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Smart Casual Men Summer Guide: Must-Have Items

Smart Casual Men Summer Guide: Must-Have Items

Key Takeaways

  • Learn what a smart casual summer is and get five recommendations for summer smart casual men.
  • Discover the essential clothing pieces you should have, including polos, shirts, and three more.

1. What Is Smart Casual Summer?

Smart casual is a professional style of clothing that incorporates trendy items with classic essentials. They are usually less structured and formal than traditional corporate clothing.

Combining formal and casual pieces for a dressier appearance without sacrificing your sense of style is the key to pulling off the ideal smart casual outfit. 

Smart casual ensembles typically consist of classic and smarter items for a polished appearance that works well in formal contexts. Meanwhile, you can create any smart casual outfit with more formal pieces like shirts, bomber jackets, chinos, and smart jeans.

Continue reading to discover which five pieces are necessary for the ideal smart casual men summer outfit!

5 Casual Summer Outfit Ideas for Men

1. Polo Shirt with Trousers

Man in a gray polo shirt on a bridge, exemplifying smart casual men summer style.

Polo shirt with trousers

A smart casual men summer outfit for those attending a casual event combines a polo shirt and trousers. A lightweight, quick-drying fabric and a neutral shade of trousers are excellent choices for a golf polo.

2. Short-Sleeved Shirt with Shorts

Man in a white short-sleeved shirt and light-colored shorts for smart casual men summer style.

Mix a short-sleeved shirt with shorts.

Comfortable clothing is essential for strolling around the city in the summer. A breathable short-sleeved shirt and shorts will be perfect for a casual summer men outfit, balancing comfort and style.

3. Long-Sleeved Shirt with Shorts

Man in a white linen shirt and beige pants showcasing smart casual style for men summer.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt with shorts for a smart casual summer outfit

It is still possible to appear stylish even if you want to wear a casual shirt. You may seem elegant by wearing white or beige shorts with a stylish long-sleeved shirt. Then, pair them with leather shoes or slip-ons to complete the look. 

4. Casual Shirt with Trousers

Person in white t-shirt and olive green trousers exemplifying smart casual men summer style.

Casual shirt and trousers

Although both items are smart casual summer pieces, tucking can make the outfit appear less formal than necessary. Instead of white sneakers, anchor it with shoes like loafers, double monk straps, or derbies.

5. Blazer with Shorts

Stylish mint green blazer paired with teal romper for men summer smart casual look.

Mix and match a blazer with shorts.

When looking for the ideal blazer, choose lightweight materials above everything else. Not only are unlined linen, cotton, and linen-cotton mixes incredibly breathable, but they also bring a relaxed vibe ideal for a summer smart casual men outfit.

5 Key Smart Casual Pieces

1. Polo

You can wear summer polo T-shirts for a summer smart casual men look. Fitted pants or chinos look great with neutral-coloured polo, whereas loafers or Oxford shoes finish the look. Put on a light jacket if your workplace is more formal. This ensemble keeps you cool in the intense heat while maintaining a professional appearance.

Calvin Klein - Calvin Klein Men Polo - €74,58

Navy blue short sleeve polo shirt for smart casual men summer outfits.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Tommy Hilfiger Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Men Polo - €63,36

White polo shirt with logo ideal for smart casual men summer attire.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Suns - Suns Men Polo - €104,78

Black short-sleeved polo shirt for a stylish smart casual men summer wardrobe.

Shop at Urban City Styles

2. Shirts

A smart casual men summer outfit with a button-down shirt would look great. Wear it with lighter-coloured chinos and white loafers or sneakers to make it more comfortable for the summer.

Calvin Klein - Calvin Klein Men Shirt - €74,58

Blue button-up dress shirt with long sleeves for men summer smart casual outfits.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Borghese - Borghese Men Shirt - €36,96

Gray button-up shirt with mandarin collar for smart casual men summer style.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Tommy Hilfiger Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Men Shirt - €74,91

Navy blue short-sleeved button-up shirt for smart casual men summer style with Tooneys.

Shop at Urban City Styles

3. Blazer

Blazer jackets work well as separates to bring down a more formal, business-professional outfit or to dress up a summer smart casual men look. Combine them with chinos and sleek white shoes for a fantastic, polished appearance.

Armani Exchange - Armani Exchange Men Blazer - €236,61

Black suit jacket with two buttons over a white shirt for smart casual men summer style.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Mulish - Mulish Men Blazer - €126,39

White blazer with red lapel accent for smart casual men summer wardrobe essentials.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Liu Jo - Liu Jo Men Blazer - €188,93

Beige single-breasted blazer with two buttons ideal for smart casual men’s summer outfits.

Shop at Urban City Styles

4. Shorts

Neutral shorts are usually a summertime favourite to calm down the statement ensemble. The good news is that it is ideal for anyone attending a laid-back get-together.

Antony Morato - Antony Morato Men Shorts - €74,42

Light gray tailored dress shorts with pleats for a smart casual men summer look.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Antony Morato - Antony Morato Men Shorts - €66,17

Khaki cargo shorts showcased in a Smart Casual Men Summer Guide for stylish looks.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Tommy Hilfiger Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Men Shorts - €71,78

Beige men’s shorts ideal for smart casual outfits in men summer fashion.

Shop at Urban City Styles

5. Trousers

Trousers are a terrific way to start a smart casual men summer since they give off a laid-back yet stylish feel that will turn heads. Luckily, there is almost nothing they will not go with.

Calvin Klein - Calvin Klein Men Trousers - €120,62

Black straight-leg pants with pockets ideal for a smart casual men summer wardrobe.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Tommy Hilfiger Jeans - Tommy Hilfiger Jeans Men Trousers - €90,09

Beige chino pants for men in a smart casual summer outfit guide.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Antony Morato - Antony Morato Men Trousers - €82,50

White slim-fit jeans worn by a man, ideal for a smart casual men summer outfit.

Shop at Urban City Styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Casual & Smart Casual?

The main distinction between smart casual and casual is sophistication. Smart casual elevates the casual style by emphasising a more put-together appearance. Examples include wearing formal shoes like loafers, Oxfords, or chic boots.

What colours should you wear for summer business casual?

Embrace pastel or neutral colours like light grey, beige, or soft blue during the summer because they can give off a clean, polished vibe and reflect sunlight.

Are jeans suitable for smart casual men?

If the occasion or location you are going to is more relaxed, jeans can be a good choice for smart casual. 

You should select a straighter, leaner fit instead of choosing something excessively loose or baggy. Darker washes generally suit a more formal environment better. You should also avoid wearing distressed or ripped jeans.

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