Smart Casual For Men And Women

SMART CASUAL FOR MEN AND WOMEN

By Peter Kagotho in Unisex Styles on March 26th, 2020

Smart Casual for Men and Women: Part 1

What is Smart Casual?

Smart Casual attire is a blend of two different dress codes, an official item and your daily or weekend fashion items. On the one hand, the term ‘smart’ portrays a dress-up, something more formal than your classic t-shirt and jeans. Smart casual plays off a role of deconstruction of formal wear, still resembling a contemporary look. The thing with smart casual is that there is more freedom to experiment with different shapes and materials. You should always remember to play to your strengths and find silhouettes and colors that suit you – don’t feel too stressed out about ‘rules’; this isn’t black or white tie attire, it is what you make of it, although there is also business casual to give that serious and a formal approach and appearance.

this isn’t black or white tie attire, it is what you make of it ...

Smart Casual vs. Business Casual

When planning your outfit, it’s important to note whether you’re dressing for a smart casual or business casual dress code. Although both forms of attire are similar in the way that they blend elevated and relaxed items, each has a unique aesthetic. When dressing for a business casual event or occasion, combine elements from your usual office and weekend wardrobes, such as a checked business shirt and crew-neck sweater with a pair of dark jeans; could be ripped jeans or skinny jeans. Shorts are a no-go zone.

Smart Casual Items for Men

Blazers, polo shirts, jeans, chinos, loafers, pair of white sneakers, dress pants , shorts, dress shirts, t-shirts, chucks, crewneck sweaters , turtlenecks, boots, oxfords

Smart Casual Items for Women

Blazers, jeans, denim skirts, polo shirts, pair of strap heels, white sneakers, chucks, t-shirts, tank tops,  turtlenecks, official blouses/dress shirts, skater dresses and skirts, bodycon dresses, chinos, loafers/slides, jumpsuits, brogues.

Blazer Smart Casual for Men and Women

Jeans with Blazer

When it comes to easy, relaxed combinations, a great blazer and a humble pair of jeans do just the job. Why is this combination so appealing? Well, there are a range of events in life where we will need a go-to outfit that is relaxed, yet still has dressed up elements. For drinks, dinners and other semi-casual events, look no further than sporting these two.

Blue Jeans

Your classic blue jeans can also pair well with a blazer and can easily be adapted to suit the look you’re trying to achieve. For a casual style, choose light, mid-blue jeans or faded styles in a straight-leg cut. For a sharper look, try a darker wash in a slim or skinny silhouette. As for the rest of your outfit, the choice is yours again. Nearly all blazers will work with blue jeans, but it’s best to avoid navy. Sometimes the shades of blue can be too close and create a clashing effect. For a great on-trend option, opt for a blazer with a bold check print instead of a block color.

Wearing your blue jeans and blazer with a T-shirt and sneakers will create a stylish casual look while pairing them with a button-down and loafers will appear smart and polished.

Suggested Looks

Ladies

1. Blue jeans + white tee + baby pink blazer + nude pumps

2. Blue jeans + grey tee + black blazer + black sneakers

3. Blue jeans + white dress shirts + beige blazer + black stilettos

4. Blue jeans + white tee + grey blazer + white chucks

5. Blue jeans + sky blue dress shirt + beige double breasted blazer +  brown brogues or loafers

6. Blue jeans + white cropped top+ white blazer + white strap heels

Men

1. Blue wash jeans + white tee + navy blazer + white chucks

2. Blue jeans + sky blue shirt + double-breasted navy blazer(stripped/checked) + black or brown loafers

3. Blue jeans + brown turtle neck + beige blazer + brown Chelsea boots

4. Blue jeans + white shirt + maroon blazer + brown brogues

5. Blue jeans + baby pink/white polo shirt +Navy blue blazer + brown loafers/brogues

6. Blue jeans + Sky blue shirt + white blazer + brown brogues

Black Jeans

A pair of slim or skinny black jeans is perfect for pairing with a blazer. The combination creates a sharp and modern appearance that is hard to beat. The look is especially great when the cold weather demands thick fabrics and a dark colors. As black is a neutral color, you can pair these jeans with any blazer and shirt; the choice is yours.

Suggested  unisex looks

1. Black jeans + black tee + grey checked blazer + black loafers/sneakers/brogues

2. Black jeans +Black and white stripped tee + black blazer + black brogues

3. Black jeans + sky blue blazer + white dress shirt + white sneakers

4. Black jeans +Black polo + white blazer + white sneakers

5. Black jeans +Black turtle neck + Beige double breasted blazer +black loafers

6. Black Jeans +white tee +baby pink blazers +white sneakers 

Grey Jeans

If you’re favourite jeans happen to be grey, then chances are you prefer a style that’s a little unique. As grey jeans often appear like faded black, they project a distressed and edgy feel, which is perfect for cool and casual outfits. To enhance this look, choose a skinny style and consider ripped jeans. Then, pair your jeans with a standout blazer and stylish top or shirt, just be careful to avoid shades of grey that are too similar to that of your pants.

Suggested Looks

1. Grey jeans + black dress shirts + Light grey checked blazer + black Chelsea boots

2. Grey jeans + white tshirt + maroon blazer + white sneakers

3. Grey jeans +  grey tee + black blazer + black loafers

4. Grey jeans + black tee + white blazer + white chucks

White Jeans

Most of the men will lack this piece because of laundry difficulties but it's a must-have item, either Jeans or chinos, both work the same. This works with most colours of blazers but shouldn't be ripped or too skinny. For ladies, if you are wearing this with a blazer, also go for something a bit loose but sometimes depends on your silhouette. 

Some suggested looks

1. White Jeans + white tee + maroon blazer + white sneakers/brogues or white pumps for ladies 

2. White Jean's + light blue shirt + navy blazer + brown brogues or loafers 

3. White Jeans + white tee/ ladies tank tops + baby pink blazer + white sneakers 

4. White Jeans + white tee or dress shirt + white blazer + white heels or sneakers or brogues

5. White Jeans+ black polo shirt + grey blazer + black loafers 

Note: White is a hot day color.

Jeans Darker Than the Blazer

Darker jeans work well for versatility. Grey blazers work best with darker denim, particularly with black and darker navies. Beige blazers can also work, but ensure they are lightweight and won’t be overshadowed by jeans that are too dark. Darker jeans are also another great way to incorporate a tweed blazer.

Jeans Lighter Than the Blazer

If you love a bit of a fade in your jeans, you are obviously going to prefer a blazer that is darker so that you can have a bit of distinction between the separates. For lighter wash types of denim, pair them with navies, emerald greens and traditionalist colours so you can get more of a grounded look.

Shoes to Wear with a Blazer and Jeans

Your options are pretty wide with shoes but be careful that your choices are not too casual. A great suede or leather loafer, Oxford or boot complements a blazer/denim combination perfectly and will allow your looks to register as more dressed up. Suede adds a dimension and texture, lending a more layered aesthetic. Leather also works extremely well for this combination. Simple sneakers especially black and white are a great deal for ladies and men. Ladies have a larger variety as they can incorporate almost all heels to black and white sneakers, brogues, loafers, wedges and not forgetting sandals.

Accessories to Wear with a Blazer and Jeans

With such a simple combination, you will need to accessorise strategically. You do not want an outfit that is convoluted, yet you will still want to dress up a simple pair of jeans and blazer. Go for pocket squares, one-toned hats, novel ties and other playful touches to keep your looks fresh and different. A great pair of sunglasses will complete your outfit.

NOTES

1. Be sure to choose a high-quality blazer that fits well.

2. Slim-fit jeans tend to be best for pairing with a blazer and creating a smart-casual style.

3. Stick to lighter color combinations for a casual appearance and darker tones for a more sophisticated style.

4. It’s always a good idea to try matching the shoes and the t-shirt or shirt.

5. Consider trying a suit jacket instead of a blazer for more fashion-forward, smart casual occasions.

6. Don’t forget to accessorize to complete your look.

Check out our shop for:

• Bespoke tailored blazers
• T-shirts
• Polo shirts

We have divided this feature into several parts for different items to wear with blazers .

Next week we do part 2 so stay tuned.

Stay safe.

Thank for reading.