Key Difference – Casual vs Smart Casual
Casual and smart casual are two dress codes that most people get confused about. Casual wear refers to the type of clothes we wear in our everyday life. Smart casual, although there is no definite definition of this term, may include some clothing items that are worn for casual wear, but smart casual makes a person look smart and chic. The key difference between casual and smart casual is that casual wear is only worn for informal occasions whereas smart casual can be worn for both informal and formal occasions.
What is Smart Casual?
There is no accepted definition for smart casual dress code. Various fashion experts and fashion houses have different opinions about what consists of a smart casual ensemble. Regardless of these various opinions, it is generally accepted that smart casual attire looks smart, neat and slick. It is neither too casual nor formal.
Smart casual clothing can be worn for various occasions such as business meetings, casual outings, romantic dates, parties, and weddings. This style can suit all these occasions because it combines different elements from different dress codes. For example, denims (typically, with a darker wash and no tears) you wear for casual outings can be teamed with a dressy shirt or top and a blazer to achieve a perfect smart casual style. Dress pants, dress shirts, skirts, mid-length dresses, tailored sweaters, ties, vests, blazers, shoes, etc. are typically worn for smart casual wear. Women can also enhance their smart and chic look by using matching jewellery and purses.
The main aim of this style is to look chic and smart. When you are getting ready for a smart casual event, make sure that your clothes are clean and neat and your shoes are freshly polished.
What is Casual?
Casual wear is what we wear in our everyday life. Casual wear gives a prominent place for comfort, ease and affordability. The clothes we wear for grocery shopping, manual labour, trips, and other casual outings can be categorised as casual wear. This type of clothing should not be worn for parties, weddings and other formal or ceremonial events. They should not also be worn for work.
Various items of clothing such as tee-shirts, denims, khakis, jackets, hoodies, mini-skirts, summer dresses, loafers, sneakers, and sandals are casual wear. Clothes such as faded denims with rips and tears, belly shirts, tank tops, etc. are only worn as casual wear.
These clothes are typically made of materials such as cotton, denim, jersey, flannel and polyester. Expensive and elegant material such as satin, silk, chiffon, brocade and velvet are not usually used to make casual wear. Sportswear is also classified as casual wear.
What is the difference between Casual and Smart Casual?
Casual vs Smart Casual |
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| Casual is everyday wear. | Smart Casual is neat, conventional, but relatively informal in style. |
Occasions |
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| Casual wear can be worn for grocery shopping, manual labour, trips, and other casual outings. | Smart Casual wear can be worn for business meetings, casual outings, romantic dates, parties, and weddings. |
Clothing |
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| Tee-shirts, denims, khakis, jackets, hoodies, mini-skirts, summer dresses, etc. are casual wear | Dress pants, dress shirts, skirts, mid-length dresses, tailored sweaters, ties, vests, blazers, etc. are smart casual wear |
Dresses |
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| Casual wear dresses can be of any length. | Smart Casual dresses are typically mid-length. |
Shoes |
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| Loafers, sneakers, flip-flops and sandals are worn for casual wear. | Closed shoes, mid to low heels or ballerina flats are worn for smart casual; men wear socks with shoes. |
Appearance |
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| Casual gives a relaxed, comfortable, but sometimes untidy look. | Smart Casual gives a chic, smart and neat look. |
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