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HOW TO MASTER THE NEW
MEN’S SMART-CASUAL

Not sure where to start now dressing up is back? The good news is that a few simple swaps will take the formality out of smart wear and give casual classics a serious style upgrade 

Swap a blazer for a smart bomber jacket

The new smart wear takes smart staples and casual classics and mixes them in unexpected ways. Heading out for dinner at your favourite restaurant? If a tailored jacket feels a step too far in the style stakes, consider the smart bomber jacket. Throw over a classic white T-shirt and team with slim navy chinos for a thoroughly modern take on the two-piece suit.

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HOW TO STYLE THE SMART BOMBER JACKET

Smart navy bomber jacket
Your fail-safe smart-casual layer
 
White T-shirt
Every wardrobe needs one
£6
Dark navy chinos
Three lengths for the perfect fit
£35
White lace-up trainers
Go-with-everything lace-ups
£35

Team a polo shirt with formal trousers

Historically, the polo shirt has been seen as a smarter take on the T-shirt, but as dress codes have continued to relax, the casual classic has become a viable alternative to a formal shirt. Whether you wear it with smart trousers or a full suit, a polo shirt softens tailored pieces just enough to hit the perfect balance between smart and casual. Wear with smart leather shoes to pull the look together or pared-back trainers to tip the balance towards casual.

Shop men’s polo shirtsShop men’s smart trousers

POLO SHIRTS MEET SMART TROUSERS

Pale-blue polo shirt
Easily dressed up or down
Navy twill trousers
Regular fit for ease of movement
£29.50
Knitted blue polo shirt with contrast panels
Add interest with smart details
Black trainers with white soles
Vegan-friendly lace ups
£35

Add a sporty twist to a formal suit

Returning to the workplace means finding a sweet spot between the formality of a full suit and tie outfit and the relaxed feel of the loungewear looks that have ruled while working from home. A padded gilet adds a sporty twist to a sharp suit, not to mention a stealthy extra layer of warmth that’ll have your back against over-zealous office air conditioning and keep you warm at garden barbecues and pub beer-garden get-togethers. A polo shirt and sneakers maximise the sporty vibe.

Shop men’s blazers Shop men’s suits

GIVE A FORMAL SUIT A SPORTY SPIN

Brown knitted polo shirt with zip fastening
Classic style meets modern details
Navy regular-fit suit jacket
Relaxed fit plus four-way stretch
£85
Navy regular-fit tailored trousers
With essential stretch for all-day comfort
£64
Navy padded gilet
Keep warm, look cool

Words: Miranda Eason

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