SMART CASUAL
The rule is; if in doubt make it more formal than less. If you make a mistake, it’s less of a problem. You are much better turning up at a party wearing a jacket shirt and tie when everybody else is wearing slacks and tee shirts, than the other way round. GIVE IT SOME THOUGHT
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It can be a problem as to how informal your dress should be. This will depend
on the occasion, the time of day and the season. But most importantly what will
look good on you should be the main consideration. Selecting a suit, shirt and
tie in the morning, is not a difficult task. And if you care about your dress
and have chosen your garments with care, even if you make a mistake, you will
still be better dressed than the average. If you are not used to smart casual
dress with the same flair and elegance (like the French and the Italians are)
mistakes can occur.
If you feel the occasion requires that you dress more formally, think formal as in a suit (but not a business suit) or jacket and trousers; but toned down, with say a co-ordinated open neck shirt and perhaps complete the picture with a silk handkerchief. The handkerchief will help to show that you have not just forgotten your tie. A cravat, which is a rare sight these days, will have the same effect, but you should not wear it with a suit. An the other hand, where jeans and tee-shirts may be the order of the day, do the opposite; try and make it smarter. With your jeans, wear a good coloured or patterned shirt and tan coloured shoes (never black). In the summer wear loafers without socks and add a colourful sports jacket or stylish sweater over your shoulder; weather permitting. Wearing trousers rather than jeans makes it a little less casual.