Start Smart Casual Outfit Formulas That Always Work

Smart casual shouldn’t be confusing. It’s the one dress code that gives you permission to blur the lines between polished and relaxed. But done wrong, it looks messy, careless. Done right, it’s effortless. Here’s how to get it right every time, with outfit formulas that work for every body type—and standout brand suggestions for each.

1. The Modern Polo + Tapered Trousers + Leather Trainers

Best for: Broader builds, athletic framesWear it with:

• Sunspel or Reiss (Polo)

• MR PORTER (Trousers from Incotex and NN07)

• Common Projects or Clae (Trainers)

2. The Unstructured Blazer + T-shirt + Slim Jeans

Best for: Slim to medium buildsTry:

• Wax London or Uniqlo (Blazer)

• Asket or Carl Friedrik (T-shirt)

• Use Tellar.co.uk to find your perfect pair (Jeans)

3. Oxford Shirt + Chinos + Derby Shoes

Great for: Broader waists, smartening up casual buildsGet yours from:

• Charles Tyrwhitt or TM Lewin (Shirt)

• Massimo Dutti or J.Crew (Chinos)

• Loake or Grenson (Shoes)

4. Merino Knit + Pleated Trousers + Suede Loafers

Best for: Layering across age groupsGo for:

• John Smedley or Norse Projects (Knit)

• ARKET or Scarosso (Trousers)

• Crockett & Jones (Loafers)

5. Overshirt + Drawstring Trousers + Chelsea Boots

Best for: All builds – hides weight while staying sharpPick from:

• Albam or Edwin (Overshirt)

• Closed or Officine Générale (Trousers)

• Russell & Bromley or Cheaney (Chelsea Boots)