Style Guide

Smart Casual Style Guide

The perfect middle ground between relaxed and refined, smart casual blends polished pieces with comfortable elements for a versatile look that works almost anywhere.

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Smart casual is arguably the most practical dress code in modern fashion, bridging the gap between laid-back weekend wear and buttoned-up formality. It is built on the principle of pairing one elevated piece with something more relaxed, like a blazer with dark jeans or tailored chinos with clean sneakers. MyWear specializes in helping you nail this often-confusing dress code by analyzing your wardrobe and suggesting combinations that hit the sweet spot between casual comfort and sharp sophistication. From after-work drinks to weekend gallery visits, MyWear ensures you always strike the right smart casual balance.

Key Characteristics

Combines one structured piece with relaxed items for a balanced silhouette
Favors quality fabrics like chino cotton, merino wool, and soft leather
Relies on a muted, sophisticated color palette with occasional accent pieces
Avoids extremes in both formality and casualness for versatile appropriateness
Clean, well-maintained footwear serves as the anchor of the entire outfit

Essential Pieces

Unstructured cotton or linen blazer Tailored chinos in navy, olive, or khaki Oxford cloth button-down shirt Merino wool crewneck sweater Clean leather loafers or minimalist sneakers Dark slim-fit jeans
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Frequently Asked Questions

What does smart casual actually mean?
Smart casual means dressing a step above everyday casual by incorporating at least one polished element like a blazer, tailored trousers, or dress shoes into an otherwise relaxed outfit. The goal is to look refined without appearing overly formal or stiff. MyWear takes the guesswork out of this often ambiguous dress code by suggesting proven combinations from your own wardrobe.
Can I wear jeans for smart casual?
Yes, dark wash jeans in a slim or straight fit are a smart casual staple when paired with elevated pieces like a blazer, button-down shirt, or quality leather shoes. Avoid distressed, faded, or baggy jeans as they pull the outfit too far toward the casual end. MyWear identifies which of your denim pieces qualify for smart casual looks and pairs them accordingly.
How is smart casual different from business casual?
Smart casual offers more flexibility and personal expression, while business casual leans closer to traditional office attire with a greater emphasis on collared shirts and dress shoes. Business casual typically requires trousers over jeans and avoids sneakers entirely. MyWear distinguishes between these dress codes and adjusts its recommendations based on the specific occasion you select.
What shoes work best for smart casual?
Leather loafers, suede desert boots, and clean minimalist sneakers are the three pillars of smart casual footwear. The shoe should complement the outfit without being too formal like an oxford or too relaxed like a flip-flop. MyWear matches your footwear to the rest of your outfit and the weather conditions, suggesting the ideal pair every time.

Related Styles

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Effortless, comfortable, and endlessly versatile, casual style is the foundation of everyday dressing that prioritizes ease without giving up on looking put-together.

Elegant

Timeless, graceful, and intentionally curated, elegant style elevates everyday dressing through impeccable quality, harmonious proportions, and a refined aesthetic sensibility.