The most basic casual uniform for most guys usually consists of jeans and a t-shirt. Maybe shorts if it’s especially hot out. While this baseline can be done better than you’d expect, it will rarely transcend its casual limits. Unless you add a twist – but more on that in a bit.
Wearing a t-shirt and jeans means exactly just that. But styling essentially means that you’ve considered everything from the ground-up. Go for a shirt that either has a tasteful crop, ending just around the waist. If it’s on the longer side, consider tucking it in. Many have an aversion to tucking in tees, and when done poorly, it can look quite silly. But trust us here. Trust the process.
Consider loafers for your footwear, as they straddle the line between casual and formal perfectly. There’s hardly a more versatile shoe, and with a t-shirt and jeans, they still feel right at home. For an ivy-inspired look, dare to wear them with white socks. If that’s too bold for you, go with something otherwise neutral.
There are many fabrics, patterns, and overall fits to choose from here, so just go with something that speaks to you. Finish it off with some tasteful jewelry, like a slim watch, rings, or chain necklace. The result is still casual, but elevated enough to feel “smart.”
A common misconception held by many men newer to the fashion scene is that tailoring, whether in the form of blazers, sport coats, trousers, or even full suits, are always, without exception, formal pieces. This couldn’t be further than the truth. While a dark, worsted wool suit will almost always lean formal, there’s a whole world of casual tailoring out there that can help you build the perfect smart casual wardrobe.
Wearing jeans with an oxford cloth button down and cowboy boots? Take a page out of Ralph Lauren’s personal style book and throw on a gray tweed sport coat. It’s not a suit jacket. It’s a genuine sport coat. So, somehow, it just works.
Got an office outfit consisting of khakis, a knit sweater, and chunky dad sneakers? Go the extra mile and toss a corduroy jacket into the mix. The result might seem a bit too 90s dad-core at first, but you know what? Sometimes dads are cool. This applies to pants too. Tailored trousers, especially ones with extra details like pleats, are a great way to elevate an otherwise casual outfit.
Lastly, it’s vital to touch on some of the oft-overlooked details that can transform an otherwise humdrum outfit into something special. A bad belt, for example, can throw everything off. In most smart casual looks, your top will often be tucked, making the belt visible. You don’t have to be a leather expert to spot a cheap fake leather belt from a mile away.