Casual Shirts

Navigating the smart-casual dress code can be tricky. It sits in that grey area between formal and relaxed casual dressing. It is not quite a suit and tie, but it is definitely one step above joggers and tees. For the modern man, mastering smart-casual is essential. Whether you are heading to the office, catching up with mates, or heading out for an impromptu dinner, the right pieces can take you from desk to drinks with zero stress.

Here is how to build a versatile smart-casual wardrobe that balances comfort, class, and contemporary style – using key pieces available from our menswear fashion store.

1. Break the Suit – Mix and Match with Bespoke Trousers: One of the easiest ways to achieve a refined smart-casual look is to rework the tailoring already in your wardrobe. Got a bespoke suit gathering dust? Take the trousers out and wear them as standalone bottoms.
   
   Pairing suit trousers with more relaxed pieces like polos, crew-neck knitwear, or even a clean white tee under a blazer gives off an air of intentional style without being too formal. Look for wool-blend or pleated trousers with a tapered cut as they hold structure but don’t feel stuffy. Not only does this give new life to your existing pieces, but it also subtly elevates casual items.

2. Solid-Coloured Cotton Shirts – Always a Win: You can’t go wrong with solid-coloured cotton shirts. They are clean, crisp, and timeless. Opt for high-quality fabrics like soft cotton, oxford, poplin, or depending on the season.
   
   Light blues, whites, soft pink shirts, or ones in earthy tones like sage and rust are perfect for layering and versatile enough to dress up or down. Tuck one into chinos or your suit trousers for the office, then roll up the sleeves for a relaxed post-work drink. For added edge, try layering one unbuttoned over a slim fit t-shirt, or under a textured knitwear during cooler months.

3. Polo Shirts – The Off-Duty Smart Casual Staple: If the cotton shirt feels too formal, go for a classic polo shirt. It strikes the perfect balance between laid-back and polished look. Pick navy, grey, stone, ivory polo shirts and other neutral tones. Always avoid polos with loud and large logos and oversized fits.
   
   Pair them with tailored trousers or slim chinos and a sleek pair of loafers. Polos work especially well on casual Fridays or weekend brunches, giving that off-duty vibe without veering into sloppy territory. Breathable cotton or merino blend polos offer both comfort and style for warmer months.

4. Minimal Footwear – Understated Elegance: Footwear can make or break a smart-casual look. You can always go with vegan black lace up shoes for a fully formal look. However, the goal here is understated elegance. Enter the classic loafers that are sleek, timeless, and incredibly versatile.
   
   Suede or leather loafers in neutral tones like brown, black, or deep burgundy go well with both trousers and chinos. For an even more casual spin, minimalist leather sneakers in white or black also work brilliantly when paired with sharp tailoring up top.

5. Minimalist Accessories – Less Is More: The key to achieving a smart casual look doesn’t mean loading up on accessories but doing it in a subtle fashion. Stick to minimalist pieces like a classic leather strap watch, a silver chain, a slim belt, etc. Think quality over quantity, it is all about enhancing the look without overpowering it.

Smart-casual is all about flexibility. By mixing structured pieces with more relaxed elements you can create a wardrobe that works across settings. With the right essentials from the curated designer menswear from Niro Fashion, you will be ready for whatever your day or night throws at you.