What is smart-casua...
 

Subscribe now and choose from over 30 free gifts worth up to £49 - Plus get £25 to spend in our shop

[Closed] What is smart-casual?

56 Posts
40 Users
0 Reactions
264 Views
Posts: 2882
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Going on a course and I've been told to dress smart casual with no jeans.

I've no idea what this is.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:52 pm
Posts: 13812
Full Member
 

No jeans - smart then - not smart casual!!!

Smart casual for me =

• Nice shirt
• Nice jeans
• Nice shoes (no trainers)


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:53 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

cue the fashion nazis...


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:54 pm
Posts: 145
Free Member
 

Smoking jacket, silk lined and moccasins


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:56 pm
 Olly
Posts: 5209
Free Member
 

tidy pair of jeans (not dirt riding jeans)
brush off shoes (have one pair that dont have cleats, and 2 that do)
schexy slim fit shirt, because i can.

no jeans, then:

schexy slim fit shirt
pinstripe suit trouser type trousers, but cut like jeans, and black suit shoes.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:57 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Grey slip ons, pastel t-shirt and a unstructured linen suit.
If you've got a Daytona that helps too.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:57 pm
Posts: 3
Free Member
 

Chinos, chords, or smarter - possibly smart black jeans but definitely not blue
smart open necked shirt or polo but not t-shirt
decent shoes - not trainers, skates etc


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 2:59 pm
Posts: 2432
Free Member
 

Grey slip ons, pastel t-shirt and a unstructured linen suit.
If you've got a Daytona that helps too.

Don't forget the Jan Hammer soundtrack.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:04 pm
Posts: 41395
Free Member
 

What Mainwaring said - collar, shoes and no jeans.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:05 pm
Posts: 19914
Free Member
 

To me,

Smart casual = Clubbing chav.

8)


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:06 pm
Posts: 1442
Free Member
 

it's what posh people wear when not wearing a suit.
chino's, blue shirt top button undone, brown deck shoes.

if they are really chilling out then cut down chino's their old second eleven rugger shirt and brown deck shoes.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:06 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

silk tie as a belt, blue pinstripe trews, brown leather boots, and other things


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:06 pm
 Olly
Posts: 5209
Free Member
 

[img] [/img]

italian air force?

gonna blast you out the sky, but look nonchalantly cool at the same time, ehhhhhh, shuduppa ya faaace


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:11 pm
Posts: 8766
Full Member
 

Smart caz = (suit & tie) - (suit jacket & tie) + (smart jumper maybe)


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:15 pm
 Olly
Posts: 5209
Free Member
 

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:18 pm
Posts: 12
Free Member
 

What is smart-casual?

An abomination in the business context.

Anyway:

Trousers (not jeans, or at a push non-denim jeans)
Leather shoes
Shirt without tie or - rarely - polo shirt

For me, something like: cords in a jean cut, casual shirt (e.g. one with a button down collar), leather shoes, thin sweater.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:31 pm
Posts: 34462
Full Member
 

Get dressed, look in mirror, if you look like your dad, well done, you're in smart casual...


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:38 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Don't let 'the Man' tell you what you can and cannot wear.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:39 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

And finish it all off with a pair of these...
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:47 pm
Posts: 21016
Full Member
 

It's a dress code for people who think that they are far, far too cool for dress codes. As you can see, it is rigidly policed, for fear that a small amount of self expression may creep in.

In the UK, it's generally worn by golfers, or those that wish they were American. 🙂


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:51 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

Get dressed, look in mirror, if you look like your dad, well done, you're in smart casual...

To achieve that, I'd have to ram raid a Rohan shop.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:54 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

You don't say where the course is with whom.
This makes a difference.

I once went to similar, so sports jacket / blazer and tie in essesnce. The Guards Officer's Mess had been invited too. For them, casual was black tie.

From that, you're right to ask as it's the most ambigious and misleading dress code and as such it's as useless as saying somethings "nice" - utterly without meaning.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:56 pm
 Olly
Posts: 5209
Free Member
 

To achieve that, I'd have to ram raid a Rohan shop.

Tick 😀

meh, if you feel comfortable dressed up, go dressed up, and make everyone feel underdressed.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:58 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Smart casual is basically dull, middle of the road sort of stuff. i.e. jeans and a shirt and leather shoes. Alot of people (farmers mainly) seem to go for this look on a saturday night out in any northern market town


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 3:59 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

Lol@thread 🙂

I think the term came in because 'casual' can mean pretty much anything, so they don't want people turning up in chav outfits or dressed as emo kids or something.

If in doubt, work trousers and a shirt. Cannot possibly go wrong with that.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:01 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Its the clarkson look - possibly the worst look possible.

An abomination on the face of the earth using such things as untucked shirts, jeans with brown shoes, "sports jackets" and shirts with collars but no tie.

I suggest the houndstooth myself.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:09 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

wear a suit & shirt, smart shoes. But forget the tie.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:14 pm
Posts: 14
Free Member
 

Google images says

[img] [/img]

and
[img] [/img]

can you post some pics of yourself in "smart casual" mode?


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:18 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

CASUAL WEAR BY OCCASION:

Let’s separate casual into five degrees! Remember within these categories styles can range from dressy to sloppy! See the table below for examples of specific items of clothing.

The first two categories are acceptable for business and social occasions (office parties, functions at a friends house or a nice restaurant) where image is important.

1. BUSINESS, also EXECUTIVE- or CORPORATE CASUAL: The level beneath the business suit and tie, which can consist of a suit or sport jacket and/or sweater, and an optional tie. This is what you’d wear to a company party (retirement, holiday, etc.). The fabrics may be less dressy, and the tie a knit or novelty print. You may have slightly relaxed the look, but you’re still there for business.

In some cases you may want to wear a suit that’s a step up from business wear like your best Armani suit, French-cuff shirt, and Hermes tie just to show you have a life outside business!!

2. COUNTRY CLUB, or DRESSY, RESORT CASUAL, CASUAL CHIC: Apparel that you’d wear to a private country club for lunch or dinner. Dress trousers, sport shirt, dress shirt or knit polo shirt, a sweater or sport jacket and leather shoes/belt. [b] It’s also appropriate for an off-site seminar,[/b] a party at a friend’s home or dinner at a nice restaurant. And yes the elements in your attire may have cost MORE than a good suit!!

Number 3 may be acceptable for certain businesses and some social functions.

3. SPORTY or RUGGED: The outdoor look! Off to the local pub to watch Monday night football with the guys, to a real game, when you’re invited to spend the weekend at one of Ralph Lauren’s homes, or third date out for pizza. Any activity where you might run into someone interesting. It’s more casual, but you still took some time to coordinate colors, and think about what elements you put together.

[b]The following two categories are not acceptable for most businesses, or for any "important" social occasion (i.e. first date) where you’re concerned about your creditability, authority and/or image:
[/b]
4. SATURDAY CASUAL OR LEISURE: What you wear on weekends, if you had to go out shopping or doing laundry, and there was even a remote chance of human contact.

5. ACTIVE: gear you’d wear to the gym, to play b-ball, washing your car, or gardening, but not stop off at the grocery store on the way home. It’s also what you might wear around the house if you weren’t expecting any visitors.

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/Clothes%20Articles/cracking_the_dress_code.htm


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:23 pm
Posts: 12
Free Member
 

Its the clarkson look - possibly the worst look possible.

I recall the last of these threads, TJ, in which you posted a pic of yourself sporting a jacket and a t-shirt. Together.

You see that black pot over there? That's you that is. 😀


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:24 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

Wear what you like. Be an individual!


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:25 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

OMINT - tee shirt and jacket is not the Clarkson look. Its also far more acceptable than dress shirt and jacket but no tie.

I may be being slightly facetious but the clarkson look of jeans, brown shoes, untucked dress shirt and sports jacket no tie is just awful and not an outfit I would ever wear.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:30 pm
Posts: 8564
Free Member
 

String vest
Old suit jacket
Old suit trousers
Daps

[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:31 pm
Posts: 34462
Full Member
 

[i]An abomination on the face of the earth[/i]

You are the Rev Ian Paisley and I claim my £5


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:43 pm
Posts: 9
Free Member
 

Better to be the smartest bloke there than the scruffiest.

Maybe take a smartish jacket with you in the car in case you misjudged and everyone else is a lot more dressed up than you?


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:46 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I think it should be casual smart, a pair of trousers nice shirt and a jumper! Or a suit with a tight fitting tea shirt, but dont forget to roll your jacket sleeves up.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:50 pm
Posts: 11937
Free Member
 

Maybe take a smartish jacket with you in the car in case you misjudged and everyone else is a lot more dressed up than you?

Would the earth end if this were the case?


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 4:52 pm
Posts: 34063
Full Member
 

i dont think the alan partridge blazer is available any more but sew this patch on to and sports jacket and you will have instant gravitas

[url] http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Authentic-Alan-Partridge-Blazer-Badge_W0QQitemZ260544714133QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_DVD_Film_TV_TV_Memorabilia_LE?hash=item3ca9acd595 [/url]

or just wear what you like and make sure its not too scruffy and dont worry about it


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 5:13 pm
Posts: 12
Free Member
 

OMINT - tee shirt and jacket is not the Clarkson look. Its also far more acceptable than dress shirt and jacket but no tie.

Calm down, TJ, was only pulling your leg..! 😀

I'd never wear a t-shirt and jacket. For me, that was a look that lived only in the 80s. I would, however, wear a jacket and tie-less shirt, but only if the shirt had a button down collar (i.e. designed to be worn without a tie). Shirt ought never to be untucked. Jacket and jeans v bad look unless well cut. Brown leather shoes fine with blue denim jeans.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 5:35 pm
Posts: 9
Free Member
 

[i]Maybe take a smartish jacket with you in the car in case you misjudged and everyone else is a lot more dressed up than you?

Would the earth end if this were the case?
[/i]

No, but you might look like a **** and be self conscious for the whole day.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 5:38 pm
Posts: 91096
Free Member
 

In my experience people's clothing varies loads anyway. there'll always be someone with black jeans and boots, and some muppet with a pale blue shirt and a tie.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 6:08 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I'm so pleased that I work in an environment where smart casual means putting on a top without too many visible food stains 🙂


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 6:31 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

‘I am baffled by people’s reluctance to embrace smart-casual clothing. Get your smart-casual wardrobe right and one outfit can work in any scenario. The same shirt-trouser-and-blazer combination can look appropriate at a job interview, in the pub, or at the funeral of a close relative.’
Alan Partridge


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 6:52 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
Posts: 1712
Free Member
Posts: 2882
Free Member
Topic starter
 

Ok, since I posted this thread I went to my local Next clothes store.

Mmmm; the look on the foetal shop assistant would suggest you can't polish a turd.

I used to s**** at Greenwoods man's shop but I now see their point. Suit you sir?

I have concluded that to be vaguely smart yet casual you have to be insect thin and have 20" long feet that taper to a blunted point. I am a balding 39 year old with a waist that seems to magically hover between 32" & 36".

However, I have discovered a genius item of clothing - a jumper with a smart shirt collar built in. This with a pair of suit trouser looks alright to me, and I suppose the suit jacket will fit over the top. Digging the Partridge look baby.

Thanks to all 😉


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 7:10 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

oil & blood stained wedding dress complemented by a red headband made of "special" material, knife roll optional.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 7:29 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

smart= crushed velvet purple zoot suit, matching trilby and cane, also matching brothel creepers in said purple
casual= rose pink cravat

go on i dare ya!


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 7:57 pm
Posts: 4402
Free Member
 

IME you'll get away with anything as long as you're not scruffy. Its a course that you / your company are paying for.


 
Posted : 22/02/2010 8:10 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

However, a jumper with a smart shirt collar built in. This with a pair of suit trouser looks alright to me, and I suppose the suit jacket will fit over the top

Hahahaha!
Like the look.
A jumper (with a built-in collar no less) all under a suit!
Oxfam meets nerd meets asthetically challenged dork. Like it!
In which case, you need mis-matching trews and jacket - you don't want them to match in any way to really complete this hilarious look.
Go dark suit trews with a brown jacket, or to be less subtle use a pinstriped jacket and non-striped trews.


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 8:14 am
Posts: 49
Free Member
 

I have discovered a genius item of clothing - [b]a jumper with a smart shirt collar built in[/b]. This with a pair of suit trouser looks alright to me, and I suppose the suit jacket will fit over the top.

We call that a 'shumper'. Similar variations are the 'shank top' and even the 'shardigan'. A chap at work even has a 'hocket' which is a leather jacket with a hoodie (hood and front 2 inches only) that zips in.

This sort of clothing is very popular with designers such as the ubiquitous 'matt alan'. It tends to be worn by middle aged men who can't grasp the basics of clothing and have been forced to dress themselves. Even having your partner/spouse shop for you is a step above shumpers.

TJ - copying and pasting sartorial advice from an American is as sensible as me asking you for a one word answer on the subject of 'roofing in the Edinburgh area'. You dress like someone else buys your clothes, then someone else decides what to wear, then someone else dresses you - all on separate continents, without any communication, colour perception and a delay in the postal system of several decades. Can you just get some scrubs? 😀


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 9:26 am
Posts: 8328
Full Member
 

It's the sort of thing people who start conversations with "so what are you driving these days" actually like wearing.


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 9:50 am
Posts: 13403
Full Member
 

In the rather sad “business” world I live in the following is a reasonable guide

Smart – Business suit, shirt and tie. Shoes will be leather and more than likely black
Business/Corporate casual – Suit (possibly slightly slimmer cut than a business suit), shirt (likely to be striped or at least patterned) and no tie. You can get away with good brown shoes if they match the suit and shirt.
Smart casual – Chinos or smart jeans, casual shirt (tucked in) or a smart v-neck jumper, brown shoes or smart boots, sports jacket or smart coat

And yes, I realise that this goes against the whole “wear what you want” brigade, but unfortunately it is the way it is.


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 10:46 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Collar
Shoes
Jumper/jacket
& Tuck your shirt in.

Although I'm no style guru, I have a general policy of no denim (especially light blue), when socialising with others. I'm usually in a minority of one 8)

It may be a bit 'Gap', but non-Gap Combat/cargo pants are much better for the man about town who always seems to have things to carry, but doesn't want to carry a bag.


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 10:59 am
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[img] [/img]

+1 for Lunge.

I still like the idea of a jumper with a built-in collar!
All under a suit.
Similar to a clip-on tie for the [url= http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Red_Dwarf_characters#Duane_Dibbley ]Duane Dibleys[/url] out there - just don't forget your Thermos flask to complete the ****-look!


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 1:09 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[url= http://aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week08Thursday10.htm?WT.z_src=main ]Here - fill yer boots[/url] [so to speak]


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 3:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

[img] [/img]

me, being smart casual, jacket can be removed for casual.

smart=suit without tie.

casual=p****d on a beach.


 
Posted : 23/02/2010 5:12 pm