5 Smart Casual Must-Haves to Add to Your Wardrobe in 2025
Smart Casual is the type of dress code that you dread to see on an invitation, yet it seems to follow you no matter where you go. Really, what even is this hodgepodge? If you show up to the event dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, you’ll be too underdressed, and if you put on a two-piece suit, you’ll still stick out like a sore thumb.
Simply put, the key to the perfect Smart Casual outfit is in the name: get a smart piece, a casual one, combine them together, add a few accessories, and you’re good to go! And if you don’t want to mess it up, here are the must-haves you need in your wardrobe in 2025 to get the best Smart Casual looks for every occasion.
Jeans
Regardless of what vintage-tweed-pants-lovers say, a good pair of jeans lays at the foundation of every man’s wardrobe, including the Smart Casual one. It might seem like a no-brainer, but jeans are actually one of the easiest things to get wrong. The right pair has to be made of thick and sturdy denim, and either in a dark indigo wash or black, so that they will look slightly more elevated than your casual jeans. A straight-legged design is also a must, and please, get rid of those skinny jeans if you still have them – they’ve never looked flattering, not on you and not on any other man.
Smart Shirt
A smart shirt is the number one must have for Smart Casual looks, especially one in solid, neutral colors like white, navy, and pale blue. You can get a classic Oxford button-down or if you’re looking for something that’s both timeless and in vogue, choose a grandfather shirt instead. Unlike other designs that you’re already familiar with, Irish shirts for men don’t have a collar and feature a full button placket closure, making them the perfect conversation-starter piece. Even better, these shirts are made in Ireland from homespun fabric, and they have the best ratio of 90% cotton and 10% linen, so they’re an excellent choice for any event, all year round.
Unstructured Blazer
Don’t confuse them for the basic suit jackets: unstructured blazers are exactly that, unstructured. These pieces are more comfortable, lighter, and more flowy than regular jackets, all thanks to the lack (or minimal) padding in the chest and shoulder areas. Think Richard Gere in American Gigolo or Daniel Graig in Spectre! Unstructured blazers are easy to pack and great for a destination event, like a wedding or a semi-professional work conference, where you need to look good even if you don’t have an iron or a steamer on hand.
Chinos
Jeans are not the only pair of pants you need for a Smart Casual wardrobe – remember what we said about combining a casual piece with a smart one? If you’re going for a regular top, you need a pair of smart bottoms, and chinos are the best option for making you look put-together without stepping into a more official dress code. The right chinos have to fit you like a glove, with enough room at the thighs and narrowed at the hem, and it’s best to get a pair in a shade of beige, camel, gray, or khaki.
Sneakers
Finally, when it comes to footwear, give preference to something that you already wear everyday, but make it a bit more refined. Sneakers are usually the go-to choice of most men, and if you get a pair made of leather, they will be perfectly suitable for a Smart Casual wardrobe. However, keep in mind to take care of them correctly: your shoes need to be pristinely clean, especially if they come in white or another light shade, and don’t forget to wash the laces regularly as well. Nothing ruins an outfit faster than an unkept pair of shoes.
