What Is Dressy Casual For Men? [Decoding Dress Codes]

Everyone wants to look good when attending an event.  Nobody wants to go through the embarrassment caused by not being properly dressed.

This is the reason why we have dress codes – to ensure that we’re neither overdressed nor underdressed.

And normally, invitations will state the dress code, which you must faithfully follow. However, not all dress codes are easy to decipher.  Sometimes, you need to do a lot of research because of the many dress code categories that we have.

For example, there are times When Casual is more than just Casual, so we have categories of casual attire like ordinary casual attire, elegant casual, business casual, and of course dressy casual attire. Here are some of the best dressy casual attire ideas for him and her.

When it comes to [easyazon_link keywords=”dressy casual attire” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]dressy casual attire[/easyazon_link], what we should always remember is that it is somewhere in between formal and casual.

It’s not too casual like your ordinary street wear but a dressed-up version of your casual attire.  If there’s a visible line between formal and casual, that’s where dressy casual attire lies.

[su_note note_color=”#f6f6f6″ text_color=”#000000″]Dressy casual attire must therefore be semi-formal and semi-casual at the same time.  If you still find it confusing, read more in Decoding Dress Codes: What is Dressy Casual Attire.[/su_note]

So, while anything goes for casual attire, there are certain don’ts in dressy casual attire like denims, sweatshirts, T-shirts, and miniskirts.

What Is Dressy Casual For A Man?

For dressy casual attire ideas, men can wear [easyazon_link keywords=”khaki pants” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]khaki pants[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”mens trousers” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]mens trousers[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”slacks” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]slacks[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”classical straight leg jeans” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]jeans[/easyazon_link], or any more or less comfotrable pants.

[easyazon_link keywords=”casual mens clothes” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″][/easyazon_link]

There’s a lot of debate about whether men can wear jeans, but in my opinion, dark, stylish, and [easyazon_link keywords=”mens formal jeans” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]formal-looking jeans[/easyazon_link] will do the job; just stay away from rugged, faded, or patched jeans.

For the top, men can wear a [easyazon_link keywords=”mens turtleneck sweater” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]turtleneck sweater[/easyazon_link] or a [easyazon_link keywords=”mens white shirt” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]white shirt[/easyazon_link] with a [easyazon_link keywords=”mens blazer” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]blazer[/easyazon_link] or a seasonal [easyazon_link keywords=”sports coat” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]sports coat[/easyazon_link].  A polo shirt or an open-collar shirt without a tie is also a good option.

A casual [easyazon_link keywords=”button-down shirt” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]button-down shirt[/easyazon_link] or a dress shirt can also be worn.

For footwear, avoid sandals and loafers.

But leather [easyazon_link keywords=”loafers” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]loafers[/easyazon_link] are acceptable.  Shined and patent [easyazon_link keywords=”leather shoes” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]leather shoes[/easyazon_link], however, are the best option for a dressier feel.  You can also consider quality leather mens square toe cowboy boots for a more rugged, dressed-up look.

For Her

There are more options for women when it comes to dressy casual attire ideas.

But is it a good or a bad thing?

You tell me, after you’ve spent a few hours looking at your wardrobe with nothing to wear!

[easyazon_link keywords=”casual womens clothes” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″][/easyazon_link]

A woman can choose between wearing a [easyazon_link keywords=”dressy pants” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]dressy pants[/easyazon_link] outfit or [easyazon_link keywords=”pantsuit” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]pantsuit[/easyazon_link], a [easyazon_link keywords=”midium dress” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]knee-length dress[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”fitted or slim slacks” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]fitted or slim slacks[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link keywords=”trousers” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]trousers[/easyazon_link], and [easyazon_link keywords=”knee-length skirts” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]knee-length skirts[/easyazon_link].

Though it’s still debatable, like in men’s outfits, I still believe that a woman can also wear [easyazon_link keywords=”womens jeans” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]jeans[/easyazon_link] as long as it’s nice and formal-looking, and especially if it’s paired with a [easyazon_link keywords=”silk blouse” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]silk blouse[/easyazon_link] and a [easyazon_link keywords=”tailored blazer” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]tailored blazer[/easyazon_link] because it really just looks very chic.

For the top, women can choose between a [easyazon_link keywords=”formal-looking blouse” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]formal-looking blouse[/easyazon_link] and any kind of a [easyazon_link keywords=”silk top” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]silk top[/easyazon_link], but preferebly with sleeves, if you’re not planning on having another layer on.

A [easyazon_link keywords=”cashmere shell” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]cashmere shell[/easyazon_link], a [easyazon_link keywords=”sweater set” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]sweater set[/easyazon_link], or a [easyazon_link keywords=”blouse” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]blouse[/easyazon_link] with a [easyazon_link keywords=”scarf” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″]scarf[/easyazon_link] are also worthy picks.

However, women must avoid T-shirts and shirts with plunging necklines, which reveal too much skin.  It’s also good to take note of the fabric of the clothes you’re wearing.  For a dressier feel, wear those with darker colors and those with richer and dressier fabrics.

Whether it’s for him or her, always remember that dressy casual attire must be well-coordinated and also [easyazon_link keywords=”womens accessories” locale=”US” tag=”independentfemme-20″] well-accessorized[/easyazon_link].

Next time you’re preparing for a dressy casual event, it’s good to always take note of these points so that you won’t be confused or you won’t have a hard time preparing for a dressy casual outfit.

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This Article is part of the Dressy Casual Attire series. Read On:

Decoding Dress Codes: What is Dressy Casual Attire?