Smart Casual
What it actually means
Relaxed but pulled-together. Think elevated everyday: a nice dress with flats, tailored trousers with a knit, or dark denim with a blazer and a good shoe. Comfortable, but clearly thought about.
The safe choice
Dark denim or tailored trousers with a blazer or a fine knit and a clean shoe, or a simple day dress dressed up with the right accessory.
Too formal
A full suit, a gown or anything black-tie reads as trying too hard.
Too casual
Gym wear, flip-flops, worn-out trainers or a plain tee and shorts.
Common mistakes
- Defaulting to full casual and skipping the 'smart' half
- Overdressing into formal territory
- Scruffy or beat-up shoes - the shoe carries this code
- Ignoring the venue: a rooftop bar reads dressier than a lunch
By country & season
One of the most location-dependent codes: Milan and Paris read it dressier, Lisbon and Austin more relaxed. Summer welcomes lighter, brighter takes.