[Closed] Smart Casual - Shirt, Jeans, Shoes

I do jeans + t-shirt, polo shirt or maybe a shirt plus brown shoes or trainers.

If it can't be done in that gear then it's suit and open necked shirt and black shoes.

I'm no good at the middle ground of chinos/smart trousers etc.

Other sartorial views may be more fashionable.

Also 40 and centrally soft!

Jeans: fit is important, a nice taper and get a high enough rise, no superfluous stitching/details/rips, no funny fades/rinses just indigo dyed. Don't have to be selvage but if you do a turn-up it's looks neater than non-selvage, for cyclists an Edwin ED-55 is a good cut. Don't go slouchy anti-fit. A decent belt that matches your shoes, not exactly but don't go for black if you are wearing tan shoes.

Shoes: don't let the side down with shite shoes, no pointy scuffed monstrosities a dark tan/brown brogue/oxford or even a suede loafer, don't go for black office shoes, it will look like a dress down Friday in an accountants office.

Shirt, 3 important things, fit, fit and fit, not baggy or billowy round the waist, a proper fitting collar even if you don't do the top button up, nothing worse than a wrong size collar spreading wide open. No silly double buttons at the collar, no logo's no flowery prints. You can go slightly less formal with heavier weave cotton or linen.
Basically you can cover almost formal to casual by softening the fabrics (suede/linen/soft cotton through to polished oxfords/crisp shirt etc or a mix but it goes wrong if you try to pair ultra formal with sloppy casual)

Whatever you do, don't ignore the shoes, and if you want to go snazzy with colour only do t with one item, so those bright patterned socks are fine just don't do the same with the shirt.

If you get it right you will look better than most as uk men do not dress well and 99% look like a sack of shite.

If you get it wrong nobody will notice for the reason above.

If you're a bloke over 40 then you're effectively invisible. Wear what you like.

On a serious note, my default for the last few years has been Debenhams. Nice casual shirts and smart jeans, for the bloke the wrong side of 40, from John Roscha, Jasper Conran, Duffer and Jeff Banks. Try TK Maxx too. I've picked up some nice Raulph Lauren and French Connection casual shirts

Shoes wise - I love Henley Chukka Boots (again from Debenhams - they're ridiculously comfortable for wearing all day and don't look too formal. I've got a few pairs

There's a website called thread that will give you lots of ideas and tips on what to wear and how to match stuff. MrSmith has given you good advice, jeans unfaded, dark brown brogues or Chelsea boots and something that fits well for a shirt, you could wear a T-shirt if it's not too lairy or sloppy fit (or a polo but personally I don't like them..)

Cords from hebcotro?

The current trend for chinos (even amongst the young uns) is a godsend for this situation.

The last time I went shopping for jeans the high street choices were skinny, extra-skinny or skin-tight. Perhaps a good look when you're 18, not so much when you're 45. Ended up in the Levi outlet paying silly money for something that didn't make me look like I'd just escaped from Belsen.

My suggestion for a failsafe option would be a plain or checked oxford cotton button down shirt, dark neat jeans or chinos, brown brogues/loafers/boat shoe/desert boot or suchlike, maybe suede, and a decent brown belt. I'd probably put a tweed blazer/sport coat on too, but maybe that's going a bit far for you! As someone said above fit is important.

I've got cyclist legs and find gap straight cut works for me for jeans and other trousers. Usually 40% off in a sale so not too bad....or some moleskins from Hebtroco?!... 😯

You need a collar and shoes. personally, I would avoid jeans and go for trousers. depends on the event.

Avoid jeans if there's any doubt. Stick with casual cotton slacks - even ones with a "jeans" type cut will look smarter than jeans. Nice long sleeved shirt tucked in, tan or grey suede shoes.

And remember, always better to be overdressed than underdressed.

Trousers - slim but not skinny, dark blue and not stonewash. Levi 511 are a good start point, blue chins work too.
Shoes - brown brogues are the default option. Smart brown boots can work too, though push the outfit a touch more casual.
Shirt - an Oxford cotton is a reasonable start point, maybe with a check, maybe not. It should fit well and in no way look like a work shirt, it should have long sleeves and should be tucked in.
Other - brown belt, ideally on that matches your shoes. Jacket is good too.

Dress codes for social situations are an outdated concept IMO.

If I can't go dressed like me then I won't go.

It's worth having a look at MrPorter. I'm not suggesting you spend 2.5k on an outfit but looking at some items and then what they pair it with in the photographs, they suggest a 'look' that you can then replicate from the high st.

If you're a bloke over 40 then you're effectively invisible. Wear what you like.

And hopefully, by the time you've hit 40 you've given up worrying about what other people think you look like.

I'm not a fan of this bloke, but he seems to dress like he "doesn't care"

[img] [/img]

This man has it sorted.
[img] [/img]

If I can't go dressed like me then I won't go.

This^^^^^^^^100%

Quality pair of dark blue selvedge denims, Uniqlo in my case, or else a pair of plain black denims, nice shirt, usually a check flannel, a pair of dark brown Dr Martens brogue boots and a nice black wool jacket I got from M&S years ago.
I've reached the age of 63 this month without ever having, or needing a suit, and although it's technically a requirement that I wear a tie (!) in my current job, the first time in my life I've ever been required to, as there's no oversight when you're all over the south of England driving cars, I've ditched the tie until someone comes and checks dress code compliance.

In the absence of tjagain:- Cornish pasties, action slacks and a nice Pringle tank top over a blue short sleeved shirt. Oh and trim your moustaches

You must have a pair of jeans, wear them. Maybe even wash them first. Nice fitted shirt from TKMaxx. Buy some nice shoes. The shoes will cost, but you might suddenly find other opportunities to wear them once you've invested.

I picked up a nice shirt and pair of chinoish trews in Linea / house of Fraser for dead cheap in the sales recently.

MrSmith - thank you, those are really helpful replies and great info for a chap like me! Thanks everyone else too 🙂

I did far too much searching online and ended up well and truely lost but eventually I decided I like the look of tan/brown shoes, grey or blue jeans with a brown belt and a light colour short sleeve shirt.
Looking at Flex Formal Derby or Tredflex on Jacamo as they look quite smart and multi functional too and would work with trousers... I like the look of Brogues but wonder if they are a bit too fancy and might stand out a bit as I've got size 14 feet. Trustyle Chelsea Boots looks nice too.
Took a quick trip up to Sainsbury and managed to find jeans that actually fit, it's a small mircale!! 6'2" with a 34 ish inseam, went with long slim stretch fit, I've NEVER bought slim jeans in my life! Quite like them and they fit ok for a chap with large hips n thighs, not too tight.
Found a nice lightly patterened off white short sleeve shirt, works well tucked in and out loose so I'm covered depending what the level of smartness is.

[img] [/img]
Breathing in and have Magnum walking boots on cos they're brown.

You left the lube out.

ooh goody a fashion thread 😆 just going to read back through it all and see how many times people mention tk maxx and cyclist's legs.

Undo that top button.

Smart casual -= no such thing. Jeans are never smart and should never be worn with a shirt with a collar and dress shoes. Jeepers.

thank goodness, I thought he must be ill or something ^

That Thread site is good.

Undo that top button

Slowly.

Did you not read the thread from earlier in the week OP. Short sleeved shirts are the devil!

top button is undone i think. OP main thing is if you feel confortable then all good. enjoy your night!

I wouldn't go. Apart from requirements for say weddings and funerals dress codes really get my back up.

Ignore the 'lost sheep' advice from any who tell you you must go wearing what everyone else is wearing these days. Wear what you like and tell anyone who disagrees to bugger off.

Anywhere that doesn't allow trainers is not worth going to. You really can't beat being the only guy in trainers on a night out and forcing everyone else in the group not to attend naff 'dress code' nightclubs.

If you want a value option then Uniqlo linen shirts are very good basics and the darker colours mask a bit of excess round the middle.

Jeans are out in is context IMO - although after an absence of about 20 years I did buy some recently - Levi's athletic fit - a bit of a misnomer, but great for rugby thighs! Can't believe I bought em though, let alone wear them.

Top button is undone 🙂

Have been told as long as I look smart I'll be fine, no checkered shirts and the like, so hopefully with a nice pair of shoes/boots I'll be alright!

Fancy these boots:
http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/trustyle-leather-chelsea-boot-standard-fit/pa341/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6018#colour:Brown,size:14

or shoes:
http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/leather-flex-formal-derby-standard-fit/ag507/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6018#colour:Tan,size:14

http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/leather-formal-brogues-standard-fit/ag187/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=6018#colour:Brown,size:14
(or tan)
http://www.jdwilliams.co.uk/shop/base-london-lace-up-shoes/nv069/product/details/show.action?pdBoUid=5201#colour:Tan,size:14

BTW: I understand what folks are saying about not liking dress codes but I want to and have to go to this do and I can't turn up in baggy faded jeans, t-shirt and skate shoes.

Also I'm not out to be at the height of fashion, just wanna be presentable.

19ninety you sound just like me. You have already hit fashion nirvana with skate shoes and baggy trousers and t-shirts. Good man. We must stand together. When will the rest of society catch up I wonder. It makes me wince when I see the current over-tight trouser-eating botty crew and their silly brown pointy shoes. Leave the tight clothes for the ladies please.

No matter how good the jeans or the shoes, if you are over 40 and combine the two you just become Clarkson. Luckily, there are alternatives.

God, I'm glad I'm [s]forty[/s] Married, I just don't care anymore.

My - "oh shit, I have to dress up" uniform is:

Jeans, not ripped, not faded to make it look like I work for a living or worse, dirty - Dark Blue.

Shoes - Summer, Brogues, because I've had them for years,
Winter - Boots, because I don't like to have cold toe-toes.

Shirt - boring patterns, easy to iron, comfortable - they never cost more than £20 and they're usually from Sainsburys or M&S.

A scowl that says, "don't talk to me".

What's with this not being allowed to wear certain clothes once you're over forty bollocks that repeatedly comes up on here? It's just plain weird. Dress for comfort and arse to anything else.

No matter how good the jeans or the shoes, if you are over 40 and combine the two you just become Clarkson. Luckily, there are alternatives.

That's crap, top gear presenters and the audience all dress like sacks of shite, big difference between a scuffed pointy cheap shoe with antifit frayed jeans and a well cut pair of selvage and a proper Goodyear welded brogue.

[img] [/img]

[img] [/img]

Agreed, Mr Clarkson looks a lot better than Mr Craig in the photo above.

This is due to the fact that Mr Clarkson obviously couldn't care less about his clothes, which is a more attractive feature than any of your 'proper' brogues.

yes, i guess he’s an aspirational character.
plus Daniel cant even tie his shoelaces properly or fix a belt.

Leave the slobs to it.

Glad they couldn't care less about how they dress.

The lack of caring says it all.

Obligatory smart casual sequence of events.

bikebouy - Member
Leave the slobs to it.

Glad they couldn't care less about how they dress.

The lack of caring says it all.

Just go to Next with female and choose the least of offensive ot any items they suggest.

Shoes £50
Belt £20
Shirt £30
Jeans £30
Jacket £50

Job done go to your event then kill the clothes by wearing them to do diy bike fettling etc.

There are no rules. Just simple accepted guidelines.

But "who cares"?

The lack of caring says it all.

Go on then, enlighten us, what [i]does[/i] it say?

If people are going to judge me on what I wear, I don't think they will be the sort of person I will get on with.

There are no rules. Just simple accepted guidelines.

When do get taught these rules? Are they enforced by some up their own arses fashion police? What are the penalties for non compliance?

bikebouy - Member

Leave the slobs to it.

Glad they couldn't care less about how they dress.

The lack of caring says it all.

It certainly does, it says:

We're confident enough that we don't have to doll ourselves up to feel comfortable in company.

We've got better things to spend our time on.

We're not part of the inoffensive middle class, middle aged fashion clique.

We don't need to conform.

We’ve got more depth than your average puddle.

Clothes, they keep your cock out of view, but they're no substitute for a personality.

You've said it all right there.

😆

Go on then, enlighten us, what does it say?

you cant be bothered to dress well or you simply just don't care which is neither bettor or worse than caring about your appearance. one mans laziness is anothers freedom of expression.
i think that just about covers it? ❓

What's with this not being allowed to wear certain clothes once you're over forty bollocks that repeatedly comes up on here? It's just plain weird. Dress for comfort and arse to anything else.

I wonder what 'dress well' means?

I remember back in the 80s/early 90s when everybody used to dress differently, when you had your punks/ goths/ skinheads/ great unwashed/ ski jacket crew/ skaters etc etc. It was so much better. Everybody looks the same now.

I guess 'dress well' means conform to society's expectations, don't think for yourself and be sure not to 'offend people' by looking any different. How sad.

Conformity is a big part of it I think. I went to a party about a few years years ago, all the 'lads' turned up wearing skin tight beige chinos which sort of gripped the ankle and white and blue striped t-shirts, the sort a sailor might wear - I joked how they must have all jumped from the same ship, I don't think they got the joke.

I guess 'dress well' means conform to society's expectations, don't think for yourself and be sure not to 'offend people' by looking any different. How sad.

personally i see it as the exact opposite.
Thinking/caring about dressing well offends the majority on here (a huge win)
most people you see at work/out/gatherings dress all the same in the same 'uniform’ be it blue and white sportswear or GAP/M&S so its you who gave it a bit of thought who doesn't look like part of the herd. (a win)
dressing well is hardly a sad thing, it’s just sometimes part of your day along with lots of other nice things, it’s hardly a chore.

i still feel scruffy when i visit places like Milan, the Italians win it with their style.

I think knowing the difference between when to slouch around in jeans and trainers and when to make an effort for someone's wedding, a work function or suchlike is just part of growing up. I do giggle at MrSmith's "rules of engagement" on these threads, but really, all he's saying is that there are times when you should make an effort. For some people, making that effort is just shit they do more then others. Like not wearing shorts in Paris, no matter what the weather. 🙂

I dress bettor than MrSmith

I dress bettor than MrSmith

I'm not sure that's possible. 😀

Depends what you mean by bettor though really.

I think you should stop going to Milan MrSmith.

I like Milan 😥
i know loads of people who dress better than me, they work on Savile Row.

DD has it though, i think there is a tipping point around 35 where you are either resigned to not giving a toss, are happy with a hoody and vans or you realise you dont want to dress like a teen anymore and have the desire to sometimes make the effort.
its not always about what other people think, its how you feel about yourself or how you want to be seen by others, some view that as a bad thing but its often how the world works.

i recently started shooting for a mayfair/bond st brand making/selling bespoke goods, if i turned up for that first face to face meeting wearing trainers and a hoody i don't think it’s going to help me to be taken seriously and i feel more comfortable wearing something smart and comfortable (but not a suit). by doing so its not about reluctant conformity as i actually want to look like i have made an effort, that should reflect on how much effort i take with my work too.
i have never had to work in a suit environment or had a forced dress code so my attitude is slightly different to those who have. i look forward to wearing a suit and tie, i know most dont.

Nah, so long as you have a "personality" seems to cover a lot of the comments on here.

Thank God for personalities I say.

Who'd be without one, perhaps a well dressed chap.

😆

[img] [/img]

No wearing shorts in Paris? Have you actually been there? It's rough as ****. Wearing shorts is one of life's simple pleasures. Apart from work, I spend pretty much all my time between April and September in shorts, T-shirt and no socks or shoes. Not because I don't care about my appearance, but because it's really comfy and I don't care what random strangers think of my appearance.

Edit - that picture above shows, IMO, the greatest crime against clothing. Those bloody faux priest shirts with the different coloured collar. It just screams **** and makes you look like you're wearing a bib 😆

Tie clip?

FFS...

also a style crime of tie matching pocket square. thats what people do who never wear them except for that one wedding where a visit to Burtons is called for along with all the other males dressed by their mums/wives/girlfriends. they sell them in Burtons so thats what they wear.

I suppose I'd like to wear some nicer clothes one day, if only to avoid letting my wife down - she wears unusual clothes not like the masses but always looks beautiful.

Problem is I've been riding bikes for 30 years and even when I've lost a few lbs my thighs and calves are massive. Working in a manual job for a while has given me huge shoulders and upper arms. So none of the nice clothes listed above ever fit me. I can't fit in most standard cut shirts, never mind any of the skinny fit ones. Trousers/jeans are the same.

At the moment I cannot fit into ANY of the jeans on sale at the moment, I've been wearing the same 2 pairs for about 3 years which don't fit well anyway but at least I can fit into them and walk/crouch in them!! I've tried on loads and most I can't even get over my thighs.

Shirts - always really tight across the shoulders and around the upper arms. Even if I can do them up I feel if I move an inch they will rip - if I can move.

So I wear my 1990's Gap carpenters trousers (thank goodness I bought 4 pairs), odd shirts I can get in TKmaxx, shorts and hooded tops.

Find me a pair of nice trousers/jeans that fit the rules and aren't eye-wateringly expensive and I'll give them a go!!

At all costs tuck the shirt in. Also ensure that the buttons line up with your fly, not dragged to one side. Trews shouldn't wrinkle around the knees. Thats too long. Black jeans often look cheap unless dead black and new and well accessorised.

I was looking at my wrinkled knees and wondered if simply turning up the bottom of the jeans would fix this and still look acceptable?

I was looking at my wrinkled knees and wondered if simply turning up the bottom of the jeans would fix this and still look acceptable?

Depends on the Denim according to some. 🙂

Seldevege, then yes, turn up away. If it's common or garden denim, then no, get them turned up properly. 🙂 🙂

I'd be asking yourself if you have a personality before any alterations to clothing 😆

bikebouy - Member

I'd be asking yourself if you have a personality before any alterations to clothing

I don't, I wear expensive watches too. 😆

Though I do have several Seiko/G shocks.

Never, ever, tuck a shirt in when worn outside the office.

Never, ever, tuck a shirt in when worn outside the office.

Because someone said the opposite earlier. And it looks really, really stupid.

Don't even get me started on 'popped' collars.

I popped into a nice bar last night for a pint wearing my polo shirt tucked into my Rohan Bags. I was served promptly, not shown the door and no-one appeared to notice my many fashion faux-pas. In fact I was left with the distinct impression no-one cared and I was being ignored.

In fact I was left with the distinct impression no-one cared and I was being ignored.

If that's what you were aiming to achieve then I'd say you were successful! 😀

You do realise that you've become 'that person'? You know..... the one that everyone is a bit scared of speaking too? In case you start talking about our lizard overlords, and the end of the world?

I'm not knocking it. I've spent years cultivating this 'look' so that everyone leaves me alone, and I can read David Icke's latest book in the pub, in peace 😀

I'm not knocking it. I've spent years cultivating this 'look' so that everyone leaves me alone, and I can read David Icke's latest book in the pub, in peace

He actually lives about 400m as the crow flies from here. Occasionally I see him around town. Really must have a pint with him one day.

Its a fine line between being presentable and trying too hard.

Personally designer jeans, fancy brogues, blue suits etc puts you in the estate agent, white Audi catagory. Not an image I would want to cultivate.