Clothing styles blend together these days and it leaves a lot of guys confused. Figuring out where business wear ends and casual wear begins is actually pretty simple. Here is a quick guide to help you nail both looks without stressing out in front of your mirror.
The Basics of Business Casual
Business casual is basically a relaxed version of your normal formalwear. You want to combine a nice jacket with dark jeans or smart chinos to keep things sharp. The goal is to look like you mean business but are ready for a relaxed Friday.
Where Smart Casual Comes In
Smart casual is just a less formal step down from business casual. This is your style for everything outside of work unless your office is super chill about clothes. It lets you show personality while looking like you put real effort into your outfit.
Picking the Right Tops
A plain white or blue shirt is your best friend when you dress for business casual. You should always wear a collared shirt under your jacket because it keeps the look elegant. Skip the tie though because ties really belong with a full business suit.
Getting Away With T-Shirts
You can definitely pull off a t-shirt in a smart casual look if you keep it plain. Wearing a solid tee under a bright or light jacket works great. Just avoid shirts with massive graphic prints because that crosses the line into regular weekend casual.
Choosing the Perfect Pants
Both styles let you ditch the stiff formal suit trousers entirely. For business casual you should stick to dark jeans or muted chinos to compliment your jacket. Smart casual gives you the green light for light colored jeans but please leave the ripped denim at home.
Navigating the Color Rules
Business casual means sticking to subtle colors like navy or grey and avoiding loud shades. Smart casual lets you have more fun and wear checked shirts or lighter jackets. Just try not to wear more than three colors at once so you do not look like a walking rainbow.
Shoes Make All the Difference
You can never go wrong with dark brown or black leather shoes for business casual outfits. Smart casual lets you switch things up and wear some nice suede shoes instead. Just remember that running shoes and trainers are a bad idea for both of these styles.
Knowing When to Accessorize
For business casual you must keep your extra items very basic and clean. A good leather belt that matches your watch is usually enough. Smart casual lets you change things up and look much more relaxed. You can wear bright pocket squares and stylish sunglasses to look friendly and cool.
When to Wear Business Casual
Business casual is ideal for casual office Fridays. You should also wear it for meetings away from your desk. It gives you a professional appearance without the trouble of a suit. This style is excellent for dates because women like a sharp jacket. It makes you look very put together.
Best Places for Smart Casual
Smart casual dresses you perfectly for informal celebrations that still need a nice touch. It is excellent for evening get-togethers where you want a stylish look that seems completely natural. You stay comfortable the whole time while making a wonderful impression on everyone around the room.
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