick. Tucking in your shirt or rolling cuffs can make a remarkable difference to your casual outfit, rendering it ‘smart casual’. Smart casual is the ultimate mix of tailoring, smart footwear choices and core casual styling wardrobe staples.”

Jeff Lack @jefflack