smart casual dress code for restaurants | restaurant attire by Paul Brown
Smart casual dress code for restaurants
Our latest blog is on smart casual dress code for restaurants. This is actually quite a difficult subject to tackle as there are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a suitable outfit. A smart casual dress code these days covers a wide range of options and differs between restaurants. Factors to consider include:
The type of restaurant you are attending
The occasion. It is a first date, birthday celebration or are you meeting the in-laws for the first time?
What is everyone else planning to wear to the restaurant ?
The climate.
Where are you going?
This is the most important question you need to know before selecting your smart casual outfit as the dress code varies considerably between different establishments . If it is a local pub then you can lean further towards a more casual outfit which can include classic jeans and a smart polo shirt. If it is a good restaurant or hotel then better to go safe with a nice tailored shirt and pair of chinos or trousers.
If you have never visited the restaurant before then consider doing some quick research online. Look at some current photos on their website or through social media to get a better gauge of the type of place you are visiting.
If it is a surprise then better to always play it safe and be a little smarter than going too casual.
The occasion
If it is a first date or you are meeting the in-laws then it is always better to be too smart than too casual. There is always an appreciation for someone who has made the extra effort. Further you are more conscious of your clothing and outfit if you are the most casual person in the group or restaurant.
If the occasion is an after work dinner or business meeting then you should always view it as an extension to work so keep the same level of formality as you would during the work day.
What does Everyone else plan to wear?
If you know what everyone else plans to wear then it is easy to determine what constitutes a smart casual dress code. If everyone is wearing a tailored shirt or blouse, then follow suit. As previously mentioned, it is better to be too smart than too casual.
Casual attire & the climate
If you are going for dinner at a restaurant during the height of British summer or on holiday then consider swapping your cotton shirt for linen. If it is really roasting then consider swapping your chinos for tailored chino shorts. We offer a fantastic selection of chino shorts that are the perfect smart casual option when chinos are not suitable. If you are considering shorts then it is imperative to buy shorts that have the following features:
Belt loops are a key feature for shorts that are deemed smart casual and allow you to add a belt if need be.
Avoid elasticated shorts – these are not smart casual!
Shorts finished with front slanted pockets and rear double welt pockets. These features add to the smartness part of the finished outfit.
Always avoid cargo shorts or jogging shorts. These should never be worn to any respective restaurant.
Smart casual outfit for restaurants : Casual Elegant
As is custom in all our blogs, we offer our readers and customers some stylish outfits that will cover all smart casual restaurant dress codes and cater for a broad range of different situations.
1: Summer restaurant outfits to wear
We recommend one of our tailored men’s linen shirts complete with our stunning selection of coloured chinos. Our create your own chino line is like no other trouser brand and offers men an exceptional selection of waist and inside leg options to choose from coupled with three leg options; slim, medium and classic. The chinos are made using the finest cotton twill cloth from Yorkshire mill Brisbane Moss and includes 3% elastane for extra comfort and manoeuvrability.
Option one includes our navy linen shirt and stone chinos finished with suede loafers. You can never go wrong with this shirt and chino combination. It is a safe but still very stylish outfit thanks to the corozo brown buttons on the linen shirt finished with contrasting striped linen in the collar and cuff interior.
Alternatively consider our navy striped linen shirt with navy chinos and cream trainers – a more casual option. When it comes to blue chinos – always opt for the French Navy as it adds so much more to your wardrobe. If you are considering a wardrobe revamp or creating a new one then read our recent men’s minimal wardrobe blog.
2: Winter restaurant outfits
When it comes to winter restaurant outfits, the importance of layering up and jackets and coats become really important considerations. We offer men a first classic selection of British tailored jackets and coats. This includes our smart casual Harrington and field jackets along with our flagship trench coats.
We have put together two outfits for your consideration. Firstly we have our stylish green khaki field jacket complete with blue gingham check shirt and beige corduroy trousers. This outfit is not only stylish and a great country option, but is equally practical. The field jacket is made with a water repellent twill cloth from British Millerain which will ensure you stay both dry and warm.
The second outfit is ideal for those living in the city or going to a restaurant straight from work. We have our best selling navy moleskin trousers, purple striped shirt and beige
trench coat. Like the field jacket, our trench coat is also made using the same water resistant 100% cotton twill cloth from British Millerain. It also includes those key heritage features that makes this coat so iconic such as the belt and sleeve straps along with front gun flap and rear wind breaker.
3: When shorts are the only option
We wouldn’t normally recommend wearing shorts to a restaurant when you are trying to fulfil a smart casual dress code. That said there are circumstances when shorts are the only option. We recommend our white tailored chino shorts with our light blue linen shirt. This is a truly stylish outfit that is elevated by the stunning “queue at the zoo” Liberty print inside the collar and cuff. If it does get chilly in the evening and you need to add a jacket- consider adding our beige Harrington jacket. Complete the ensemble with a tan belt and suede loafers. This is a great outfit for those holiday lunch time meals where you want to easily transition from the beach to the hotel restaurant.
Ladies smart casual dress code for restaurants
While we have focused above on our menswear outfits, we also have some stylish ladies options. This includes our stunning selection of smart casual ladies blouses and tailored shirts. If it is a hot summer day then consider our linen collection. If you really want to make an impression then try our bow at neck blouses or our popular country ruffle collection. Finish off the outfit with jeans and our stylish ladies trench coats.
Conclusion
It is getting increasingly difficult to nail down what is considered a smart casual dress code, let alone one that is appropriate for the wide range of restaurants around the world. If you know in advance the restaurant and what everyone else is wearing that will help you gauge where you sit on the smart casual spectrum. If in doubt , play it safe and go a little smarter. This will never harm you. If it is really hot or you are visiting the restaurant during the day then don’t be afraid to consider shorts. However make sure you wear the right shorts – tailored quality chino shorts and not cargo or elasticated shorts.
Price and Value
Our classic garments are always made in the UK from fine fabrics and are built to love and to last. They do not go out of shape or come apart after several washes so you can wear them again and again. Contrast this to much cheaper high street versions that end up stuck in your wardrobe after being worn just once, never to see the light of day as they were ill fitting or didn't survive the laundry. You pay a price up front but value is only apparent with the passage of time. The adage of ‘don't buy cheap, buy smart ‘fits here and you will do your bit for the environment as well.
Sustainability and Size
I cannot leave this blog without mentioning sustainability. It means many different things to many different people. It is well known that the fast fashion industry does enormous harm to the environment, particularly oil based fabrics and single use garments. You should consider this fact every time you shop for clothing. Here at WISC we make classic garments that are built to last from natural fabrics to help minimise our impact. They are designed to be worn again and again without losing their shape or appearance. Multiple use also means that they become value for money. We also make most of our products to order so that unwanted stock is never a feature. Size is also a factor in sustainability. If clothes fit well they will be used a lot and the issue of returns for ill fitting garments becomes redundant. We stress this on our site and in addition to an extensive detailed size guide, we offer a special ‘design your own trouser’ section for this very reason. If you generally purchase off the peg chinos for example and try to make them fit, why not visit our website with your measurements and we will make you a pair. Going forward we continue to look at ways of improving our sustainability credentials further. You should also always consider recycling or donating any clothes you really don't want or need.
We Make a Wide range of Clothes
Here at WISC we make a selection of products for both men and women including trench coats, shirts and boxer shorts. All are made from the best material and manufactured to the same exacting standards. Our collections are on sale to view and buy online so why not pop onto our site and put something in your basket. You will be supporting British manufacture and of course they make great gifts too.Frequently asked Questions
Is business casual considered formal smart?
We would consider formal smart a step up from business casual. Formal smart should be shirt and tie, generally with a suit but business casual could include smart chinos and a less formal shirt without a tie
Is smart-casual dress attire suitable to wear in a restaurant?
Whilst it of course the type of restaurant makes a difference, most people make a bit more of an effort and step up when dining out in a restaurant, at least wearing smart casual attire. Extreme casual attire such as ripped jeans and a t shirt would not be considered appropriate dress for many restaurants
What is the difference between dress smart and casual elegance?
Whilst these two terms are very close and may be considered subjective, smart dress is normally a step up in formal terms to any casual outfits.
Should I wear a Tie in a restaurant?
A Tie is an article of clothing typically associated with formality. In some restaurants it is mandatory that gentlemen wear a jacket and tie whilst others have a more casual dress code.
Do you make all of your clothing in the UK?
Yes we design, cut and make all of our clothing, including shirts trench coats and trousers at our own premises in Suffolk, UK
Do you Ship Worldwide?
Yes, we ship to 40 countries including the USA at favourable shipping rates. UK delivery is free
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