The Autumn/Winter Smart Casual Dress Code

“Smart casual” is often a subjective term that can be hard to pin down. The way we see it, men’s smart casual outfits are a combination of both casual and formal styles, paired to create an effortless yet sophisticated look. Not too dressed up or too dressed down.

Among one of the trickier dress codes to decipher in the world of fashion, allow us to kickstart your inspiration with some smart casual winter outfit ideas and how to layer them.

 

HOW TO DRESS SMART CASUAL IN WINTER AND AUTUMN

First we need to learn to layer, an essential styling tip for colder months. By working your way from top to bottom – or layer by layer – you can quickly put together a smart casual winter outfit.

Following this approach, smart casual winter wear consists of a shirt (or t-shirt), knitwear, jacket or coat, a pair of pants or chinos, and a quality pair of shoes or boots. By layering these five wardrobe staples, you can match any winter smart casual dress code.

 

 

SMART CASUAL LAYERING FOR BEGINNERS

Outfit layering is the act of adding multiple clothing items to your ensemble to provide a functional or aesthetic benefit – successful layering in winter and autumn masters both of these benefits in one swing. The goal for these two seasons is to look good while staying warm.

 

LAYERING KNITS

Knitwear, sweaters, jumpers, pull-overs, whatever you want to call them, are essential for autumn and winter, and even more critical for dressing smart casual. Rock a classic crew with the Gunn Crew Knit. If you’re after something with a slightly more polished look, try the soft and effortless Queenstown Sweater made from a cashmere-wool-merino blend. Or the Merrick Bay Knit made with 100% Australian cotton.

 

 

CHOOSING A COLLARED SHIRT

When it’s cold, you want to be able to keep your neck warm, so collars are a must. The next question is what kind of collared shirt you’ll wear. Choose from either the breathable piqué mesh fabric of the Long Sleeve Gunn Polo. Or if you’re more of a button-up guy, then we suggest the Gunn Oxford Stripe Sports Fit Shirt.

 

 

THE PERFECT WINTER PANTS

We have to shout out the Albury Straight Jean for being the ultimate winter pants. The Albury features moleskin, a hard-working all-around fabric traditionally used in workwear, softer and warmer than cotton twill. But if you’re hellbent on denim, the lightly washed raw look of the Fanshawe Straight Jean is our pick of the bunch. Want a pair of chinos instead? Go for the clean lines of the Thomas Road Chino Pant.

 

 

HIGH-QUALITY FOOTWEAR FOR WINTER & AUTUMN

When the temperature drops, the boots come out to play. When it comes to men’s smart casual shoes, a pair of winter boots are ideal. The David Field Boot will keep you warm during the cooler months, lined through the ankle with shearling and leather lined thereafter. This military style boot features an upper which is stitched down to a rigid, lightly cleated rubber outsole which will ensure longevity and wearability.

Too much boot for you? Go for a smart casual winter classic like the Kingsview Road Chelsea Boot, crafted from lush suede and burnished leather. The suede features contrast elasticated sides and pull tab, whilst the leather keeps it classic with tonal.

While mainstream sneakers might not be able to handle the cool winter and autumn months, our trio of Endeavour Sneakers are more than up to the task, thanks to their high-quality construction. The Endeavour Chain is crafted from soft, burnished bovine leather with a full leather lining. Similarly, the Endeavour Spirit is made from the softest bovine nubuck leather with matching leather trims and contrast stitch detail. And finally, the Endeavour Sail Sneaker is made from heavy grade washed canvas with tonal suede leather trims.

No matter your choice, the Endeavour offers a minimalist design and sleek silhouette profile that adapts to any smart casual setting – alongside durability to match our selection of boots. Available in three unique styles and a range of colours, the Endeavour is so versatile you could wear them with a suit.

For more smart casual winter outfit ideas and essential additions to your wardrobe for any season, check out our blog.

Be sure to visit our new arrivals section to stay up to date on men’s smart casual winter wear. Shop with us today for free shipping on all domestic orders delivered within Australia, plus our two-year workmanship guarantee.