Smart casual

Smart casual is an ambiguously-defined dress code that is generally a neat yet informal attire. The locality, type of event, context or culture constitutes the various interpretation of the dress code and therefore the designating of certain clothing pieces as smart casual is disputed—for example, jeans.

History

Smart casual was first mentioned in the Iowa newspaper The 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.^[1]

Smart casual was commonly used in the last century and merged to form the term business casual in the 1950s, implying a more casual suit than the traditional, usual dark suit in heavy cloth.^[1]

Definitions

Australia's national dictionary, Macquarie Dictionary, defines smart casual as "well-dressed in a casual style".^[2] Oxford defines it as "neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code".^[3] Dictionary.com's 21st Century Lexicon defines it as "of clothing, somewhat informal but neat".^[4]

Apparel

Personal judgement is required to interpret the ill-defined term smart casual based on its context, theme, people, location, weather and spirit. Italian fashion house Brioni explains smart casual is not an issue of inventory or classification but rather knowledge and good taste to understand the environment; demonstrating that smart casual during summer in Sardinia is different to smart casual during winter in Toronto.^[5] 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.^[5]

An example of smart casual attire interpreted by global fashion magazine Topman. Topman explains casual and formal clothing pieces are mixed and matched.^[6] This photograph illustrates the use of: (a) a dress shirt with French cuffs and cufflinks (formal); (b) a herringbone jacket (casual); (c) jeans (casual); and (d) dress/business shoes (formal or semi-formal).

Global men's fashion magazine Topman emphasizes the flexibility of smart casual.^[6] 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 casual social gatherings. Topman explains casual and formal clothing pieces are mixed and matched, and illustrates a smart casual outfit can include a mixture of jeans, blazers, sweaters, necktie, a pair of Brogue shoes, dress shirts or a pair of Converse shoes.

Norwegian and American cruise line brand Royal Caribbean International clarifies smart casual for main dining on-board its fleet.^[7] Blazers, trousers (including chinos), neckties or shirts are acceptable but shorts, jeans or t-shirts are unacceptable for men. Dresses, casual dresses, or pantsuits are acceptable for women.

Australian state newspaper The Sunday Mail in Brisbane defines a man's smart casual in a workplace and event context as a "look sharp without being too formal; it's professional but also relaxed."^[8] A jacket, dress shirt, necktie and jeans are demonstrated as smart 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 a check shirt, is emphasized for a smart casual look. It is suggested men have: (a) a pair of chinos 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 for a smart casual look.

Australian Fairfax Media's fashion guru clarifies a woman's smart casual attire.^[9] The guru discourages women from wearing tights, tight tops, jeans with singlet tops unless they are worn under another top or shirt, miniskirts, ripped apparel, suggestive boots and flip-flops.

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Steven and Chris explain smart casual is an "easy and comfortable way to dress."^[10] 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 or polo 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 newspaper The Guardian attempts clarifying smart casual from a recruitment perspective by questioning various recruitment consultants.^[11] 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 a suit 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 neat slacks"; (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 magazine GQ in the United Kingdom attempts defining smart casual for a job interview.^[12] 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".

Global women's magazine Cosmopolitan in South Africa interprets smart casual as the way most South African women dress for work.^[13] 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.

Pakistani fashion magazine Fashion Central defines a woman's smart casual look from an employment perspective.^[14] Understanding the workplace's environment and culture is emphasized, and checking the company's dress code guideline is highly recommended. Fashion Central outlines smart 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 extreme make-up, such as using dark, glossy or chalky shades, or applying too much eye shadow. Fashion Central reports black or brown heels are preferred by women and advise to correctly select appropriate shoes for a workplace's environment.

References

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