Skip to content
What To Pack And Wear logoWhat To Pack And Wear
What to wear

Smart casual vs business casual: what is the difference

Smart casual vs business casual: smart casual is neat and relaxed, business casual is office-ready. See the differences, an outfit table and when to use each.

Baptiste Moreau2 min read

Two outfits hanging side by side, one with a blazer and one with a knit top and dark jeans
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels

Verdict: business casual is for work, smart casual is for social places. Business casual is the stricter of the two. If a code is unclear, wear the stricter one and drop a layer if it feels too formal.

Dress codes differ by workplace and region, so use these as guides. If an invitation or employer gives details, follow them.

Which wins on

FactorBusiness casualSmart casual
WhereOffices, client meetingsDinners, events, relaxed venues
TrousersChinos, tailored trousers, skirtChinos, dark jeans, tailored shorts in some places
TopsShirt, blouse, poloShirt, knit, good tee under a jacket
JacketOften yesOptional
ShoesLeather shoes, smart flatsClean trainers, loafers, boots
JeansRarelyYes, dark and without rips
TiesRareNo

Pick business casual if

  • You are going to an office or a meeting
  • The invitation or employer says "business"
  • You want one outfit that works for most work trips

Pick smart casual if

  • The venue is a restaurant, bar or social event
  • The invitation says "smart" or "dress code: smart casual"
  • You want to look neat without being formal

Rule: if you cannot tell, add a jacket. It lifts any outfit one notch and you can take it off.

A blazer over a plain shirt and dark jeans
A jacket moves a casual outfit toward smartImage by Surprising_Media from Pixabay

The mistakes

  • Treating smart casual as "anything clean"
  • Wearing ripped or faded jeans
  • Wearing sport trainers or flip-flops
  • Wearing a jacket too stiff for the room

A packing note

For travel, one jacket, one pair of dark trousers and two tops make three outfits in both codes. See the business trip packing list for the full set. For a job application, use what to wear to a job interview.

Quick questions

Is smart casual dressier than casual?

Yes. It means neat, pressed and well fitting, but relaxed.

Can I wear trainers to a smart casual dinner?

Clean, plain leather trainers are often accepted. Check the venue.

Is business casual the same everywhere?

No. Companies and countries differ, so ask if you are not sure.

Are jeans business casual?

Some workplaces say yes, many say no. Ask the employer.

More to read

Keep reading