Smart casual outfits for men

Jeans are accepted in most smart casual settings when they are free of rips and heavy fading. A raw or evenly washed pair looks the most finished; a mid wash works when the rest of the outfit is calm.

Canvas or twill work trousers in sand or cream are the alternative when you want to step away from denim without going to suit trousers. Keep the leg straight or relaxed rather than skinny.

The quickest way to move a casual outfit up is the top half. A knitted polo, a long-sleeve cotton polo or a fine cardigan over a plain T-shirt adds a collar or texture without the stiffness of a dress shirt.

Merino and other fine wools lie flatter than sweatshirt fabric, which is why they read as smarter. Stripes are fine; large graphics and logos are not.

An overshirt, a wool worker jacket or a chore coat does the job a blazer used to do in offices that no longer expect one. It has a collar, a clear shoulder and pockets, so a simple top underneath looks deliberate.

Navy, sand and dark brown are the easiest colours because they sit well with both denim and cream trousers.

Smart casual allows sneakers, but not every sneaker. Low suede or leather court shoes in brown, white or navy look intentional; mesh running shoes and bulky trainers do not. Suede slip-ons and espadrilles cover the warmer months.

Whatever the shoe, keep it clean. Scuffed white leather undoes the rest of the outfit.

One watch, a belt close to the shoes in colour and, if you wear them, a single bracelet. A steel or two-tone watch on a bracelet suits almost every smart casual outfit. Sunglasses and beanies are for getting there, not for the meeting.

Smart casual is judged against the people around you. In a conservative office, leave the jeans at home, wear the canvas or wool trousers and keep the jacket on. At a dinner or a creative workplace, the same jacket over a long-sleeve T-shirt with dark jeans is enough.

When unsure, dress one step above the most casual person you expect to meet.