#AskPedro – how to dress smart casual

This question comes from reader Shawn:

I have a fashion question if you have a moment or two this week. I have been invited to a film festival and I’ll be pitching a project to some studio execs. I also plan on setting up some other meetings while I’m there, networking, etc. I have a suit for some of the more formal events but I’m there 4 nights so I need some other clothes – more causal than a suit, more formal than the jeans and Gap shirt I wear when I’m working at home. Thought you might be able to offer some suggestions of stores and such to solve my dilemma?

My response:

I’ve thought about this a lot because many, many guys are stuck between the perceived opposites of “dressed up” and wearing whatever is around. But there is a third way, a look that strives for understated elegance. I call it “smart casual”.

The key ingredient is a sport jacket. It can be worn with chinos or other casual pants and automatically adds finesse to an outfit without formality, especially if the jacket is a tweed or textured, with a large or mid-size pattern. Combine that with a good quality collared shirt or high-quality polo (both tucked in), and I think you look’ll professional and relaxed.

And don’t forget the accessories. Good leather shoes in great condition are a must. Plus, if you leave out the tie, I would recommend a pocket square – it suggests that there’s thought and care put into your outfit.

Where to get all this: Suitsupply has nice, contemporary sport jackets that start at $450. You can find something good but cheaper, with a lot of searching and trying on, at Tom’s Place or even Stollery’s – before they close. For vintage, Kingpin’s Hideway is a possibility for the best prices, depending on what’s in stock. And one alternative to all that is Off The Cuff at Yonge and Eglinton – high-end consignment menswear that’s WAY marked down.

And, finally, I would suggest dropping the jeans. They are just so casual, and so common. A good pair of chinos in a colour that contrasts your sport jacket will take your outfit to the next level.