Elegant casual is also known as “ casual elegance” and is typically similar to something you would wear to a country club or upscale restaurant. A step above resort evening, with this dress code, men are expected to wear a long-sleeve dress shirt with slacks and dress shoes—no shorts, t-shirts, or sandals.
Smart casual is what it sounds like: a style that's somewhere between formal and casual. It's what you wear when you can't wear jeans and a t-shirt, but you're not in suit territory, either.
Jeans are usually considered business casual, with some exceptions. On their own, jeans are more casual, but you can easily style them to suit an office environment. Dress your jeans up with a button-down shirt and a sharp-looking jacket to transform an outfit from casual to business casual.
Dressy casual attire (also called smart casual) is a combination of relaxed and refined pieces—think blouses, dress shirts, button-downs, dress pants, dark jeans, and clean shoes.
Resort casual is exactly as it sounds - clothing you would be wearing at a resort. Polo shirts, button down shirts, sundresses, linen pants, skirts, button up tops, nice shorts, khaki's. , and dresses. No plain white shirts and shorts with socks up to the knee, no wife beaters, or sleeveless shirts.
Men: Wear an open-necked or polo shirt, paired with khakis. Accessorize with leather shoes and a belt. When to wear it: cruise lines, the country club, friend's home for dinner, nice restaurant. Women: Put on a skirt, khakis, or dress pants paired with long sleeve or three-quarter sleeve tops.
Casual dining comprises a market segment between fast-food establishments and fine-dining restaurants. Casual-dining restaurants often have a full bar with separate bar staff, a full beer menu and a limited wine menu. They are frequently, but not necessarily, part of a wider chain, particularly in the US.
What to Wear to a Dinner Party
- Casual – Jeans & T Shirt Outfit. The most casual of all outfits, ideal for if you're attending a dinner party at a friend's house.
- Smart Casual – Chinos & Shirt. Chinos have taken the fashion industry by storm, giving you a great alternative for jeans.
- Smart – Suit Jacket & Jeans.
- Suit.
- Black Tie.
Casual Dress in the WorkplaceFor women, this means casual, yet semi-conservative dresses like wrap dresses, loose-fitting summer dresses that don't show too much cleavage or leg (knee-length at least), linen pants and casual short-sleeve collar-shirts on hot summer days.
Smart casual is a dress code that is typically comprised of well-fitting, neat and appropriate pieces that are slightly less formal than a business casual or business professional dress code. "Smart casual is employing finer-quality clothes that are still casual but well-fitted, in-style and of good fabrics.
What to Wear
- Pressed khakis or dark wash jeans look nice and give you a clean, crisp look.
- Fitted shirts or button-front blouses with a jacket give you polish and an air of professionalism.
- Flat or 1-1/2 inch closed-toe shoes are comfortable and look nice with a pair of jeans or khakis.
Casual dress means wedding guests can wear pretty much anything they want. We recommend a summer dress for the ladies and dress pants with button-down shirt or polo shirt for the guys.
Smart Casual for WomenChoose between pants, a skirt, tailored shorts or smart jeans to wear as bottoms. On top, try a white button-up for summer or a stylish sweater for winter. To wear a smart casual dress, opt for a classic style, such as a shirt or wrap design, in a neutral color.
Smart Casual attire is a blend of two innately different dress codes. On the one hand, the term 'smart' alludes to a dressed-up aesthetic, something more formal than your classic t-shirt and jeans. Relaxed, calm, cool, simple; casual attire brings to mind clothing that is anything but 'smart'.
Shorts are casual garments and a staple of men's summer clothing.
A business casual setting can be leggings-friendly as long as you wear them with an elegant shirt and ballet flats or boots; sneakers are a no-no. If your office has a formal or corporate dress code, you'll have to leave the leggings for the weekend, though.
Semi-casual is a dress code in the American context. It is less presentational than semi-formal but not as loose, and potentially sexually suggestive, as full casual dress. Semi-casual dress may include: Loafers or cap toe shoes. Sandals may also be approprite in warm weather.
Western dress codes are dress codes in Western culture about what clothes are worn for what occasion. Classifications are traditionally divided into formal wear (full dress), semi-formal wear (half dress), and informal wear (undress). The first two are sometimes in turn divided into day and evening wear.
Defining Dress Codes – What to Wear for Every Occasion
- SMART CASUAL. Women: Wear a pencil skirt or dress pants, paired with a silk or button-down top and high heels.
- DRESSY CASUAL. Women: Avoid wearing denim, tennis shoes, and cotton tees.
- COUNTRY CLUB CASUAL. Women: Choose an open-necked or polo shirt.
- BUSINESS CASUAL.
- COCKTAIL ATTIRE.
- LOUNGE.
- WHITE TIE.
- BLACK TIE.
Dressy Casual Attire for MenA dressy casual wedding means you have the ability to wear something laid-back—think light colors, casual material and bold prints. This suit is the perfect combination of all three.
In other words saying, you can go to formal events wearing pants instead of dresses. Of course, your pants have to look dressy, otherwise, you risk to look casual. There are numerous ways of wearing these bottoms to special occasions.
For Women. A dress pant or skirt with matching jacket is considered business formal for women. Depending on the season, jackets may be ¾ length or short sleeve. A crop pant suit is also suitable, however the pant hem should hit mid-calf and this style is not recommended in an interview setting.
Smart CasualThese charity events range from brunch and luncheon fundraisers to less formal evening events. Women can opt for dressy skirts, dressy separates, or dresses without a lot of sparkle and bling. Men should wear dress slacks, collared shirts, and casual footwear like loafers.
Yes, you can wear jeansContrary to popular belief, jeans are absolutely acceptable as smart-causal attire. If in doubt, go for a darker wash and a tailored fit. Add a heel to dress them up and add a white shirt for a classic pairing.
Casual: A DefinitionYou can wear anything that looks nice. This includes jeans, sweaters, t-shirts, sneakers, and much more.
For men, appropriate business casual attire is dress slacks or chinos, a button-down shirt, dark socks, and dress shoes. Avoid wearing polo shirts to an interview, even if they are acceptable for the job in question. Do not wear jeans or shorts.
While the sleek jeans you styled for a casual dinner can be considered acceptable in certain business settings, focus on a chic pant to err on the side of caution. What to Wear: Business casual, though it may seem obscure for a restaurant, is easy to understand as it's what one would typically wear to work.
