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Smart casual is an ambiguously definedWestern dress code that is generally consideredcasual wear but withsmart (in the sense of "well dressed") components of a properlounge suit from traditionalinformal wear. For men, this interpretation typically includes adress shirt,necktie,trousers, anddress shoes, possibly worn with an odd-colouredblazer or asports coat.
Smart casual formed as a dress code in the 20th century, originally designating a lounge suit of unconventional colour and less heavy and thus more casual fabric, possibly with more casual cut and details. As the one-coloured lounge suit came to defineinformal wear, thus uneven colours became associated with smart casual. The definition of smart casual and business casual thus became virtually undistinguishable from the 1950s, implying a more casual suit than the traditional, usual dark suit in heavy cloth.
Since thecounterculture of the 1960s in theWestern world, different Westerncultures and events can have varying expectations of thedress code, especially with regards tonecktie, and in warmer climates sometimes even with regards to a jacket at all. Therefore, the designation of certain clothing pieces assmart casual is disputed, as is its distinction, if any, frombusiness casual.[1]
Smart casual was first mentioned in the Iowa newspaperThe Davenport Democrat And Leader in May 1924:
The sleeveless dress with three-quarter overblouses, in smock appearance completing it for street wear, is accorded various interpretations. It is at once practiced and gives a smart casual appearance.[2]
Smart casual was commonly used in the 20th century and merged to form the termbusiness casual in the 1950s, implying a more casual suit than the traditional, usual dark suit in heavy cloth.[2]
Australia's nationaldictionary,Macquarie Dictionary, definessmart casual as "well-dressed in a casual style".[3]Oxford defines it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code".[4]Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon defines it as "of clothing, somewhat informal but neat".[5]
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Personal judgment is required to interpret the ill-defined termsmart casual based on its context, theme, people, location, weather and spirit. Italian fashion houseBrioni explainssmart casual is not an issue of inventory or classification but rather knowledge and good taste to understand the environment; demonstrating thatsmart casual during summer inSardinia is different fromsmart casual during winter inToronto.[6] An Australian freelance fashion director remarks, "Smart Casual is the dress code most open to interpretation and the one least understood", and advises wearing fresher colors, lighter, softer materials, patterned, relaxed, thoughtful, less structured, clean and not confrontational apparel, with fabrics like linen, cashmere, fine wool and cotton that are freshly laundered.[6]
Global men's fashion magazineTopman emphasizes the flexibility ofsmart casual.[7] An individual's personality and pleasure of clothing choice defines the dress code provided that the attire is a multi-purpose outfit that is acceptable for formal occasions,dating or casualsocial gatherings. Topman explains casual and formal clothing pieces are mixed and matched, and illustrates asmart casual outfit can include a mixture ofjeans,blazers,sport coats,sweaters,necktie, a pair ofBrogue shoes,dress shirts or a pair ofConverse shoes.
Business blogger, Maurilio Amorim, notes that although jeans are usually not an option, the Burnt Hills smart casual variation 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.[8]
Norwegian and American cruise line brandRoyal Caribbean International clarifiessmart casual for main dining on-board its fleet.[9] Blazers,trousers, neckties or shirts are acceptable butshorts, jeans ort-shirts are unacceptable for men.Dress, casual dresses, orpantsuits are acceptable for women.
Global women's magazineCosmopolitan inSouth Africa interpretssmart casual as the way most South African women dress for work.[10] In addition to work, the outfit is also interchangeable for use at large or small daytime parties, and wearing a dress shirt with elegant accessories is suggested.
Australian state newspaperThe Sunday Mail inBrisbane defines a man'ssmart casual in a workplace and event context as a "look sharp without being too formal; it's professional but also relaxed."[11] A jacket, dress shirt, necktie and jeans are demonstrated assmart casual attire.Piping on a jacket to give it the "preppy look" to downgrade formality is illustrated as a polished look. Detailing, such as a striped canvas belt and white shoes with a pair of casual trousers and acheck shirt, is emphasized for asmart casual look. It is suggested men have: (a) a pair ofchinos in any color from primary shades to pastels; (b) a short sleeve shirt in checks or a solid bright color; and (c) a deconstructed jacket in their wardrobe.
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation'sSteven and Chris explainsmart casual is an "easy and comfortable way to dress."[12] Jeans, depending on the workplace's context and environment, are not recommended. For men's attire, a pair of khakis or casual pants with a collared orpolo shirt and a blazer is illustrated. For women's attire, the stylists note the diversity of clothing options and recommend: (a) keeping the clothing pieces easy; (b) the fabrics not too dressy; and (c) the accessories more casual.
British national newspaperThe Guardian attempts clarifyingsmart casual from arecruitment perspective by questioning various recruitment consultants.[13] They responded: (a) stand out but blend in by understanding the workplace's environment; (b) achieve a business-professional look by clarifying the attire in advance because "it's easier to be overdressed than underdressed"; (c) wear a smart coat if avoiding asuit to give the impression of a "good entrance because it has an air of formality: e.g., a well-cut trench, worn with open shirt and neatslacks"; (d) wear accessories to "show creativity and attention to detail", but keep them to a minimum; (e) smart, plain and straight jeans are acceptable; and (f) shoes should be clean and un-scruffy.
Global men's fashion magazineGQ in theUnited Kingdom attempts definingsmart casual for a job interview.[14] Wearing chinos, a blazer and white shirt to make an impression is suggested. Carrying a necktie is advisable; the author comments, "it is far more embarrassing to be under-dressed than over".
Pakistani fashion magazineFashion Central defines a woman'ssmart casual look from an employment perspective.[15] Understanding the workplace's environment and culture is emphasized, and checking the company's dress code guideline is highly recommended.Fashion Central outlinessmart casual with clothes unstained and wrinkle-free with non-loud and non-bright colors that reflect the woman's age. Too fancy or too casual dresses are inadvisable as well as the use of extrememake-up, such as using dark, glossy or chalky shades, or applying too mucheye shadow.Fashion Central reports black or brown heels are preferred by women and advise to correctly select appropriate shoes for a workplace's environment.
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