Have you ever been invited to an event where the dress code listed is “Smart Casual”? Trying to decipher what smart casual is can be an absolute nightmare. The term casual makes us think of athleisure, but the word smart implies that we wear office attire. There is a big disconnect between the two words leaving many perplexed on what we should be wearing.
Our custom clothing style experts are here to help. They have prepared this helpful guide breaking down the smart casual dress code.
THE DEFINITION OF SMART CASUAL
The term smart casual was thought to have originated back in the 1920s in an edition of the Iowa newspaper. In the 1950s, smart casual was used to describe a suit that was more casual then what men would wear to the office at the time. Today, the definition of smart casual has had a significant evolution.
Smart casual is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as being “neat, conventional, yet relatively informal in style, especially as worn to conform to a particular dress code.”
At Jaxson Maximus, we like to define smart casual as “a dress code that combines elements of workwear and leisure attire. Smart casual falls somewhere in the middle of business casual and informal. Think of button-down dress shirts mixed with denim”.
Smart casual is not about mixing sweat pants with a blazer, but it is more about putting pieces together that make sense visually with different degrees of formality. We like the idea of smart casual as it allows you to combine different items from your wardrobe that you would have never put together. The whole idea of smart casual is to be presentable without being overly stuffy.
WHAT SMART CASUAL IS NOT
Smart casual falls somewhere in between informal and business casual attire. The most apparent clothes that would not fall into this category are anything you would wear to special occasions. Think tuxedos, dinner jackets, etc.
On the other side of the scale, you should avoid anything that would be considered casual attire. This includes items such as basketball shorts, leggings, tank tops, etc.
With a smart-casual attire, you can skip some of the standard workwear accessories. If you choose to wear a button-up, try avoiding bowties or regular neckties as this can take your outfit to business casual.
If your typical office attire requires you to wear a suit every day for work and they list the dress code as smart casual, you should avoid coming in with a suit on. Instead, opt for a polo with chinos or a nice pair of colored denim.
ELEMENTS OF A SMART CASUAL DRESS CODE
A STAND OUT JACKET
With a smart casual dress code, you do not have to wear a blazer or a sports coat. You can opt for a more casual option, such as a leather or bomber jacket. Darker colors will give a sense of formality to your outfit, even if your pieces tend to fall on the more casual side. Try pairing your jacket with a crisp white t-shirt, a pair of chinos, and some low-top white tennis shoes.
POLO SHIRT
The collar on a polo shirt gives your outfit an “off duty” look. A polo is put together but also informal at the exact same time. Look for polo’s that have more details in the design and are made of finer materials such as silk and linen.
Try pairing your polo with a pair of Paige Federal Colored Denim and a great pair of boat shoes for that casual yet sophisticated look.
CARDIGANS
Weather permitting, cardigans can give your outfit just the right level of smartness. Opt for cable-knit sweaters in muted colors such as black, beige, and grey. For styling, pair your cardigan with a white button-down, pair of jeans, and white tennis shoes.
PRINTED BUTTON DOWNS
Having a smart casual dress code is an excellent opportunity to bring out those louder prints that you might not be able to wear to work. Avoid wearing solid whites and blues and opt for bolder prints such as checks and stripes.
You can pair your button-up with a less formal option such as chinos and denim. Just make sure there is some contract in the color scheme of your outfit, so you don’t look out of place.
DENIM AND SHORTS
For denim or shorts to be considered smart casual, you will need to strategically pair them with the right top. Since both of these options fall on the casual side of the scale, opt for a more formal top such as a button-up or a polo.
Don’t forget about the belt! Opt for a classic suede or leather brown belt for that classic element.
Denim does not have to be in the traditional washes. Instead, look for colored denim options. At Jaxson Maximus, we strongly recommend the Paige Federal Denim line. Not only does this line come in multiple colors, but it also gives a great amount of stretch, making them denim more comfortable to the wearer.
LEATHER OR SUEDE SHOES
When it comes to shoes, we recommend sticking to two types of material, leather or suede. Look for shoes in tones of browns, tan, olive, greens, burgundy, and gray. Avoid wearing black as the color black is reserved for formal occasions.
Oxfords, loafers, boat shoes, and sleek tennis shoes are an excellent option for smart casual. The right pair of shoes can help balance out the formality of your outfit.
Tennis shoes can be a tricky item. While tennis shoes fall into the casual dress category, a lot of people like to pair them with more formal options on top. Our best piece of advice is to avoid “athletic-looking” tennis shoes and instead opt for a pair of classic pair such as a sleek white leather tennis shoes. This will be a good base to your outfit while still keeping it modern.
Avoid wearing flip-flops or other open-toed shoes. Those are too casual for this type of dress code.
Discover Our Custom Clothing services
We also offer custom outwear, jeans, and accessories. See our pricing and packages for custom clothing or our Custom clothing FAQ page.
Did you know we have a retail location in downtown Miami?! 🔥🙌
It’s not your average flagship location, it’s a luxury men’s experience— offering services like grooming, custom clothing, tailoring, alterations, and so much more!
📍 Stop in or visit our website to learn more about the experience at miami.jaxsonmaximus.com
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Did you know we have a retail location in downtown Miami?! 🔥🙌
It’s not your average flagship location, it’s a luxury men’s experience— offering services like grooming, custom clothing, tailoring, alterations, and so much more!
📍 Stop in or visit our website to learn more about the experience at miami.jaxsonmaximus.com
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Experience the heart of Jaxson Maximus— where bespoke craftsmanship defines our every detail.
Visit our Miami flagship for a men’s experience like no other 🪄 @jaxsonmaximusmiami
•
#Miami
#Bespoke
#mensstyle
#tailoring
#MiamiBarber
#MensFashion
#ExploreMiami
#MiamiFashion
#flagshipstore
#celebritystylist
#flagshipexperience
Experience the heart of Jaxson Maximus— where bespoke craftsmanship defines our every detail.
Visit our Miami flagship for a men’s experience like no other 🪄 @jaxsonmaximusmiami
•
#Miami
#Bespoke
#mensstyle
#tailoring
#MiamiBarber
#MensFashion
#ExploreMiami
#MiamiFashion
#flagshipstore
#celebritystylist
#flagshipexperience
Our golf collection is more than just performance wear — it’s an extension of our bespoke heritage. 🪡
Each polo, jogger, and accessory is crafted with the same care and precision as our custom suits, ensuring that every piece not only fits impeccably but also exudes quiet sophistication.
Discover our brand that moves with you, for every moment on and off the green at jaxsonmaximus.com 🏌️♂️
Our golf collection is more than just performance wear — it’s an extension of our bespoke heritage. 🪡
Each polo, jogger, and accessory is crafted with the same care and precision as our custom suits, ensuring that every piece not only fits impeccably but also exudes quiet sophistication.
Discover our brand that moves with you, for every moment on and off the green at jaxsonmaximus.com 🏌️♂️
Wherever the day leads— from milestone moments to victories on the green— Jaxson Maximus is there with you. Rooted in bespoke craftsmanship, every piece is designed with luxury at its core, delivering style that moves with you for all of life’s moments.
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Wherever the day leads— from milestone moments to victories on the green— Jaxson Maximus is there with you. Rooted in bespoke craftsmanship, every piece is designed with luxury at its core, delivering style that moves with you for all of life’s moments.
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
Not sure what colors actually suit you? Start with your undertone ⬇️
Here are three simple steps to help you decide it, so you can dress with confidence, not guesswork.
Vein Check ✨
In natural light, observe the veins on your wrist:
- Bluish tones suggest a cool undertone
- Greenish hues point to a warm undertone
- A blend of both may indicate a neutral undertone
Sun Reaction☀️
How does your skin respond to sunlight?
- If you burn easily, you likely have a cool undertone
- If you tan quickly, you lean warm
- If it’s a mix, you may fall into the neutral range
Metal Test 💍
Hold silver and gold jewelry near your face:
- If silver enhances your features → you’re likely cool
- If gold brings out warmth and glow → you’re likely warm
- If both suit you? You may be neutral
Not sure what colors actually suit you? Start with your undertone ⬇️
Here are three simple steps to help you decide it, so you can dress with confidence, not guesswork.
Vein Check ✨
In natural light, observe the veins on your wrist:
- Bluish tones suggest a cool undertone
- Greenish hues point to a warm undertone
- A blend of both may indicate a neutral undertone
Sun Reaction☀️
How does your skin respond to sunlight?
- If you burn easily, you likely have a cool undertone
- If you tan quickly, you lean warm
- If it’s a mix, you may fall into the neutral range
Metal Test 💍
Hold silver and gold jewelry near your face:
- If silver enhances your features → you’re likely cool
- If gold brings out warmth and glow → you’re likely warm
- If both suit you? You may be neutral
Tailored from scratch or refined to fit- knowing the difference is knowing how to dress well. Discover when to go bespoke, when to alter, and how both shape the way you show up.
Swipe to learn more —>
Because true style isn’t just what you wear- it’s how it fits.
#Miami
#MensStyle
#Tailoring
#Alterations
#BespokeMenswear
#JaxsonMaximus
Tailored from scratch or refined to fit- knowing the difference is knowing how to dress well. Discover when to go bespoke, when to alter, and how both shape the way you show up.
Swipe to learn more —>
Because true style isn’t just what you wear- it’s how it fits.
#Miami
#MensStyle
#Tailoring
#Alterations
#BespokeMenswear
#JaxsonMaximus
Command every room. Tailored for the men and women who lead⭐️
Only at @jaxsonmaximusmiami
Explore our bespoke services through the link in our bio 📌
Learn more about our brand ✨
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
Command every room. Tailored for the men and women who lead⭐️
Only at @jaxsonmaximusmiami
Explore our bespoke services through the link in our bio 📌
Learn more about our brand ✨
@jaxsonmaximusmiami
@jaxsonmaximusperformance
With nearly 40 years of tailoring expertise, our bespoke roots run deep- woven into every stitch, every detail, and every design- it’s the foundation of everything we create.
Explore our Brands ✨
IG: @jaxsonmaximusmiami @jaxsonmaximusperformance
With nearly 40 years of tailoring expertise, our bespoke roots run deep- woven into every stitch, every detail, and every design- it’s the foundation of everything we create.
Explore our Brands ✨
IG: @jaxsonmaximusmiami @jaxsonmaximusperformance
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