Suit jackets aren't limited to formal outfits; you can include them in other types of outfits, such as smart casual outfits.
Smart casual outfits fall somewhere between strictly formal and strictly casual outfits. They are more formal and polished than casual outfits. Smart casual outfits, however, aren't classified as formal outfits. They fall somewhere in the middle between these dress codes. Regardless, you can incorporate a suit jacket into a smart casual outfit by following a few basic fashion tips.
Stick With a Single-Breasted Suit Jacket
If you're going to wear it in a smart casual outfit, you should choose a single-breasted suit jacket. Nearly all suit jackets fall under one or two categories: single breasted and double breasted. Single-breasted suit jackets have a single column of buttons on the front, whereas double-breasted suit jackets have two button columns.
Aside from their nuance in button columns, double-breasted suit jackets feature a more formal style than single-breasted suit jackets. You can wear a double breasted suit in a formal outfit, but you should choose a single-breasted suit jacket when trying to achieve a smart casual outfit.
Check the Material
Something else to consider when choosing a suit jacket for a smart casual outfit is the material. Suit jackets are available in different materials. Each material has its own characteristics that distinguish it from the rest.
Popular materials in which suit jackets are made include the following:
- Cotton
- Wool
- Tweed
- Linen
- Corduroy
You can choose a suit jacket in any of the aforementioned materials. They are all appropriate for a smart casual outfit. With that said, the season will affect the "best" overall material for a suit jacket.
Thick, insulative materials are warmer than thinner materials. For the fall and winter seasons, you may want to choose a suit jacket made of a thick material like wool or corduroy. For the spring and summer seasons, on the other hand, you may want to choose a suit jacket made of a thinner material like cotton or linen.
Make Sure It Fits
You can't expect to create an attractive, comfortable smart casual outfit if your suit jacket is too big or too small. Your suit jacket should be the right size for your body. If it's too small, it will fit tightly while creating an unflattering appearance. If it's too large, it will fit loosely, essentially draping off your body.
Here at StudioSuits, you can order a custom-sized suit jacket. Custom sizing is available by specifying your body measurements. When placing an order, you'll have the option of entering your exact body measurements. We'll use these measurements to
Pair With a Collared Shirt
To achieve a smart casual outfit, pair your single-breasted suit jacket with a collared shirt. You can opt for a plain shirt with a solid color, or choose a shirt with a pattern or print to achieve a more stylish look.
A button-up collared shirt is an important part of a smart casual outfit. Smart casual outfits aren't the same as strictly formal outfits. As their name suggests, they are more casual. But smart casual outfits still require the use of dressy clothes and accessories, which is why you should wear a button-up collared shirt in them.
Choose Fewer, Simpler Accessories
You can accessorize your smart casual outfit, but you shouldn't overdo it. The mantra "less is more" rings true for smart casual accessories. Choosing fewer and simpler accessories will help you achieve a more stylish smart casual outfit.
A belt is a simple accessory that you can include in a smart casual outfit. Even if your trousers fit properly, you may want to wear a belt with them. It will add new color and texture to your smart casual outfit while helping you create a more complete appearance in the process.
You can also accessorize your smart casual outfit with a pocket square. A pocket square is a piece of cloth that's designed for use in the breast pocket of a suit jacket. After folding a pocket square, you can tuck it into the breast pocket of your suit jacket.
To Button or Not to Button
Whether you choose a single-breasted or double-breasted suit jacket, you might be wondering whether or not you should button it. Both single-breasted and double-breasted suit jackets have buttons on the front; the only difference is that single-breasted jackets have a single column of buttons, compared to the two columns of buttons for double-breasted jackets.
Some men prefer to fasten the buttons on their suit jacket. Other men, conversely, prefer to leave the buttons unfastened. Leaving the buttons unfastened, of course, will reveal more of your shirt. Assuming you choose a button-up collared shirt in the right color or pattern, it will enhance your smart casual outfit.
Keep It Wrinkle Free
Don't underestimate the importance of keeping your suit jacket wrinkle free. Some men assume that wrinkles are okay for smart casual outfits. After all smart casual outfits fall somewhere between formal and casual outfits. Whether you're wearing a strictly formal outfit or a smart casual outfit, though, you should try to avoid wrinkles.
Wearing a wrinkled suit jacket will only hurt your efforts to create a stylish, flattering smart casual outfit. If you discover wrinkles on your suit jacket, follow the manufacturer's instructions to remove them. Most suit jackets come with a care tag. You can refer to this discreet label for these manufacturer-supplied instructions.
Choose the Right Footwear
You'll need to choose the right footwear to achieve an attractive, flattering smart casual outfit. Skip the athletics shoes and tennis shoes. Instead, wear semi-dressy shoes that are commonly associated with the smart casual dress code.
Loafers are an excellent choice of footwear for a smart casual outfit. They are dressy, yet they are still comfortable and somewhat casual. In addition to loafers, you can wear derbies in a smart casual outfit. Just remember to choose a pair of semi-dressy shoes in a similar style as the rest of your smart casual outfit.
