Expressing your personality through your sense of style and associated fashion choices can be a joy for many people. However, as a smart and stylish man who always seems to be the only one in a shirt and tailored pants at a boys’ lunch, when invited to a more casual event or function, it can be challenging to choose what to wear.

With that being said, continue reading for inspiration for casual wear for inherently smart men who don’t want to compromise.

The Unstructured Blazer

The versatility of the blazer, for both men and women, can simply never be understated.

Undeniably, however, as soon as you pair a blazer of any color with jeans, chinos, or indeed even smart, tailored joggers, you are instantly elevating your outfit into the ‘smart’ arena. Material is key here, so be sure to avoid thick fabrics and woollen mixes and stick to linen or corduroy. Unstructured blazers are characterized by a slouchy and easy silhouette and evoke associations with sports jackets.

Lighten Up

When it comes to colors, shades, and tones, the secret when layering your clothing for a warm yet casual look is to lighten your choices.

Darker colors subconsciously evoke a more formal, ‘serious’ aesthetic with clothing, so instead of navy-blue shirts, for example, choose a light olive one instead, for a more chilled-out vibe.

Trending lighter colors for spring and summer are:

• Light grey
• Lilac and mauve
• Peach
• Baby blue

Slogan Sweaters

Another hugely helpful point to remember for the fashion-forward guy is that when wanting to adhere to a casual dress code yet still stick to your style, to connect to your inner poet.

Even the most luxurious-looking and feeling sweater can simultaneously be fitting at a day barbecue at a friend’s house emblazoned with a slogan. Slogan sweaters are the latest thing in casual wear for men and what is more, the more succinct the slogan the better.

Slogan sweaters always look and feel the best when you generally relate and connect with whatever is written.

Keep Your Feet Sweet

No self-proclaimed style provider could live up to their hype without paying attention to the smaller details when planning an outfit, and this includes your socks too.

Any sock could arguably be used for a casual event as much as an important meeting at the office, but one thing you should know and remember is that fitted socks are the most affordable and transformative way to still feel smart, even in slacks.

Approach Polo Shirts with Caution

Some men, when they are not dressed up to the nines in their work attire, of course, seem to live in polo shirts, namely the same style from the same store, just in a wide variety of colors.

If, as a man who always seems to be the smartest and most ‘put-together’ man in the room, you are considering simply throwing a polo shirt on with your jeans or chinos, then you need to be careful that you do not appear as if you are trying too hard.

Lighten Your Jeans Choices

As a rule, darker blue and black jeans nearly always appear smarter than lighter alternatives and even though you may be thinking of throwing on some jeans for your casual function, if you stick to your darker pants, then you are going to look a lot smarter than perhaps fits the vibe.

Instead, treat yourself to a lighter pair of jeans, perhaps in a retro style by Wrangler or Levis, and for extra casual points, you could even choose to lose the belt and op for tighter-fitting jeans instead, with a ripped knee for additional effect.

Let Your Accessories Do the Talking

Finally, if you are a man who loves pairing cool and kooky accessories with the right shirt, pants, or jacket, then you need to be conscious of the items you choose.

For a casual event, there is no need, for example, for a silk handkerchief in the pocket of your unstructured blazer and as a sweeping, but possibly ultimately accurate statement, there is no need for you even to consider the addition of a tie. It’s all about finding the right balance.

For more tips and guides, be sure to visit our blog today 5elifestyle!