“Elegant everyday life” is not just capacious beautiful phrase. Something like this translated from in English sounds like the name of the smart casual style. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this fashion trend lies in the combination of incompatible concepts. It combines unsurpassed comfort and natural ease with pronounced restraint and characteristic composure. business style clothes. Combining these image features allows you to fully express your own individuality in clothing, and also provides an excellent opportunity to ignore boring and predictable fashion canons. This trend is used not only by men; today the original and comfortable smart casual style is relevant for women. What it is and what framework is inherent in this modern trend is discussed in detail in this article.
Principles of smart casual style
In this dynamically developing and incredibly popular fashion trend, certain postulates can be identified, the observance of which guarantees the creation of the most harmonious sets of clothes.
Smart casual clothing silhouettes and fabrics
The bulk of things are made from wrinkle-resistant materials that are moderately elastic and soft. At the same time, the structure of the fabric must certainly ensure the maintenance of the desired shape and the correct fit of the curves of the body. You often see materials with a medium level of density, such as non-shiny flowy silk, different types natural wool, ultra-practical tweed material, delicate cashmere and other attractive materials. It is known that the most mesmerizing images are created with the participation of high-quality textured knitwear, consisting of tightly woven threads. This knitwear is great for outerwear. When choosing the bottom of the set, it is better to consider items made from tight cotton, wool or tweed.
beautiful women's clothing made of soft and practical materials
We know why today fashion boutiques in our country supply huge quantities of interesting clothes in the smart casual style for women. What does this give to the fair sex? First of all, freedom of movement and elegant appearance. The cut of elegant casual clothing can be assessed as semi-close to the body, but by no means casual. Things fit clearly on the figure. Such clothes are good because they allow a person to make as many relaxed movements as he likes. These properties, combined with clearly stitched details and straight lines, make it possible to obtain a dynamic, airy and at the same time strict silhouette of the clothing set.
Current colors and prints of smart casual style
It has been noticed that the color palette within this direction is quite wide, so each of us can choose acceptable options. The principle borrowed from the great classics is the use of basic colors. The only peculiarity is that pleasant, restrained colors, such as deep variations of blue and gray, are traditionally combined with neutral beige, light shades of purple and green. Often, rich colors act as accents, but bright suits that fit perfectly on the figure are also welcome.
Equally important clothing print. Designs on fabric are presented in a wide variety, for example, stripes and checks of different colors, watercolor and geometric patterns are often found, and a variety of fashionable images can also occur. This also includes drawings of exotic themes and large compositions. In order not to disturb the harmony of the image, you should not use several things with prints at once.
Women's smart casual clothing
Smart casual shirts
An indispensable universal item, successfully borrowed from a classic-style wardrobe. True, the classics are characterized exclusively by items made of silk or cotton fabric, made in light or neutral shades. For a casual-dressy style, there is a much wider selection of beautiful women's shirts: equipped with a collar or without this detail, with patterns or plain, practical dark colors, expressive bright colors, beautiful knitwear items. It’s good that shirts are suitable for any life situation and can be easily combined with absolutely any other items within the style in question. Rolling up sleeves is encouraged. The shirt is often incorporated into urban, business and summer outfits.
Trousers and jeans in smart casual style
The right trousers should fit a woman's legs perfectly. Low landing is excluded. The fabric must be selected to be wrinkle-resistant. The following details are definitely superfluous: patch pockets, sequins, appliques, rivets, bead embroidery, rhinestone decoration. These discreet decorative elements are appropriate: inconspicuous folds, beautiful lapels and aesthetic tucks on the fabric. Straight-leg trousers and timeless cigar trousers work well. The silhouette of women's trousers should be laconic, clear and not tight-fitting. The trousers fit well into sets for office and leisure.
Stylish jeans are also actively used by adherents of the smart casual trend; this item is selected strictly according to the figure so that the waist area is located in its place. Models that are too wide or dig into the body are not suitable. Skinny jeans, tapered versions and straight-cut items are appropriate. Using jeans, you can create a lot of compositions for work and leisure.
Popular women's smart casual clothing
In addition to the considered items of clothing, the following items are in demand today:
- semi-fitted jackets;
- forever fashionable skirts pencil models;
- sheath dresses knee-length or shorter;
- bags and shoes equipped with a minimum of decor;
- sweaters and sweatshirts with a moderately loose fit.
It is important to follow the general idea of the image, complementing the clothes with the right discreet makeup, impeccable hairstyle, discreet, neat manicure and trendy jewelry - all these details make up a smart casual style for women. What this direction includes is outlined in this article; all that remains is to apply these rules in practice and start enjoying your updated image.
Smart casual style (in Russian it sounds like “smart casual”, and is literally translated from English as “smart casual” style) is rather vague and vague. Place, event, cultural norms dictate different standards of smart casual style in each country. Consequently, debates continue to rage about what is included in the “smart casual” dress code and what is not.
By the way, even different dictionaries give different definitions of smart casual style. For example, the national dictionary of Australia, The Macquarie Dictionary, gives the following definition: - “good looking and casual style.” The Oxford University Dictionary gives a slightly different definition: – “neat, traditional, but relatively informal.” In the Urban Dictionary of English slang, the smart casual style is given a third definition: - “ridiculous, in which people go to parties, concerts and sit at their workplaces.” Even Wikipedia does not provide an exact definition, but refers to various opinions of fashion houses, news magazines and representatives of the media industry. Today we will try to figure out what smart casual style is and how to follow it.
Smart casual style is a casual, informal dress code that allows you to combine classic style with fashionable wardrobe items.
History of smart casual
The term “smart casual” first appeared in an American news newspaper at the beginning of the 20th century, but only in the 50s it became popular among office workers and business people America, then Europe. In those days, it was supposed to simply change the classic jacket to a more “casual” one made of cotton, and you were already dressed in the smart casual style. Today there are many more requirements to follow, combining formal and informal clothing styles in one smart casual dress code. This does not mean that you can put on a jacket and sweatpants and immediately go to work. It's a little more complicated.
A balance between formal and informal dress codes is key. To maintain harmony, the first thing you need to take as a basis is elegance, and only then dilute the image casual clothes. To simplify understanding, we will divide the description from top to bottom, starting with outerwear and ending with shoes.
What to wear on top
Blazer or jacket
A blazer or jacket is an easy way to add personality and style to a men's outfit. In warmer months, wear a cotton or linen blazer; In the cold season, a denser fabric - wool - is suitable. As for the color, choose the color to your taste, the main thing is to combine it with other wardrobe details. In my opinion, natural, pastel colors are best: khaki, brown, green.
Shirt
A plain shirt is traditionally suitable for all dress codes, including smart casual. However, you can experiment with the drawing. Alternatively, a striped or checkered shirt will do. It’s even better if you have a pocket square of exactly the same pattern that you can fold into your jacket pocket. If you don't have a tie, unbutton the top button of your shirt.
T-shirt
You can wear a T-shirt under a jacket or blazer, but make sure it matches the colors of the other accessories you are wearing. When in doubt, use a plain T-shirt with a small neckline - this is ideal.
Tie and other accessories
You can refrain from wearing a tie, unbutton only the top button of your shirt and call it a day. However, you can try a knitted tie to highlight your smart casual style.
In addition, you can use a colored tie clip and Sunglasses if the sun is shining overhead.
What to wear underneath
Trousers
Avoid classic trousers for smart casual styles. Smooth arrows and clear lines are of no use here. Chinos or khakis are perfect (if you don’t know what kind of trousers these are, read about them). When it comes to jeans, there is disagreement. Some claim that jeans are only for women, others say that jeans come in different varieties and you can choose a model for a “dressy-everyday” look. It's up to you to decide which side you'll lean towards.
It is better to match the color of the trousers to the jacket or play with the combination with shoes and belt. Dark shades look more serious than light shades, which one to choose is again up to you to decide.
Shorts
Cropped trousers - shorts - can also be worn in a smart casual style. However, these should not be beach bloomers. The best option is cropped chinos, without any strings or stripes.
Shoes
You can experiment with anything, but shoes should be closer to the classics. Your option is: loafers, monks, brogues, chukka boots, and just boots. Today the store offers models from different materials and all the colors of the rainbow. Buy those that suit your look, but it is better to avoid plain black, otherwise you will look like an ordinary office clerk. More color, gentlemen!
In custody
In concluding this article, I would like to summarize everything that has been said. The goal of smart casual style is to look good, but at the same time not to compromise on your comfort.. Be sure to use natural materials: cotton, linen, wool or mixtures thereof. No synthetics. If you choose shoes, then take a closer look at brogues or loafers made of brown glossy leather. From accessories, the best option a thin tie and an unusual knitted tie in combination with a pocket square (by the way, according to the smart casual dress code).
Find your style and don't be afraid to experiment. Take a look for inspiration. Follow simple rules smart-casual dress code, and you can achieve comfort and at the same time easily pass the face control of a fashion club.
Smart casual style – photo
Left: Green wool suit paired with a light blue shirt and tie with a navy and burgundy pattern. Additionally, a white presidential-style pocket square is folded. Right: A classic gray striped suit with a double-breasted jacket. Outerwear– classic coat in dark blue. Headdress – hat.
Create stylish look without shocking and be impeccable in detail. Let's figure out how to achieve this desired goal. So, our instructions for using the smart casual style.
Smart casual style is about collected, clear lines while maintaining comfort and ease of movement.
What is the difficulty of this style? In its deceptive simplicity. A minimum of rules, a maximum of variations in which you can drown, and then the image will turn into a parody of casual. So first, let’s understand some basics of style, and only then we’ll decide to experiment.
Basic items in smart casual style
Casual style is a variation of the office style, devoid of its total seriousness. Such images are equally appropriate in a work environment (provided, of course, that you are not bound by a rigid style) and in an everyday setting. And if you check your wardrobe for compliance with the precepts of smart casual, make sure that it contains the following things:Shirt - white or basic colors, middle length, straight cut, semi-fitting (avoid both fitted models, which are not relevant today, and oversized ones - negligence is not characteristic of casual style);
A classic denim shirt also looks quite appropriate in this style.
Trousers - straight or cropped, relevant this season;
Jeans - straight, without holes or abrasions, dark denim or black;
Jacket of a men's cut (not fitted), can be elongated;
A straight skirt of medium length (the minimum length of a skirt for the office is 7 cm above the knee);
Classic pumps in black or beige with medium heels (5-7 cm);
White classic sneakers (choose not too rough models that can be combined with office looks);
Pantsuit;
Classic trench coat in matte fabric.
This wardrobe item never goes out of fashion, but truly Trench coats are especially relevant in spring.
All things should fit well together, fit you in size and style and be comfortable. Smart casual is, first of all, comfortable and functional clothing, and not looks in which you cannot breathe or relax.
Smart casual for beginners
This style can be quite bright.
Smart casual is a style built on improvisation. There are no strict norms here, except, perhaps, the rejection of excessive sexuality and shapelessness. Oversized and casual styles convey different messages, although they have similar values - the desire for freedom of expression and convenience. However, it is better to master any style with at least some rules at hand that will help you create your first images correctly.
Choose items with a semi-fitting cut.
Avoid translucent fabrics and revealing items.
Choose things that keep their shape, good quality wrinkle-resistant fabrics: thick knitwear, wool, cashmere, tweed, etc. Also pay attention to things made from textured materials, for example, coarse knitted sweaters.
Give preference basic colors- white, black, dark blue, brown.
Every image should have bright detail, both in terms of color and form. An item with an active print (for example, geometric) can be an accent. The remaining components of the kit should be plain.
An interesting and at the same time very harmonious combination of geometric prints in smart casual aesthetics.
Choose comfortable shoes with low heels or stable heels.
Don't skimp on a classic wardrobe. Casual style gravitates towards things of a classic cut that do not go out of fashion. Therefore, consider your purchases as a long-term investment and take the time and effort to create a functional and stylish wardrobe.
Be sure to use interesting accessories - large jewelry, sunglasses, hats with narrow brims, scarves, watches, etc. Just don't overdo it. One or two elements will be enough.
What trends fit perfectly into the casual philosophy?
The perfect pantsuit is one of the most profitable investments in your wardrobe.
Casual style allows you to get out of the race for trends and current news. By dressing smartly casual, you will always look on-trend. But don't forget about fashion trends, which will harmoniously complement your wardrobe in a casual style.
Pantsuits in men's style. At the same time, you receive two classic clothing items, a jacket and trousers, which you can wear separately. You can break up the formality of your suit with a pair of white sneakers;
T-shirts with logos or inscriptions go well with a classic jacket and jeans, reducing the degree of formality of the image, and this is what is valued in casual;
Geometric prints. The modern craze for stripes, checks or polka dots is also appropriate for casual looks. Complement classic looks with a vest, an elongated black and white checkered jacket or a polka dot pencil skirt, and you will get fresh and unusual solutions;
Bags of rigid geometric shape. Choose unusual bags that can become bright accent your image;
Fashionable monochrome. Monochrome looks Great for casual style. Just don’t forget to include things with different textures so that the look doesn’t turn out monotonous.
Material provided by experts
Last update: 11/05/2018You've probably heard the phrase casual style. And I bet this is a style you use often. But what is smart casual? What are their differences? In fact, this difference is quite subjective and many experts in the fashion world make their statements regarding the definition of smart casual very carefully.
To put it vaguely, this style can be defined as a little more formal than casual style, but not formal enough for a formal style. But more specifically, smart casual can be described as a combination of such things: a blazer, White shirt, strict jeans, brown loafers.
With your own eye, you must constantly look for the balance you need between unbridled casual and formal rigor, combining things from these two areas. The nuance is that you will look a little more presentable and smarter in situations where it would seem this is not necessary. But this will add extra points to you in the eyes of others. After all, until you speak, only your body and clothes speak about you.
The article consists of two parts: in the first part you will find out where smart casual would be the most appropriate and winning option, in the second - what things determine this style most of all.
- 5 ideal situations
- 6 flagship items
Conference outside the office
If you work a lot outside the office, it is important for you to maintain a presentable appearance while increasing your comfort level. A light blazer and cotton trousers instead of jeans will help you with this. Loafers for this look will look very relaxed, and oxfords will look very formal.
Therefore, brown derbies will serve ideal option. Don't forget to take a closer look at our article about what they are and how to use them. In this look, you can easily work on a laptop in any cafe or hold a business meeting in a restaurant.
Art exhibition
You may be an art connoisseur, or maybe you need to surprise your girlfriend or business partner with your knowledge of masterpieces of painting and sculpture. Regardless of the goal, the image is the same. Classic jeans, white sneakers and a suede jacket will, in addition to extreme comfort, also give you the aura of a creative personality who understands the nuances of each work of art.
Maybe the whole point is that many men used jackets of a similar cut during the Renaissance in Italy. And now you can surprise anyone with your image, literacy and knowledge in currently unpopular areas.
Lunch after work
If you need to wear a formal suit, you don't have to always wear a tie and shirt. Especially if you and your colleagues spend a lot of time together and sometimes you need to relax with a cup of coffee or a friendly conversation.
In this case White T-shirt and a black understated sweater will give you a relaxed look. And the suit itself will nevertheless retain the presentability of the image and the necessary tone in the robot.
Meeting in a closed club
In Russian-speaking countries, closed clubs of various kinds of gentlemen are not as popular as in the West. But every year this movement is gaining popularity among us. It is very important that in such clubs you can relax, see how other men think, and make useful connections. It is unlikely that you will be asked to wear a tie to such events. But a lot will depend on your appearance.
By choosing an image like in the photo, you will definitely win a couple of points in the eyes of your colleagues. Perfectly fitting trousers, gray loafers and a thin wool turtleneck sweater will do the trick. Minimalistic textures and colors will hide all body imperfections, visually add several years of extra experience to you and make you stand out serious man, partner and person. A very strong image.
Dinner with relatives
It is not necessary to love your relatives, but meeting them is often necessary. In this case, well-chosen clothes can give compliments from family and friends, as well as the desired comfort anywhere: at home, outdoors, in a restaurant.
It is especially important to carefully approach the competent selection of smart casual if you are planning a meeting with the girl’s parents. Here, good quality suede Chelsea boots and medium size knitted sweater They will add goodwill and decency to you in the eyes of your parents. Of course, it is unlikely that any of them will know about your exploits, especially bad ones, but we all live in illusions in relation to other people. So why not create for them the illusion they want to see?
Linen suit
Double-breasted linen suit. Nowadays you rarely see one like this. It's a little baggy and maybe even conservative, but the benefits linen fabric and the possibility of customization are too tempting to leave aside. This is guaranteed to be the flagship of the smart casual dress code.
Dark colors
The usual casual style is too often full of bright colors. Dark colors almost always look more conservative and formal. They better highlight your taste - a stingy color scheme leads to the fact that people pay more attention to the correct size, quality of fabric, textures and play of shades. The man in the photo perfectly conveys this idea. It is noticeable that he is very comfortable in these clothes.
Double breasted blazer
Double breasted blazer like separate element wardrobe - a universal item for still cool days in spring and autumn. For smart casual it is very familiar, as it adds a lot of officialdom and charm to any other combination of things. Jeans, chinos, shorts, T-shirts and polos - the double-breasted blazer uncompromisingly changes any standard look.
Chambray shirt
Knitted tie
The tie is losing its position very much all over the world. The era of the classics is coming to an end. People want to dress not only beautifully, but also as comfortably as possible. Any inconvenience in style must be eliminated. When wearing a knitted tie anywhere today, there is a very high risk of being misunderstood, and sometimes even funny.
But the fact that a well-chosen tie changes a man’s sense of self is hard to deny. You can be quite confident in absolutely any style. But a tie is a conscious limitation of one’s own freedom. And the inner understanding that you are capable of any self-restraint gives you a huge head start in tone, energy and fearlessness.
The smart casual style is becoming more popular every year, as the formality of many companies is disappearing, and a corporate culture of fun, creativity and creativity is being introduced. Employees come in the most different images, without thinking what they are called and whether these things are combined at all. But if you approach this issue consciously, then at first impression you will look head and shoulders above your colleagues.
Free access to a collection of social technologies based on the works of Sun Tzu, Nicollo Machiavelli, Henry Ford, Robert Owen and Frederick Taylor. Study what aesthetic and ethical distancing is, learn to distinguish and use for your benefit the little things and details in the behavior of other people, find out what trends in changing society the digital revolution brings.
Lately style casual Well, it’s very well known. They write about him (including us), film stories about him, stylists talk about him, creating a certain image for the heroes of the programs. We all roughly understand what a direction is. casual, which, for a moment, has quite a lot of varieties. Let's take a closer look at smart casual. And if the style itself casual is a light, relaxed, comfortable, universal style of clothing, then smart casual called “elegant everyday”, “smart style”.
So, basic for smart casual are the following things (we are talking about women's wardrobe...about men's a little lower):
- shirt;
- jacket;
- trousers;
- jeans;
- various T-shirts;
- sweatshirts;
- sheath dress;
- active use of jewelry and accessories.
It is also believed that in a woman's wardrobe smart casual elements must be present men's fashion: strict men's shirts, straight trousers, shoes that have passed from the men's wardrobe to the women's wardrobe. But, to be honest, these are already nuances (so you can go into the jungle of varieties smart casual, which also exist), the main thing is to have .
All these items, of course, should be easily combined with each other - in the sense that a skirt can be worn with a shirt, a T-shirt, and a sweatshirt. The jacket will suit both jeans and trousers. That’s why it’s a smart style, when you can wisely combine basic things, creating a new look every time.
Smart casual dress code for women
Smart casual for women it means both smart and beautiful. Basic wardrobe allows you to stay within the office and business framework, but at the same time gives you the opportunity to look attractive, sexy, but not vulgar. Active prints, bright colors and accessories are allowed. During the day, you are a business lady in trousers, a blouse and a jacket, and in the evening, you are an attractive lady at a party. After all smart casual that's why smart, which easily adapts to any event and setting.
Smart casual style for men
Base men's wardrobe in style smart casual:
- shirt;
- blazer;
- jeans;
- trousers;
- cardigan;
- sweater.
Men, in fact, like women, should not have any compromises with comfort. Therefore, every detail, first of all, should be comfortable to wear. For men, there are also many combinations that they can use in everyday life:
- jeans, shirt and sweater;
- trousers, T-shirt, jacket;
- jacket, jeans and shirt;
- business suit and T-shirt;
- jeans, shirt, sweater and jacket.
All these combinations can be worn under brogues/sneakers/loafers/deserts.
Smart casual accessories and other components
Style details smart casual Not that they should, but it is desirable that they easily fit into both morning and evening time. The style allows the use of large jewelry, bright bags (including clutches), scarves with interesting prints, and sunglasses.
As for shoes, these can be pumps, loafers, oxfords, and low-top boots. This semi-formal style allows for shoes with animal prints or bright colors.
White slippers can also be the basis for creating a smart casual style
In conclusion - smart casual looks by urban fashionistas and fashion gurus who gathered at New York Fashion Week for the first part of the shows fashionable clothes season spring-summer 2018.
