Smart Casual Winter Outfits | John Lewis & Partners (2024)

FAQs

What is smart casual dress code for winter? ›

Basic sweaters (of the fabric of your choosing; I personally love cashmere) Dark wash denim (wear your favorite styles, even if they're skinny jeans) Boots (ankle or tall boots when it's dry, snow boots when it's wet/sloppy) Tailored coat (your coat MAKES the outfit in the winter—have fun with it)

For a winter smart casual outfit, reach for the chunky cardigan. Layered over a high-neck T-Shirt, you'll nail that smart casual dress code. Pair with tailored trousers and Chukka boots for a well-balanced look. Finally, throw on a quilted jacket to stay warm.

Not a smart look with a jacket and tie then, but also not an overly sporty outfit with trainers, t-shirt and jeans. Smart Casual means 'simple, yet elegant'. A dress code consisting of sober and refined garments that are less formal than a purely elegant look.

What Should I Avoid When Dressing Smart Casual? Loud prints and patterns. Even though it's casual, it's not loud. Smart also means put together without making a big statement.

With a smart casual dress code, you do not have to wear a blazer or a sports coat. You can opt for a more casual option, such as a leather or bomber jacket. Darker colors will give a sense of formality to your outfit, even if your pieces tend to fall on the more casual side.

Yes, you can wear sneakers as part of a smart-casual dress code for women, men and gender-neutral styles. You can pair sneakers with jeans, khakis and chinos. You may even wear sneakers with some skirts for a more athletic smart-casual look for women.

As for the colours, the jacket should be subtle, with colours such as navy, grey, dark brown, sage. The pants should compliment the jacket, muted contrasting colours would work best (ie Dark green jacket/grey trousers; Brown jacket/dark blue trousers.

Clothing that should come to mind when hearing smart casual dress code are polos, sport jackets, short or long sleeves collared button-downs, fun patterned dress shirts, casual dress pants, chinos, dark wash jeans, and sensible yet professional foot-wear.

If you're not sure what to buy, go for a trim, two-button jacket with wider lapels and well-tailored, flat-fronted trousers. Give your ties a bit of a refresh, and if you're feeling adventurous, replace those old, tired dress shirts with a cool rollneck jumper.

What footwear is smart casual dress code men? ›

Footwear: Elevate with Class

Leather shoes, including loafers, brogues, and desert boots, are excellent choices for smart casual attire. Ensure that your chosen footwear is clean and well-maintained, as scuffed shoes can detract from an otherwise well-put-together appearance.

Wool tweed and knitted dresses in sleek silhouettes look polished and offer plenty of warmth. Plus, they can be styled with coordinating jackets for extra comfort if you need it. A versatile shirt dress is another great option, layered over a fine knit roll neck jumper. In every instance - tights are a must.

Dress in Layers

Start with a base layer made of moisture-wicking material, such as wool or polyester, to keep you dry. Then add a warmer layer like a sweater or cardigan over it. Finally, top it off with a jacket or coat for extra insulation.

A few fundamental items will create the foundation for a smart casual wardrobe. Mixing and matching is a great way to achieve a variety of styles and looks. This look should involve formal and informal items such as: jackets and blazers; trousers; shirts; shoes and accessories.

Are Jeans Smart Casual? Jeans are smart casual, but make sure you choose a cut that fits well with no rips or fraying hems. A dark wash is best, but lighter washes can work too.