Dress code in smart casual style. Smart casual for girls and men

Italy has given the world many wonderful things: opera and great wine, leisurely afternoons and passionate songs. It is not surprising that it was Italian designers, with their ability to combine seemingly incongruous things, who created SMART CASUAL, a style that combines lightness and casual comfort with chic and restraint filled with elegance.

Elegant everyday

Fashion critics assure that the founder of SMART CASUAL was Giorgio Armani, an Italian designer of world renown, the creator of his own fashion empire, who for many years dictated to the world how to dress in order to pass for an elegant person. The ingenious fashion designer was the first to suggest diluting part of a strict business look with informal clothes, for example, replacing a classic shirt with a knitted turtleneck or a formal white blouse with an ordinary “basic” T-shirt. Then fashion took a step further, and SMART CASUAL introduced jeans, casual blazers, cozy knitted cardigans and wool blend jumpers as part of a single look.

However, fashion historians are sure that SMART CASUAL is a child of the street in the literal sense of this expression. For the first time this style was seen on the squares of Milan, and from there it hit the catwalks. From the streets came this desire for comfort and absolute freedom - the freedom to express yourself through clothes. It manifests itself in movement, in sensations and feelings, in self-expression and the definition of one's own individuality - in a word, freedom raised to the absolute, but at the same time not to the detriment of beauty and quality.

Translated from English, SMART CASUAL means "smart elegant everyday life", and these words characterize the style itself in the best possible way. Simple, familiar things, executed in an unconditionally elegant, in something refined and even - let's not be afraid of this word - chic version became the basis of a new fashionable format. The desire to look elegant even in everyday little things- this is how you can decipher the message SMART CASUAL.

From regular casual or street casual new format different thoughtfulness and a little more formalization. So, for a street look, boyfriend jeans or bell-bottoms “from the hip”, which are so fashionable now, are quite suitable, and in SMART CASUAL, classic-cut trousers or jeans are preferred. True, there are exceptions: in the jeans example, these are the same skinny, loose chinos or tight fitting 7/8 length pants.

Combining the incongruous

The ability to dress in SMART CASUAL style is an art. The imaginary simplicity of outfits often misleads neophytes - new fans of such a comfortable and cozy direction.
In SMART CASUAL, there are no strict rules and unambiguously regulated prescriptions (for example, as in a business look) that could be followed. Accordingly, it is easy to get confused, to make a mistake by creating a too catchy or, conversely, too nondescript image.

The talent to turn everyday things into something special, to emphasize the beauty of the fabric and its texture, choosing the right accessories - this is the gift, according to the designers, that every fan of this trend should have. Innate taste and sense of style - that's what betrays lovers of SMART CASUAL in Everyday life.

It's all about the little things

The main features of the SMART CASUAL style are simple: an elegant cut, which nevertheless lacks clear lines; soft silhouette, which at the same time well emphasizes the figure; natural (mostly) fabrics - with a pronounced texture or, conversely, absolutely smooth. The color scheme is also characteristic: a calm palette is mainly used in clothes - no explosive neon shades, no too bright radiance of rhinestones. But at the same time, colors from opposite ends of the spectrum can easily be combined in one image: “ivory” and “bitter chocolate”, dark “anthracite” and a delicate shade of the morning sky, powdery pink and cold steel.

But the accessories in this format are mostly bright: a scarf or a scarf with an unusual pattern, gloves made of excellent leather, handbags and umbrellas (yes, even an umbrella becomes a full part of the look). Do not forget about watches, because in SMART CASUAL a lot is taken from the classic business style. Moreover, unlike a business image, chronometers of well-known brands, jewelry bracelet watches, and informal watches fit into this format.

Jewelry for women is especially good: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings. They can be both classic and non-standard. The main thing is their ability to merge into the image, emphasizing the elegance and conciseness of their companions: dresses, shirts, blouses, t-shirts... True, the choice of accessories may require remarkable willpower: SMART CASUAL implies the use of one expressive jewelry. If you have a scarf around your neck, you should not complement it with a necklace or choker. If you prefer to wear a watch on a leather strap, it is hardly appropriate to pair it with metal bracelets. In a word, thoughtfulness and caution is the main motto.

Now the English phrase “smart casual” can be seen and heard everywhere: in glossy magazines, from TV screens, from reviews of fashion bloggers, in various articles on the Internet, etc. So what is this style? How much do you really know about him? Let's look at what smart casual is, as well as its history, features and benefits.

What is smart casual?

Translating the expression "smart-casual" into Russian is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. In all kinds of dictionaries different meaning this phrase. The most accurate and well-established definition is "smartly casual." The Oxford Dictionary states that smart casual is a casual and neat, but at the same time slightly informal style. In principle, this definition characterizes smart casual well. After all, it combines things in a strict classic style with fashionable and everyday wardrobe items.

History of appearance

The exact origin of the expression "smart casual" is quite difficult to trace. Many sources claim that this term was established in the 1980s, but was common throughout the 20th century. For the first time, the phrase "smart casual" appeared in an American newspaper in 1924, and it described a sleeveless dress. But only in the 50s of the last century, this term became popular among business people and office workers, first in the United States, and only then in Europe. In those days, to match the smart casual style, it was enough just to change the classic jacket for a more casual model made of cotton.

What is smart casual today?

Smart casual is much more demanding these days than it was in the last century. The main one is to correctly combine formal business and casual styles in one image. Of course, you can’t wear a jacket with sweatpants for training and go to work in this form. It is important to keep a balance between formal and casual wear. To create a harmonious image, the first thing that needs to be taken as a basis is elegance. Only then you need to dilute the bow with everyday clothes. To make it clearer, let's look at a few examples.

Examples of smart casual style

In smart casual, a blazer or jacket is usually used as a top. It's best to wear a shirt underneath. Moreover, both a monophonic version and models in a strip or a cage are suitable. To add chic, choose a pocket square in the exact same color as the shirt. It can be neatly folded into a jacket pocket. A tie is optional in this case. If not, then it is desirable to unfasten top button shirts. And if you still want to wear a tie, then give preference to thin or knitted patterns. You can add it with a colored clip.

By the way, under a jacket or blazer, you can wear not only a shirt, but also a T-shirt. However, remember that in color it should be combined with the accessories that you have chosen to create your look. The ideal t-shirt option for smart casual style is a plain model with a not very large neckline.

As for trousers, stylists recommend avoiding in this case classic options. No clear lines and smooth arrows! Chinos and khakis are perfect. Jeans can also be worn for a smart casual look. The main thing is that they should not have too defiant decorative elements. Therefore, choose models more modestly.

Cropped trousers can also be worn in a smart casual style. But keep in mind that these should not be beach shorts. The most suitable option is shortened chinos without stripes, ropes and other decorative elements.

There is a strict requirement for smart casual shoes: they must be exclusively classic. You can choose anything: oxfords, monks, loafers, brogues, but not sneakers! And don't get hung up on only black shoes, otherwise you will look like an ordinary office worker. Be sure to experiment with colors!

Why is smart casual so popular?

Smart casual is one of the most favorite clothing styles among men. He is preferred by the stronger sex different ages and all kinds of professions. It is perfect not only for office workers, but also for creative individuals. Smart casual is chosen by active, businesslike and self-confident men who want to look perfect in any situation. Even Hollywood stars and eminent designers do not ignore this interesting style.

But why is smart casual so popular with men? Everything is simple! Firstly, this style is very convenient because it does not require a tie, buttoned shirts and classic trousers with arrows. Therefore, choosing smart casual, you will feel free and comfortable in clothes.

Secondly, the smart casual style can rightly be called universal. It is great for working in the office, attending various events where there is no strict dress code, going on a date and just for everyday wear. Thirdly, smart casual does not have too strict limits, like, for example, business style. Therefore, he allows men to experiment when creating an image. And most importantly, smart casual always looks relevant and elegant, despite the ever-changing fashion trends.

Last update: 05.11.2018

You have probably heard such a phrase as casual style. And I can bet that this is the style you use a lot. 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 about 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, a white shirt, strict jeans, brown loafers.

With your own eye, you must constantly look for the balance you need between unbridled casual and formal austerity, combining things from these two areas. The nuance is that you will look a little more presentable and smarter, in those situations where it would seem that this is not necessary. But it 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 will be the most appropriate and winning option, in the second - what things define this style the most.

1. 5 ideal situations
2. 6 things-flagships

Conference outside the office

If you work a lot outside of the office, it is important for you to maintain a presentable appearance, while increasing the level of comfort. A light blazer will help you with this, and cotton trousers instead of jeans. Loafers for this bow will look very relaxed, and oxfords, very formal.

Therefore, brown derbies will serve as an ideal option. Be sure to check out our article on which ones are and how to use them. In this image, 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 a girl or business partner with your knowledge of the masterpieces of painting and sculpture. Regardless of the goal, the image is one. Classic jeans, white sneakers and a suede jacket will give you, in addition to extreme comfort, an aura of a creative person who understands the nuances of every work of art.

Maybe the whole point is that a similar cut of the jacket was used by many men during the Renaissance in Italy. And now you can surprise anyone with your image, literacy and savvy in today's unpopular areas.

Lunch after work

If you are required to wear a formal suit, it is not necessary to always be present in a tie and shirt. Especially if you and your colleagues spend a lot of time together and sometimes you need to relax over a cup of coffee or a friendly conversation.

A white t-shirt and a black understated sweater will give your look a relaxed vibe. And the costume 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, private clubs of various kinds of gentlemen are not as popular as in the West. But every year this movement is gaining popularity in our country. It is very important that in such clubs you can relax, see how other men think, 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 the image as 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 the flaws of the body, visually add a few years of extra experience to you and expose you serious man, partner and person. A very strong image.

Dinner with relatives

It is not necessary to love your relatives, but it is often necessary to meet with them. In this case, well-chosen clothes can give compliments to relatives and friends, as well as the desired comfort anywhere: at home, in nature, in a restaurant.

It is especially important to carefully approach the competent selection of smart casual if a meeting with the girl's parents is planned. Here, good suede Chelsea and medium size knitted sweater will add to you in the eyes of parents goodwill and decency. Of course, it is unlikely that any of them will know about your exploits, especially the bad ones, but we all live in illusions in relation to other people. So why not give them the illusion they want to see?

linen suit

Double-breasted linen suit. Now you rarely see this. It's a little baggy and maybe even conservative, but the benefits of linen and the ability to customize are too tempting to leave out. This is guaranteed to be the flagship smart casual dress code.

Dark tones

The usual casual style is too often full of bright colors. Dark tones almost always look more conservative and formal. They better emphasize your taste - a stingy color scheme leads to the fact that people pay more attention to the right size, quality of fabric, textures and play of shades. The man in the photo conveys this idea perfectly. It is noticeable that he is very comfortable in these clothes.

Double-breasted blazer

A double-breasted blazer as a separate element of the wardrobe is a versatile item for still cool days in spring and autumn. For smart casual, it is very familiar, as it adds a lot of formality and charm to any other combination of things. Jeans, chinos, shorts, T-shirts and polo shirts, the double-breasted blazer uncompromisingly changes any standard look.

Chambray shirt

Knitted tie

The tie is very much losing its position all over the world. The era of classics is coming to an end. People want to dress not only beautifully, but also as comfortable as possible. Any inconvenience in style must be destroyed. Wearing a knitted tie anywhere today, there is a very big 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 confident enough in absolutely any style. But a tie is a conscious restriction 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.

Smart casual style is becoming more popular every year, as the officiality of many companies is fading away, and a corporate culture of fun, creativity and creativity is being introduced. Employees come at 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.

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Create a stylish image without shocking and be impeccable in details. Let's see how to achieve this desired goal. So, our instructions for using smart casual style.

Smart casual style is a collection of clear lines while maintaining comfort and ease of movement.

What is the complexity 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 for starters, let's figure out some of the basics of style, and only then decide on experiments.

Smart casual essentials

Casual style is a variation office style devoid of its total seriousness. Such images are equally appropriate in the work environment (of course, provided that you are not bound by a rigid style), and in everyday life. And if you're checking your wardrobe for smart casual, make sure it includes the following items:

Shirt - white or basic colors, middle length, straight cut, semi-adjacent (avoid both fitted models that are not relevant today, and oversized - negligence is not characteristic of casual style);

A classic denim shirt looks quite appropriate in this style.

Pants - straight or cropped, relevant this season;

Jeans - straight, without holes and scuffs, dark denim or black;

A jacket of a man's cut (not fitted), it is possible elongated;

Straight skirt of medium length (the minimum length of an office skirt is 7 cm above the knee);

Classic black or beige pumps 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 piece of clothing never goes out of fashion, but the real in spring, trench coats are especially relevant.

All things should be well combined with each other, fit you in size and style and be comfortable. Smart casual is, first of all, comfortable and functional clothes, and not images in which you cannot breathe or relax.

Smart casual for beginners

This style can also be quite striking.

Smart casual is a style built on improvisation. There are no strict norms here, except, perhaps, the rejection of excessive sexuality and formlessness. Oversized and casual styles carry different messages, although they have similar values ​​- the desire for freedom of expression and convenience. However, it is better to master any style, having at least some rules at hand that will help you make the first images correctly.

Choose things with a semi-adjacent cut.

Refuse translucent fabrics and frank elements.

Opt for shaping, good-quality, wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as tight knits, wool, cashmere, tweed, etc. Also look for textured fabrics, such as coarse knit sweaters.

Give preference to basic colors - white, black, dark blue, brown.

Each image should have a bright detail, both in terms of color and in terms of shape. The accent can be a thing with an active print (for example, geometric). The remaining components of the kit must be plain.

An interesting and at the same time very harmonious combination of geometric prints in smart casual aesthetics.

choose comfortable shoes at low speed 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, treat your purchases as a long-term investment and spare no time and effort to create a functional and stylish wardrobe.

Be sure to use interesting accessories - large jewelry, Sunglasses, narrow-brimmed hats, scarves, watches, etc. Just don't overdo it. One or two elements will be enough.

What trends will 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 innovations. Dressing in the spirit of elegant casual, you will always look trendy. But don't forget about fashion trends that will harmoniously complement your casual wardrobe.

Pantsuits in men's style. At the same time, you get two classic items of clothing, a jacket and trousers, which you can wear separately. Dilute the formality of the suit with a pair of white sneakers;

T-shirts with logos or inscriptions go well with a classic jacket and jeans, reduce the degree of formality of the image, and this is what is valued in casual;

Geometric prints. The modern passion for stripes, checks or polka dots is also appropriate in 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;

Fashion monochrome. Monochrome looks are great for casual style. Just do not forget to include things with different textures in the kit so that the image does not turn out to be monotonous.

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