Getting dressed up for a formal occasion is not very difficult for most men. It is simply a matter of selecting pants, a shirt, and a tie – which most of us have a fair selection of in our closets. The catch is that most men spend very little time in formal settings. It is the informal functions, like spending time with friends at a bar, lunching with a business associate, or entertaining a casual date, that men have difficulty dressing for. Many men simply do not understand how to dress smart casual and how to successfully put together an outfit for the a low-key occasion.

Nearly everyone in America owns, or has owned a pair of denim jeans. This clothing item was invented in America and a pair of jeans has become a mainstay of pretty much all wardrobes. Most people consider the humble blue jean an item of clothing that is only appropriate for the most casual of functions, but the truth is that jeans come in many different styles that can be dressed up or down to fit in beautifully with almost any kind of function. A good pair of jeans, properly cared for and paired with other clothing items of high quality can be the most versatile part of your wardrobe.

For the summer months, consider buying jeans with a lighter tone that have minimal brown or gray tinting. Slight distressing also creates a stylish look. Lighter jeans coordinate better with bright shirt colors that are typically sold during the summer. Most short-sleeved shirts, polo shirts, and screen printed tees will pair nicely with this shade of denim as well. If pairing for loafers or sandals, a brighter jean will pair perfectly to elicit a casual flair to the outfit.

In the colder months clothing items like v-neck sweaters and mock turtlenecks are a good choice, especially jersey-knit or zip-up styles for the latter, which are becoming popular with young men. Pair these tops with a pinstriped blazer or herringbone jacket and you will have a clean, professional look without it having to be a formal business outfit.

There are a few pieces of casual clothing that should be avoided when trying to successfully pair a smart casual wardrobe. Heavily branded shirts really have no place for anywhere other than a casual occasion – like the beach or in the garden. The most advertisement you should sport is a small emblem on the chest. Anything more will effectively transform your body into a traveling billboard. Shorts are another piece of the wardrobe that are better suited for casual occasions. Though shorts can sometimes be pulled off in a smart casual look, they will often dress down your overall appearance. Never wear shorts that are geared for sporty occasions. However, wool or cotton types can be acceptable if shorts must be included.

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