Smart casual
Encyclopedia
Smart casual is a loosely defined dress code, casual, yet "smart" (i.e. "neat") enough to conform
to the particular standards of certain Western
social groups.
As "smart casual" is not formally defined, the lines between it and the other casual styles (see Western dress code
) are often blurred. For example, some may use the term smart casual interchangeably with business casual
.
—this includes chinos—a long-sleeve dress shirt
(tie optional), leather loafers
or dressy slip-ons, dress socks
, a belt
, and, if appropriate, a sport coat or blazer
. Some interpretations allow for sweaters and knit pullovers paired with button-down shirts; especially v-neck sweaters.
An alternative form, the Burnt Hills smart casual, allows for crisp blue jeans to be worn (no holes or places where you stepped on the heel too much). A tie is usually introduced to the ensemble, and the wearing of a jacket is stressed.
Smart casual dress may be contrasted with "unsmart" casual dress, which often consists of ugly sweaters, corduroys, and suede jackets.
or a skirt
(long or short), a blouse or turtleneck, a fashionable belt, a jacket, a vest, or a sweater coordinated to the outfit, hosiery or socks with boots, flats (leather, suede, or fabric) or mid-heel shoes. Women may also wear jewelry, such as earrings, that complement their overall outfit.
Formality is subjective, and in some places, the above would describe 'casual', with smart casual requiring a jacket and tie.
Conformity
Conformity is the process by which an individual's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors are influenced by other people.Conformity may also refer to:*Conformity: A Tale, a novel by Charlotte Elizabeth Tonna...
to the particular standards of certain Western
Western world
The Western world, also known as the West and the Occident , is a term referring to the countries of Western Europe , the countries of the Americas, as well all countries of Northern and Central Europe, Australia and New Zealand...
social groups.
As "smart casual" is not formally defined, the lines between it and the other casual styles (see Western dress code
Dress code (Western)
A dress code is a set of rules governing what garments may be worn together and in what setting. Examples of dress codes are combinations such as "smart casual", or "morning dress". A classification of these codes is normally made for varying levels of formality and times of day...
) are often blurred. For example, some may use the term smart casual interchangeably with business casual
Business casual
Business casual is a popular dress code in professional and white-collar workplaces in Western countries. In the United States, 43% of non-self-employed workers commonly wear casual business attire. Casual street wear is the next most common work attire , closely followed by uniforms...
.
Menswear
It has been suggested that smart casual for men consists of dress trousersTrousers
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately...
—this includes chinos—a long-sleeve dress shirt
Dress shirt
A shirt, or dress shirt in American English, is a garment with a collar, a full-length opening at the front from the collar to the hem, and sleeves with cuffs. Shirts are predominantly used by men, since women usually wear blouses...
(tie optional), leather loafers
Loafers
Slip-ons are typically low, lace-less shoes. The style most commonly seen, known as a loafer or Slippers in American culture, has a moccasin construction. First appearing in the mid-1930s from Norway, they began as casual shoes, but have increased in popularity to the point of being worn in America...
or dressy slip-ons, dress socks
Dress socks
Dress socks are an article of dress clothes specifically for men. Traditionally, they sometimes come in checkered patterns, and come in colours like black, blue, and gray, but recent fashion trends have seen different patterns and colors appear. Dress socks are worn in accompaniment to dress shoes...
, a belt
Belt (clothing)
A belt is a flexible band or strap, typically made of leather or heavy cloth, and worn around the waist. A belt supports trousers or other articles of clothing.-History:...
, and, if appropriate, a sport coat or blazer
Blazer
A blazer is a type of jacket. The term blazer occasionally is synonymous with boating jacket and sports jacket, two different garments. A blazer resembles a suit coat cut more casually — sometimes with flap-less patch pockets and metal buttons. A blazer's cloth is usually durable , because it is an...
. Some interpretations allow for sweaters and knit pullovers paired with button-down shirts; especially v-neck sweaters.
An alternative form, the Burnt Hills smart casual, allows for crisp blue jeans to be worn (no holes or places where you stepped on the heel too much). A tie is usually introduced to the ensemble, and the wearing of a jacket is stressed.
Smart casual dress may be contrasted with "unsmart" casual dress, which often consists of ugly sweaters, corduroys, and suede jackets.
Womenswear
For women, it consists of slacksTrousers
Trousers are an item of clothing worn on the lower part of the body from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately...
or a skirt
Skirt
A skirt is a tube- or cone-shaped garment that hangs from the waist and covers all or part of the legs.In the western world, skirts are usually considered women's clothing. However, there are exceptions...
(long or short), a blouse or turtleneck, a fashionable belt, a jacket, a vest, or a sweater coordinated to the outfit, hosiery or socks with boots, flats (leather, suede, or fabric) or mid-heel shoes. Women may also wear jewelry, such as earrings, that complement their overall outfit.
Variance in Definitions
This category demands a pulled-together, harmonious, complete look with colors, fabrics, shoes, and accessories, for both men and women.Formality is subjective, and in some places, the above would describe 'casual', with smart casual requiring a jacket and tie.