Given the smart casual dress code’s somewhat ambiguous nature, it’s no surprise that most sources remain elusive when defining it. Along similar lines, if you approached the nearest gentleman and asked him “what is a classy casual outfit for guys?”, he might reply with something as vague as “well, that’s up to you, mate!” Nevertheless, most experts agree that the men’s smart casual dress code, by definition, equates to generally handsome attire that retains an informal edge. Think blazers with khakis and quality moccasins and you’re heading in the right direction.

According to Wiki, the term “smart casual” was first coined in Iowa of all places, in the year 1924. That’s when a local newspaper referred to a sleeveless dress get-up in the following manner: “It is at once practiced and gives a smart casual appearance”. The concept would take on a life of its own over the course of the 20th century, eventually playing a key role in the development of the men’s “business casual” dress code during the 1950s. However, while the business casual dress code implied an informal suit made of lighter materials than traditional suits, the smart casual dress code remained broader in scope, allowing for a wider range of apparel to enter the fold.

While the specifics of men’s smart casual (or neat casual) wear can vary from place to place and culture to culture, a few things remain constant. Here are some general “do’s” and don’ts” when it comes to smart casual wear:

As with so many dress codes, smart casual attire falls somewhere between personal expression and societal convention. Hence, we’re not going to tell you how to be you. What we can do is provide a more intensive breakdown of smart casual norms so that you stay within a given framework. Here are some men’s smart casual mainstays that will never steer you wrong:

When it comes to the game of smart casual attire, men consistently and wisely put a quality blazer in their starting line up. As a button-less cousin to the suit jacket, the men’s blazer employs a broader variety of fabrics, patterns and colours. When wearing a blazer as part of your smart-casual get-up, you want to make sure it doesn’t scream black tie. In other words, seek out a stylish blazer that blends with the outfit and exhibits a little–but not too much–personality on its own. After all, you want your blazer to be a piece of the whole, not the whole unto itself. Accordingly, you should pair the blazer with a nice pair of chinos or jeans. And if you’re just not feeling the blazer, you might consider a suit jacket or cardigan instead. You might also layer a collared shirt under a wool sweater, though make sure both are really sharp to avoid steering too close to the casual arena.

Some men hear the words “smart casual” and think they’re finally free to wear their favourite tee out to a social engagement. Not so fast, gents. Yes, you can rock a nice t-shirt underneath your blazer or jacket, but bear in mind that the t-shirt should still operate as a piece to the broader, stylish whole. More to the point, make sure it’s a clean t-shirt that touts quality material and a tight fit. Furthermore, if you’re stuck on colours and patterns, keep it beautifully basic by going with a monochromatic shade like white or grey. That said, a distinguished pattern works as well, permitted the pattern to match your outfit and doesn’t get too bright or loud on its own.

The beauty of men’s smart casual wear is that it allows you a tier of flexibility or wiggle room. In that regard, you can go with trousers, jeans or chinos and not lose your stylish stride. Again, you want to make sure your pants match the rest of your outfit. And remember, fit is key. You might even consider getting those chinos tailored. At the very least, make sure the hemline stops just above your shoes.

As with smart casual shirts or pants, you’re free to mix things up in the shoe department. You can go with something directly dressy like an Oxford or loafer, or opt for footwear that’s a little breezier. Should you choose the latter, you want to avoid overly athletic sneakers. Instead, rock a clean pair of minimal sneakers. Similarly, the closest you should get to sandals is a pair of clean, tasteful moccasins, espadrilles or similar. The point is, material and cleanliness matter, as does an orderly look that blends with the remainder of the outfit.

If you’re a man of style and taste, then you should view the smart casual dress code as a perfect opportunity to accessorise. And while a nice leather belt is more or less mandatory, everything else is up to you. In general, you want accessories that accentuate your personal style without veering too far in the direction or either formal wear or street style. In other words, a nice watch, ring, bracelet, pair of killer shades, sharp hat or even pocket square can be the perfect closer on your smart casual get up.