Understanding the smart-casual style can be challenging, and mastering the fashion world can also be tricky. Smart casual is one of the most popular men's styles nowadays. It's a blend or the middle ground between a dressed-up weekend fit and a dressed-down office combination. It's all about finding the proper balance between style and comfort. Clean lines, some personality and high-quality materials should be your number one priority when dressing smart casual.

Leather Shoes

Every man who wants to dress smart casual has to have at least one pair of leather shoes. They're a staple of this style and can work with many outfits. Getting a pair of high-quality men's brown leather dress shoes will speak volumes about your style and personality. They're a nice investment that will last for years.

Oxfords are one of the most traditional dress shoes you can find. They're a classic and have a sleek, formal aesthetic that perfectly matches the smart casual attires. The front section of the shoe, or the vamp, is what gives them an elegant look. They come in black and in several shades of brown.

Derby shoes are something between a sneaker and an Oxford. They're considered a must in every man’s shoe collection because of their versatility. They're great all year round because you can easily dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Leather Derbies are a timeless piece that will save you some money in the long run. So, invest in them as much as you can.

One thing that makes them suitable for the smart casual style is their open lacing system. It gives them a less formal vibe which is adaptable to dressy and more casual situations. They're also less restrictive and very comfortable which is perfect for people with wider feet because sometimes they have trouble finding a suitable pair of shoes.

Once you invest in leather shoes, it’s very important to take good care of them. Leather is a tricky material that needs some upkeep to stay in perfect shape. As a material, it needs some breathing space so if you can, don’t wear them every single day. The accumulating sweat from your feet can cause some damage. Give them some time to dry.

Clean them after every use with a shoe brush or a microfibre cloth. This keeps away dirt and grime and protects the leather. Get some shoe trees and store them together inside the shoes to keep them in shape. The final step to keeping your leather shoes sharp is to polish them after every 5-6 wears with wax or cream specifically made for this purpose.

Tailored Pants

Your choice of pants says a lot about the person you are and the message you want to send to the world. Since people usually notice a fit in an instant, paying attention to how your trousers fit is an important aspect of dressing smart casual and looking amazing. In a lot of cases, men wear pants that are too long or too short for their height.

This results in excess fabric falling over the ankles and covering the men's brown leather dress shoes or exposing skin (which is not suitable in every occasion). You can’t elongate the pants but you can always tailor the longer ones and get a nice fit. This is an easy fix that will make every man look more presentable and well-put together.

Plain Tee

Not everyone understands the power a plain white tee has over an outfit. This simple piece of clothing is so versatile. It’s a classic that can be paired with a nice, cool jacket or a blazer. It works great with chinos, jeans and trousers. Adding a few fancy accessories can elevate its look and make it perfect for smart casual outfits.

Getting the right fit is crucial. Don't buy something that looks baggy or a tee that will be too tight around your body. Both of these options will break the whole look and make you look messy. Invest in a few plain tees for your wardrobe. They'll help you look more serious and more mature. They're always fashionable and a good way to show off your perfect sense of style.

Button-UP & Dress Shirts

Not every button-up shirt and dress shirt is the same. Some of them are meant to be tucked and some are not. If the shirt has long and rounded tails you should tuck it in. Leaving it out will look awkward. If you don’t want to do it, go to the store and look for shirts specifically made to be worn outside of the pants.

If you're trying for a more sporty or casual style, there are plenty of shirts that look nice untucked; just make sure you know which ones. Some button-ups are made for dressier or more formal events where you can wear them with brown dress shoes for men, where they should be tucked in and worn in an elegant way.

Blazer

If you want to look amazing and elevate your look, invest in a blazer. Stop wearing the suit jacket all the time. This is a classic piece that will transform your smart casual outfits. Pairing it with a plain tee and some jeans will give you a clean, polished look. It also looks great with something fancier like relaxed suits. Blazers are the perfect middle ground between a shirt and a jacket and complement the smart casual style perfectly.

Minimalist Trainers

A minimalist pair of trainers is a must in every man’s wardrobe. Some fashionistas consider them to be the Derby shoes of the new millennium. They're very discreet and can be worn with so many outfits. Keep them as simple as possible, one colour and not a lot of tone variations, less logos and no big and bright details. They should be timeless, versatile and comfortable.

Drawstring Trousers

This new wave of casual legwear has the sleek look and the clean cut of tailored pants combined with all of the comforts of jogging pants. Drawstring trousers are basically a hybrid that took the world by storm. They look amazing with plain tees, minimalist trainers and just a few accessories.