Have you heard of smart casual attire? Not to be confused simply with casual attire, it’s become increasingly popular in the United States as well many other countries. If you’re thinking about wearing smart casual outfits, though, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can wear jeans with them. Assuming you choose the right type of jeans, they’ll help you create a complete and cohesive smart casual outfit. So, how exactly do you dress smart casual with jeans?
What Is Smart Casual?
Before we reveal how to dress smart casual with jeans, let’s first take a closer look at this relatively new and modern dress code. Originating in the 20th century, smart casual is a type of Western dress code that’s characterized by the use of casual and formal elements. Most outfits, of course, either fall under the category of casual or formal attire. Smart casual, however, blends these two types of attire together to create a unique style. With smart casual, you’ll wear a combination of casual and formal garments, resulting in an attractive, comfortable and versatile outfit.
Many businesses now use smart casual as the dress code for their employees. They don’t require their employees to wear a suit and tie — or other types of strictly formal outfits — each day. Instead, these businesses allow employees to wear a combination of casual and formal garments. Known as smart casual, it offers a unique alternative to traditional formalwear.
Choose Dark-Colored Jeans
Whether you’re getting dressed for work or any other occasion, you should choose dark-colored jeans if you’re trying to create a smart casual outfit. Why are dark-colored jeans necessary? Well, the color of jeans reflects their formality. Jeans are often regarded as casual attire. Dark-colored jeans, however, are unique because they are more formal than light-colored jeans. As a result, you can wear dark-colored jeans in a smart casual outfit.
Indigo is an excellent all-around color for jeans, especially if you’re trying to create a smart casual outfit. Featuring a dark shade of blue — almost to the point where it looks black — indigo exhibits the appropriate level of formality neede for smart casual. You can always experiment with jeans in other colors, but you can’t go wrong with indigo jeans in your smart casual outfits.
Choose Selvedge Jeans
In addition to a dark color, you should also consider choosing selvedge denim jeans, such as the Selvedge Denim Jeans sold here at MakeYourOwnJeans. Selvedge denim is a special type of denim that’s characterized by the use of an old-style shuttle loom. While most denim is produced on a projectile loom, selvedge denim is produced using a traditional shuttle loom. The end result is a unique weaving pattern that produces clean edges as opposed to the frayed edges found in modern shuttle looms.
Press or Iron Your Jeans
If your jeans are wrinkled, you shouldn’t wear them as part of a smart causal outfit, regardless of the color. Even if they are indigo, as well as selvedge, they won’t help you create an attractive smart casual outfit. Wearing wrinkled jeans is a serious fashion faus pax. They look messy, unkempt and downright unattractive. Therefore, you should press or iron your jeans before wearing them as part of a smart casual outfit.
It’s not uncommon for jeans to develop wrinkles. While denim is somewhat resistant to wrinkles, there’s no such thing as wrinkle-proof denim. Over time, jeans can develop wrinkles and creases that negatively affect their appearance when worn. The good news is you can eliminate most wrinkles and creases by either pressing or ironing your jeans. It’s a quick and easy process that will make a world of difference in the appearance of your smart casual outfits.
Accessorize With a Belt
Don’t forget to include a belt in your smart casual outfit. Assuming you are wearing jeans, a belt is an essential accessory that shouldn’t be overlooked. It helps to secure your jeans around your waistline while also adding new colors to your outfit.
So, what type of belt should you wear in a smart casual outfit? In terms of material, there’s no better choice than leather. Genuine leather belts are attractive, comfortable and long-lasting. For the color, it’s recommended that you choose a belt in the same color as your shoes or footwear.
Wear a Blazer or Suit Jacket
Another tip on how to create an attractive smart casual outfit with jeans is to wear a blazer or suit jacket. Both blazers and suit jackets are classified as formal outerwear. The latter is slightly more formal than the former. Nonetheless, they are both common types of formal outerwear. Because jeans, even indigo jeans, are considered casual, wearing a blazer or suit jacket will help you create a balanced smart casual outfit.
What About a Necktie?
You might be wondering whether or not you need to wear a necktie in a smart casual outfit. Ultimately, the decision is up to you regarding whether or not to include a necktie in your smart casual outfit. Some men prefer the added formality of a necktie, whereas others prefer the more casual — and perhaps more comfortable — option of excluding a necktie from their smart casual outfit.
One of the reasons smart casual dress codes have become so popular is because they offer an unparalleled level of freedom regarding the garments and accessories with which you wear them. You aren’t required to wear a necktie, nor are you prohibited from wearing a necktie. You’ll have the freedom to wear a necktie if you desire.
Choose Formal or Semi-Formal Footwear
Finally, it’s recommended that you choose either formal or semi-formal footwear for your smart casual outfits. Don’t make the mistake of wearing tennis shoes, athletic shoes, sandals, flip flops or other types of casual footwear. Instead, choose formal or semi-formal footwear for your smart casual outfits.
