Ready for any occassion





By now we all know how to dress "casually". However, when it comes to adding the “smart” to it, we tend to get lost. And that latter has nothing to do with strategically neglecting, yet rather the opposite: being groomed but without going over. The term "smart casual" refers to that mix between casual and elegant which has been becoming increasingly popular because you can make a very comfortable look; it is easy to combine and it is suitable for practically any occasion. What is casual for one may be smart for another, so it’ll turn out handy to keep in mind whom the dress code has been established by and on what occasion it has been determined, since its definition may vary depending on the context in which you find yourself. It is becoming a progressively accepted code in business environments but despite that it is admittedly, possibly the most pragmatic urban go-to that you can use today.

A blazer, for instance, one of the safest and most common picks could easily be your greatest ally. On a smarter direction, you can start with a suit as a base and, from there up, introduce garments that are more informal without being too clashing. Free tip: If you wear a suit with a t-shirt, it's a smart casual look. If you wear one-wash jean trousers with a blazer and a shirt, it's also a smart casual look. Jean bottoms cover a wide spectrum in this field. Of course, any of the above that are ripped, too washed, or too tight fall strictly within the casual realm. Also, chinos are a clear smart casual option. More elegant than the Genovese twil, widely known as jeans (Gênes, the French word for Genoa, may be the origin of the word "jeans"), but less formal than tailored pants with a matching jacket. The huge range of colours and cuts makes it possible to adapt to any environment and situation.

Neck equals elegance. Whether in the form of a shirt or a polo shirt a lapel will instantly elevate your look to the nth degree. You can also remove the collar of a shirt with a Mao style, so that you can get closer to casual than formal. For the winter months, it is more appropriate to use turtlenecks as a substitute for the shirt or a wool sweater over a T-shit whilst outwear is another obvious object of this debate. The rise of sneakers, which were always considered “rudimentary", have somehow managed to bring a twist and in the end conquer the smart casual becoming practically the staple of any modern office. Personally, sneakers are my favourite option when it comes to casual footwear. I would say that the Converse are a widespread, but brands like Vans, Lacoste, Fred Perry, Etnies, Bape or Geox offer great and varied options. Then, it’s accessory time which as expected similar rules apply with foulards, scarves and gloves be the main favourites. Ties and shirts with jeans for example can be a good alternative. I have a soft spot for leather gloves especially if I feel like giving a spark of sophistication to the ensemble.

I am wearing a smart looking outfit with very casual elements that I strongly believe they work great together. I adore that can’t-go-wrong combo of the grey cardigan with the white shirt and the green, silk tie. Allow me to say that this accessory gives vividness to the overall otherwise almost dull outfit and it makes the look very smart, nevertheless this is just me pulling my nerd side adding the Harry Potter - Slytherin element making it more playful. The bottom half is much more on the casual side assembled by black jeans, white sporty socks and black Converse-type sneakers with a not-so-discreet fire flame on them. The black Mao collar coat is just perfect for any occasion and any style. It is matched with the black leather pouch, grey gloves and black&white sunglasses.

Concluding, it might sound a bit oversaid but what’s important is being you and having a personal style you’re confident with. No matter how categorical it may be, our own style will be the one in which we feel comfortable. By looking, you learn and get ideas, but the utter purpose is to create and outline a style that defines you. Go out, try, experiment and hit the streets: that, without a doubt, is your best tester.















Zara coat, Pull & Bear cardigan, Tommy Hilfiger shirt, Harry Potter Slytherin tie, Uniqlo jeans, Zara sneakers, Vivianne Westwood pouch, Collusio scarf,  leather market gloves, Wolfnoir sunglasses
Photos by: Evan Baul 
Instagram: evanbaul 

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