WTF is a Smart Casual Dress Code? How to pick every piece of clothing

[@nathanfisher1512]

Well done, always nice when you have a breakdown topic that hasn’t been covered and you can just look back at your video archives. Great job writing out all the products as well. As a teacher I’ve gradually moved away from business casual attire and I’m so thankful I did.

[@Stridewise]

Thanks Nathan, this one was a lot of work! I'm on the other side of you: i've never had a job that required a tie and i got some on black friday and JUST started wearing them and consider them very fun haha, the difference being that i'm choosing to wear them. if i'm told to wear a tie (or anything) i hate it

[@ReckaBee3]

Great video as always man

[@Stridewise]

Thanks dude, I really like this one

[@wallyg77]

Totally agree with your take on Jeans

[@Thunk00]

Keep in mind that "smart casual" has the word "casual" in the name. You can cut a corner here or there. IMO, a pair of trainers, jeans, brightly patterned socks, colorful patterned socks, a baseball cap, a crew neck shirt (with something else over it,) or a trucker jacket could all fit pretty well into a smart casual outfit. But the trick is to make sure that you're not cutting multiple corners at once, and that the item you use to cut a corner is clean, neat, and fairly understated. It's a balancing act.

[@nathanfisher1512]

This video reaffirms a lot of ideas I had about smart casual but then again this channel is on a short list of fashion minded people I follow. I agree about the rule-bending. The scales could easily be tipped one way or the other.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah that's an interesting take and I think i agree, sort of like how I said you can do a leather jacket if it's pretty minimalist, or you can do a trucker jacket if it's with a smart button up, or you can do jeans if they're dark wash and your shirt's tucked in, etc. There is more to say on this topic of rule bending but hey, I can't make infinity length videos :) appreciate your input

[@jack.charlesc4750]

Hey mate ....do you know tnat there is no flint and tinder depot in europe !!! You should talk to them and give them this advice bring the brand to europe

[@albertoclonado]

I came to see your view on the Ojai jacket, I love mine. I’m planning to get a third one, it’s perfect for the office but I am conscious about it being too casual

[@CarlosValentor]

So no jeans to the office but shorts are ok?

[@Stridewise]

Honestly yeah, I think chino shorts are dressier than your average jeans. Like I said there are heaps of places that will let you be more casual than these guidelines but it's best to play it safe

[@CarlosValentor]

@ right I heard you on the video, I just completely (and respectfully) disagree. Dark blue jeans can 100% be used in a smart casual setting, but shorts are as casual as it gets, chino shorts are only dressier than jean shorts hahaha but in a smart casual setting never. Try some linen trousers if it’s too hot, so you can stay sharp while keeping your legs covered 🤣

[@Stridewise]

@@CarlosValentor I mean I'll take any excuse to wear linen trousers!

[@theultimatesuhak]

This has got to be one amazing cultiral difference. Shorts are the absolute opposite of smart anywhere outside of Australia. They're probably as smart as a wifebeater. Even the IT guys I work with wear a t-shirt to the office, but they wouldn't even think about going with shorts.

[@jt1559]

​@@CarlosValentorI agree with this take. I wear chino shorts all the time in summer in Brisbane, Queensland, but I don't consider it smart casual. If I need smart casual linen or lightweight cotton pants come on. I also agree that dark wash (black or dark blue) jeans are smart casual, as long as they fit well.

[@arbeckWA]

Decent guide for someone who just wants to figure it out as easily as possible. But some of the things you say to avoid can easily be worn in smart casual settings. One of the best ways to turn almost any outfit to smart causal is add a slightly tailored sport coat. I know fatigues,jeans, and denim/western shirts were on your no list. But if you take fatigues/jeans, an OCBD, chukas/service boot, and throw a navy hopsack sport coat or a tweed sport coat on top; you'll probably be the best dressed person at a smart casual event. Same thing with a western or denim shirt. Wear it with chinos, a sport coat and loafers and you'll look great.

[@Stridewise]

Yeah a nice jacket can elevate a more casual outfit for sure. Like I said, a ton of the "don't"s will be fine in a ton of smart casual situations, but it's best to play it safe. Also I need to get a hopsack sports jacket! Mine are all tweed, I think hopsack is my next evolution

[@Old_Sailor85]

I'm old enough we still wore a suit and tie to the office. "Casual" Fridays meant you could take your tie off. Now it's come to work in your fuzzy slippers and jammies.

[@Stridewise]

Haha if you and I work together maybe we can change that

[@davey_davey_dave]

Great video as always Nick

[@Stridewise]

Thanks man, I really like this one

[@davidmun1601]

Another great video! Keep up the great work.

[@Stridewise]

Appreciate it David!

[@1ovation7]

Great advice as always! How do the FnT oxfords fit compared to a taylor stitch jack? I'm on the skinny side and taylor stitch seem to be the widest fit I can go before it looks silly.

[@MephistoRolling]

Totally disagree on shorts. If everything else you listed as no counts then shorts definitely count as casual.

[@washcubby2555]

Hey Nick! I have a regional exception that I’d like your thoughts on. I live in a city in the Southwest, and cowboy boots are worn here. Unironically. In that scenario would you idea of smart casual shift to include dark denim with a nice pair of cowboy boots?

[@jt1559]

Yes, definitely.

[@raymondcausey3926]

Thanks 🙏🏼

[@DancingSpacePotato]

Whenever I hear Smart Casual Dress I just overdress. Clean, classic, simple, as perfect fitting as I have, and never uncomfortable. Bluchers, chinos, mostly long sleeve collar shirts or a simple knit top. SC is sort of boring, but at least it’s comfortable

[@nikolastojanov8749]

How do waxed canvas jackets like Barbour fit here? Too casual?

[@jgb0017]

I have to host events like this all the time (thanks to my wife). The only thing I would add is: (1) wear clothes that look pressed; and (2) shave or trim your facial hair and comb your hair. If you do these two things only, and nothing else, you are already ahead of more than half the others present. If you do that and wear the stuff in this video, you are in the top three percent.

[@Stridewise]

boy, I hadn't even thought of shaving. I kind of thought no one noticed that anymore, but good advice!

[@jgb0017]

@ I’m hardly the guy with his finger on the pulse. I could be wrong. Just my two cents.

[@nanox25x]

Do Business Casual next

[@Stridewise]

what makes you think you can just bark orders at me like this

[@HotDilf]

What differs "Smart Casual" from "Business Casual"?

[@Stridewise]

A good topic for another video, the main thing I'd say is to stick to button ups over polos, stay away from any sneakers, and if you're wearing a jacket make it a sports jacket or blazer. Personally I'd wear a tie, but you're generally allowed to not. Chinos are still great, but you can also do wool trousers now!

[@bobhaverbeck7585]

"We wear short shorts...

[@HYPERxSONICxFANx2012]

only shoes i like are platform boots. if i'm being honest they're all i can wear

[@Stridewise]

that's interesting. well look i think if they're not too militaryish you can probably make them work smart casual

[@HYPERxSONICxFANx2012]

@Stridewise they're new rock boots. they look very goth

[@Stridewise]

@@HYPERxSONICxFANx2012 tell you what, do black chinos and tuck in like a red or green button down and you'll be gucci

[@cheddarbuttersworth2441]

I take it tuxedo print t-shirts are off the table… 😅

[@Stridewise]

@@cheddarbuttersworth2441 but tuxedo print POLO shirts…

[@Highland_Paddy]

A necktie is definitely smart casual. Bow ties, too. Denim jeans ARE NOT.

[@Highland_Paddy]

There are different kinds of neckties, just like there are different kinds of sneakers, but none of the sneakers are really SMART, just casual. Same as Polo shirts and many plaid ones.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Corduroy and some wool trousers would still work. Just not so much when trying t' use suit pieces as casual separates. But one time I wore a pair of pattern trousers w' a sport jacket in similar colors and e'eryone thought that 'twas a suit. But casual suits are still smarter casual than no jacket, just ignorant people might think 'tis formal for occasion. [Maybe look at any Duran Duran video set in tropics?]

[@Highland_Paddy]

Almost anything canvas should be treated same as denim. I was going t' bring it up at the top there, but so few wear much canvas apart from Heavy Duty workwear already, anyway. Kinda like them thick wool flannel shirts a bit.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Anything untucked is automatically NOT SMART. So again, 'tis pretty simple rules overall that e'eryone wants t' cheat for some reason now and think they don't look slobby. Just see almost any photo from Early 60s and copy that instead o' blundering around... [Or 40s thru 60s mostly] If ye dressed like preppy "casual" from 20s, 'tis still appropriate but then need correct weather for tweed jackets and v-neck sweaters and such. Oh, and the straw boater hats will look costumy a bit now.

[@Highland_Paddy]

Cardigans are also NOT SMART. They are for home, by the fireplace, w' the pipe and the dog. The robust Irish cable ones are also likely neigh QUITE refined enough............... Zip Neck is also really should be considered getting C grade at best?

[@mikekirby2085]

My cynicism is running rampant. Smart casual seems more like a marketing term to sell clothes than an actual style.

[@Stridewise]

@@mikekirby2085 there is a land between sweatpants and business casual my man

[@lt3880]

Smart casual isnt a style, its a tier of formality that encompasses a variety of styles.

[@Dominicreviews]

​@@lt3880Smart man

[@albertoclonado]

Americans are taking this too seriously, that’s why you see them in PJs and sandals all over

[@davidoneill4859]

Jeans are fine

[@davidoneill4859]

More lunges

[@amBullseye]

Shorts as smart casual? Yeah right.. Stopped watching at that point. Thats really bad advice.