As you know, fashion is capricious and changeable. And there is a constant assimilation of styles - their boundaries are blurred, rules are borrowed, and even the names become very similar. This is what happened with the business styles of business casual and smart casual: both grew out of the merger of a strictly business dress code and a democratic, fashionable casual, and are in “close family ties” with each other. What is it and what is it for?
Both of these “brothers” come from the same family: a strict official business style has come into connection with the “loose Friday” style, which allows employees of even the most serious companies to come at the end of the week in slightly looser clothes - so that in the evening, immediately after work, they can go at least on a date, even to a bar with friends. In an effort to create a slightly more relaxed environment for employees, provide some freedom of self-expression, and ensure daily comfort, employers actively began to welcome various innovations in the rules of corporate appearance. But in fact, business casual and smart casual are not only sets of rules for employees of serious corporations who are forced to fulfill certain requirements. This is also a set of tricks that allow you to dress in comfortable clothes, wear warm clothes in winter and light ones in summer, but at the same time remain elegant, stylish and look presentable. What are these tricks?
Fashion publications, financial newspapers and magazines, and often the media on a wide range of topics vying with each other to define clothing styles, and these two were no exception. Reference publications are not far behind - the concepts of business casual and smart casual are explained in many explanatory dictionaries. Thus, the Australian National Dictionary of Macquarie University tells us that to be dressed smart casual is to be “well dressed casually”. And the Oxford Thesaurus defines this style as "preppy but relatively informal, observed primarily to comply with a dress code."
Business casual, of course, is a little more strict: unlike “smart”, it does not allow you to wear jeans, and is more restrained in colors and in the choice of shoe styles. However, in general, the rules for them are almost the same: in different companies they can vary and be dictated by their own internal, corporate rules. So, dressing within the framework of the named styles, you can take the following “liberties”.
There is no need to wear a tie and you are even allowed to unbutton the top button of your shirt. True, sometimes it is still recommended to have it with you without wearing a tie. Indeed, during the day there may be important meetings, official events, where a tie will be very useful and even mandatory. A variety of knitwear is often in demand in a casual wardrobe: sweaters, turtlenecks, jumpers, cardigans. For example, you can wear a turtleneck under a jacket instead of a shirt, and over a shirt - knitted jumper With V-neck. Such democracy is especially relevant for our country, where it is cold for a significant part of the year and sometimes there are severe frosts. Warm and body-friendly knitwear made of cashmere, wool, and viscose is just right in this weather.
Those who still prefer to wear shirts can also relax a little: they are allowed to roll up the sleeves to the middle of the forearm. A formal jacket can be replaced with a blazer; instead of classic trousers, wear trousers made of cotton or linen, or even dark denim. Smart casual often allows you to wear regular jeans, especially on Fridays. The main thing is that other details of the image create some kind of balance and do not allow you to go into a regular casual style, and even more so into a completely informal style of clothing.
Also, it happens that in a “smart” it is allowed to wear polo shirts, including with short sleeve, sometimes even T-shirts (except sports ones).
As for shoes, there is a little less freedom: these are still classic shoes or low shoes, but they can be made of soft leather or suede. Sometimes it is permissible to wear oxfords, in summer - moccasins. But sneakers, sneakers, tennis shoes and, of course, sandals and other open shoes are overboard: they are still intended only for sports and recreation.
As was already said at the very beginning, business casual and smart casual are not just a democratization of the office dress code, but also a certain internal sense of style, competent construction of one’s image, a convenient and effective tool for creating the image of a person who is not constrained by prohibitions, but he really knows how to dress, has good taste, is neat and respectable. It’s not for nothing that “smart” is not only “neat”, but also “smart”.
Smart casual (or “a little loose”) is one of the controversial styles. They say and write quite a lot about it, but it is difficult to formulate an exact definition. Smart casual clothing is preferred by men who want to look respectable, but at the same time informal. Next, we will try to analyze the features of the dress code and its main elements.
Different sources contain different interpretations of this stylistic trend. In each state or company, the meaning of the dress code is individual. After all, what is acceptable in one place may look inappropriate and even indecent in another.
Strict framework Smart casual does not provide it can successfully combine classic and trendy clothing elements.
The emergence of Smart casual
It is believed that Smart casual originated in the USA at the beginning of the 20th century. This was the era of the development of large corporations that did not make special demands on the appearance of employees. The style gained its popularity only in the middle of the century, when white-collar workers appreciated the convenience and sophistication of the outfit. The first images looked rather timid and unconvincing. For example, men began to wear a simpler cotton version instead of a formal jacket.
Key elements of a smart casual dress code for men
The main condition when creating a smart casual look is to find harmony between classic and informal things.
With the advent of this style, men became more free in their choice of clothing. Even with a small number of items in your wardrobe, you can combine several interesting looks.
Men's shirts The basic item in the Smart casual style is dark shirt. of blue color It goes with all wardrobe items and will never lose its relevance. The main thing is to choose the right shade.
Ideally, you should have as many shirts as possible in different colors and cuts. Important!
A checkered or striped shirt will help to emphasize the individuality of the look.
T-shirt It will look perfect in an office style plain It is important that it matches the color of the rest of the clothing. A jacket or blazer is worn on top, which can be easily removed if desired.
Blazer and jacket
Many men confuse a blazer and a jacket, because in appearance they are very similar. However, they are worn on different occasions. So, for warm weather, a cotton or linen blazer in muted brown, beige or green is suitable.
A men's blazer can be worn instead of a vest under a jacket. In cool weather, you should opt for a tweed jacket.
Cardigan
In a conservative version the cardigan should be made from thin fabric or related. The collar can be either v-shaped or shawl-shaped. Sports models are fastened with a zipper, and classic ones with buttons.
Tie and other accessories
Will bring a fresh note to the image impressive tie. However, in this case it is not a required attribute. If the event requires its presence, then opt for a thin knitted tie.
It is better to refuse standard office models. You can pick a tie matching the color of the pocket square. Among the accessories, it is worth paying attention to sunglasses and a tie clip.
Trousers
In the selection of trousers image makers advise to refuse classic models with smoothed arrows and straight shapes. The best choice- Khaki and chinos style items.
Important! The color of the trousers should match the shade of the top of the suit, belt and shoes. Light colors are chosen by young people, while dark colors are chosen by more mature and respectable men.
And here You need to choose jeans in Smart casual carefully, so as not to break the border and not go casual.
Attention! The highlight of the image can be tuckedfrom belowtrousers combined with loafers for bare feet. The sleeves of a shirt and jacket can also be rolled up.
Belt
The belt is chosen depending on the type and color of the trousers. Since the style is quite free and relaxed, it is permissible to use different things of opposite colors in one look.
Men's footwear
Better in choosing shoes show your imagination and experiment. However, the model should be as close as possible to the classics. There are no restrictions on color, but blackyetbetter to replace it with bright brown.
Socks
Of course, some boot options are more practical to wear on bare feet. However in most cases socks will be needed. They have to match the color with some detail of the image, for example, with a tie.
Fashionable men's looks Smart casual (smart casual)
Let's consider variations of images in the Smart casual style:
- Classic look. The selection of clothes begins with a shirt. It should be one color or with a simple print. You can skip the tie and wear a blazer on top. Neutral chinos pair well with chocolate-colored shoes and a belt.
- Free. In this option, jeans, a white shirt and a dark jacket are appropriate. A vest with a tie or a cardigan would also be suitable.
- Multi-layered image. To create it you will need a one-color shirt, jumper, jeans, cardigan. The more clothes, the better.
- In cold weather. Insulated wool trousers and a turtleneck are a must. You can wear a blazer on top.
- Sports look. The main attribute here will be fashion sneakers. In this variation there is a fine line between Smart casual and casual styles, and its transition can be very difficult to notice.
Successful combinations of clothes and colors
As with any style, there are the most successful combinations clothes. So, according to most famous designers, a blue blazer is a universal item in a smart casual wardrobe that suits any look.
A good combination would be combination of dark top and light bottom. For example, a dark blue sweater with beige trousers. A white shirt is also an integral element.
The main colors of the dress code will be black, white, grey, beige, brown, shades of blue and burgundy.
Advice! If you still decide to give up the tie, then it is better to leave the top button of the shirt undone.
Smart casual can be called a connecting component between business formal attire and comfortable, practical clothing.
In terms of comfort, it is second only to the sports style. The uniqueness of the dress code is hidden in its minimalism. After all, you can have basic things and, with the right approach, combine them for a specific situation. For recent years among residents of big cities the style has become especially relevant smart casual
. Why is smart casual so popular? What does it consist of? And how does smart casual style differ from regular casual? You will find the answers to all these questions in this article, which is entirely devoted to smart casual style for women and men.Smart casual translated from in English, How:smart casual wear. Smart casual style, both for women and men –this is something between a classic style and a free-casual style. Smart casual style is officially considered the office dress code. It is safe to say that smart casual can be taken as a basis modern woman's wardrobe
In order to look elegant and business-like every day, and at the same time freely, you need to know the basic character traits this style of clothing.
Style among residents of big cities the style has become especially relevantdifferent from the classic style the fact that you don’t need to wear formal suits, ties, buttoned-up shirts, etc. A from stylecasual This style is distinguished by its elegance and sophistication. In the smart casual style, there are no ripped jeans, or boyfriend jeans, or sneakers, which is typical of the casual style. Smart casual shows how to wear jeans to look smart.
Smart casual stylebased on men's and women's basic wardrobe. For men integral things in smart casual style should be a white shirt, sweater, sleeveless vest, jacket, plain jeans classic type. Accessories are also the main component of the look. For men, this is a scarf, neckerchief and glasses. Shoes are also important. Instead of classic shoes, the smart casual style will correspond to such types of shoes as loafers, oxfords, monks and derbies.
For women smart casual style should be based on a white shirt male type, pullover, vest, jacket, straight dress, pencil skirt, straight jeans, cropped classic trousers. Shoes for women in smart casual style can be either flat-soled or heeled. There may be low-heeled pumps, as well as stylish shoes at low speed. For example: loafers, oxfords or slippers. Accessories for women also play an important role. In addition to the basic attributes of smart casual style - a scarf, shawl, headdress and glasses, women can afford accessories in the form of large jewelry.
The color scheme plays an important role. The smart casual style is characterized by a calm color palette, which is based on pastel shades. For men, the main colors in smart casual style will be: black, white, gray, brown, beige, blue, dark blue, light blue, maroon and burgundy. Almost all the same colors correspond to women as for men. The only thing is female color scheme can diversify the delicate dirty pink color, which will go perfectly with gray.
To look smart casual, you need to find exactly the middle ground between classic style and casual style. Let's figure out which smart casual looks are suitable for men and which for women. A man in smart casual style, what should he look like?
Maybe, smart casual style for men is one of my favorite clothing styles. After all, most often you don’t need to wear tight ties, classic jackets and trousers. Here are some examples of what a smart casual man can look like. Below in the first photo we see a guy wearing beige trousers, a blue shirt, a gray jacket and loafers. At first glance, the image seems ordinary. But the highlight of this look is that the trousers are rolled up at the bottom, the sleeves of the shirt and jacket are rolled up to the elbows, and the loafers are worn on bare feet. It is all these “tricks” that give the right to call the image in the smart casual style.
Let's look at the second photo below. A young man dressed in beige trousers, a dark blue sweater over a checkered shirt and Brown Derby. Here the emphasis is on a dark top and light bottom, with shoes being the star of this smart casual look.
Third option smart casual look- these are rolled up jeans, a white shirt, a double-breasted dark blue jacket with rolled up sleeves, beige loafers and the finishing touch of the look - a bow tie. This smart casual look is perfect for an evening out.
Now let's consider different smart casual style options for women. In the first photo below, we see a girl dressed in straight black trousers, a gray jacket, pink jumper, which is worn over a white shirt and black patent loafers. This is the classic option when soft pink color goes well with gray. This image differs from the classic style in that instead of trousers with a crease, there are straight trousers, the shirt is not tucked in, but carelessly let out.
In the second photo we see black cropped and loose trousers with an arrow, loose sweater solid color and brogue shoes. Despite the simplicity of the image, it looks very seasoned and in a smart casual style.
The latest look consists of gray rolled-up trousers with a check print, a white shirt in men's style with rolled up sleeves and black low-heeled sandals. The smart casual look is completed with stylish sunglasses and a briefcase bag.
To adhere to the smart casual style, you need to remember a few “rules”, which will help you not to cross the line between smart casual and classic style, or just casual. For men The main rule is not to wear classic things together. The jacket can be combined with jeans or straight trousers. Classic pants can be diluted with a sweater or vest. Although a tie or bow tie are attributes of a classic style, in smart casual style they serve as an “exception.” They can be worn with the same jeans, a checkered tweed jacket or a sweater. For men, as for women, shoes play a major role. As I already said, almost any style will suit the smart casual style. men's footwear, except for classic shoes that are worn under a suit or tailcoat and sports shoes.
Anything goes well with an elegant casual style. outerwear- a trench coat, a coat (including a men’s coat), a biker jacket, a windbreaker, a sleeveless vest, a down jacket or even a fur coat.
For women, smart casual style does not allow mini lengths and tight-fitting items. Smart casual style for women is not allowed too much high heel or platform. Also, for both women and men there are color boundaries. We have already talked about what colors should reflect the smart casual style. But, women are characterized by brightness in their clothes. Style smart casual does not imply looking bright, but making any bright accents is quite acceptable. The main thing is that the color is monochromatic and matches the entire set. Accent colors such as red, indigo blue, or purple are perfect for smart casual style.
As for men, they can make a bright accent with a tie, bow tie, scarf or colored socks. The ideal option for men would be if any of the three accessories listed above are matched with socks.
The smart casual style has become so universal that it can be demonstrated both at work and at any event. Now the smart casual style is especially popular, it is suitable for both women and men. A man or woman who is dressed in smart casual style can easily go to work in the morning and go somewhere in the evening after a working day. And for this you don’t need to run home to change clothes for an evening out.
“Elegant everyday life” is not just capacious beautiful phrase. Translated from English, this is roughly what the name of the smart casual style sounds like. The uniqueness and attractiveness of this fashion trend lies in the combination incompatible concepts. It combines unsurpassed comfort and natural ease with pronounced restraint and characteristic composure. business style clothes. Combining these image features allows you to fully express your own individuality in clothing, and also provides an excellent opportunity to ignore boring and predictable fashion canons. This trend is used not only by men; today the original and comfortable smart casual style is relevant for women. What is it and what are the limits of this modern direction- discussed in detail in this article.
Principles of smart casual style
In this dynamically developing and incredibly popular fashion trend It is possible to highlight certain postulates, the observance of which guarantees the creation of the most harmonious sets of clothing.
Smart casual clothing silhouettes and fabrics
The bulk of things are made from wrinkle-resistant materials that are moderately elastic and soft. At the same time, the structure of the fabric must certainly ensure the maintenance of the desired shape and the correct fit of the curves of the body. You often see materials with a medium level of density, such as non-shiny flowy silk, different types natural wool, ultra-practical tweed material, delicate cashmere and other attractive materials. It is known that the most mesmerizing images are created with the participation of high-quality textured knitwear, consisting of tightly woven threads. This knitwear is great for outerwear. When choosing the bottom of the set, it is better to consider items made from tight cotton, wool or tweed.
beautiful women's clothing made of soft and practical materials
We know why today fashion boutiques in our country supply huge quantities of interesting clothes in the smart casual style for women. What does this give to the fair sex? First of all, freedom of movement and elegant appearance. Elegant cut casual wear can be assessed as semi-close to the body, but by no means loose. Things fit clearly on the figure. Such clothes are good because they allow a person to make as many relaxed movements as he likes. These properties, combined with clearly stitched details and straight lines, make it possible to obtain a dynamic, airy and at the same time strict silhouette of the clothing set.
Current colors and prints of smart casual style
It has been noticed that the color palette within this direction is quite wide, so each of us can choose acceptable options. The principle borrowed from the great classics is the use of basic colors. The only peculiarity is that pleasant, restrained colors, such as deep variations of blue and gray, are traditionally combined with neutral beige, light shades of purple and green. Often, rich colors act as accents, but bright suits that fit perfectly on the figure are also welcome.
The print of the clothes is important. Patterns on fabric are presented in a wide variety, for example, stripes and checks are often found. different colors, watercolor and geometric pattern, and there may also be a wide variety of fashion images. This also includes drawings of exotic themes and large compositions. In order not to disturb the harmony of the image, you should not use several things with prints at once.
Women's smart casual clothing
Smart casual shirts
An indispensable universal item, successfully borrowed from a classic-style wardrobe. True, the classics are characterized exclusively by items made of silk or cotton fabric, made in light or neutral shades. For a casual-dressy style, there is a much wider selection of beautiful women's shirts: equipped with a collar or without this detail, with patterns or plain, practical dark colors, expressive bright colors, beautiful knitwear items. It's good that the shirts are suitable for anyone life situation and can be combined without any problems with absolutely any other items within the style in question. Rolling up sleeves is encouraged. The shirt is often incorporated into urban, business and summer outfits.
Trousers and jeans in smart casual style
The right trousers should fit a woman's legs perfectly. Low landing is excluded. The fabric must be selected to be wrinkle-resistant. The following details are definitely superfluous: patch pockets, sequins, appliqués, rivets, bead embroidery, rhinestone decoration. These discreet decorative elements are appropriate: inconspicuous folds, beautiful lapels and aesthetic tucks on the fabric. Straight-leg trousers and timeless cigar trousers work well. Silhouette women's trousers should be concise, clear and not tight-fitting. The trousers fit well into sets for office and leisure.
Stylish jeans are also actively used by adherents of the smart casual trend; this item is selected strictly according to the figure so that the waist area is located in its place. Models that are too wide or dig into the body are not suitable. Skinny jeans, tapered versions and straight-cut items are appropriate. Using jeans, you can create a lot of compositions for work and leisure.
Popular women's smart casual clothing
In addition to the considered clothing items, the following items are in demand today:
- semi-fitted jackets;
- forever fashionable skirts pencil models;
- sheath dresses knee-length or shorter;
- bags and shoes equipped with a minimum of decor;
- sweaters and sweatshirts with a moderately loose fit.
It is important to follow the general idea of the image, complementing the clothes with the right discreet makeup, impeccable hairstyle, discreet, neat manicure and trendy jewelry - all these details make up a smart casual style for women. What this direction includes is outlined in this article; all that remains is to apply these rules in practice and start enjoying your updated image.
