Casual for men
For a casual event, men can skip the jacket and tie but should still look put together: a pressed button-up or polo, chinos or dark jeans, and clean shoes.
Get a casual outfit for your event
What to wear
Example photo: Murat IŞIK / PexelsDenim jacket, dark jeans
- JacketDenim jacket or overshirt
- TrousersDark jeans, no rips or fading
- ShirtDark button-up shirt
- NeckwearNone
- ShoesBrown suede chukkas or boots
- ExtrasSimple watch
In spring and summer: light blue shirt, white chinos. See it
Example photo: Yusif Iskandarov / PexelsNavy polo, stone chinos
- JacketNone
- TrousersStone chinos
- ShirtNavy knit polo
- NeckwearNone
- ShoesBrown suede loafers
- ExtrasSimple watch
By season
What it costs
Typical prices for the whole safe-bet look, from budget stores to investment pieces:
- Budget$140–$280
- Mid-range$410–$760
- Investment$955–$1,850
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Shop each piece at real stores in the app.
Accessories
A simple watch and a belt, plus sunglasses outdoors. That’s plenty.
Day or evening
For daytime events outdoors, lighter colors and short sleeves are fine. In the evening, switch to a long-sleeve shirt and darker trousers or jeans, with an overshirt or denim jacket if it cools down.
By venue
At backyards and barbecues, chinos or tailored shorts with loafers or clean sneakers work. At restaurants, dark jeans and a button-up are a safe bet.
Wedding, party or work
A casual wedding still deserves effort: at least a button-up and chinos. For birthday parties and get-togethers, anything clean that fits well is right.
Skip these
- Gym wear
- Worn-out sneakers
- Baggy, faded or ripped jeans
- Wrinkled shirts
Common questions
What does casual mean on an invitation?
No jacket or tie needed, but it’s still an event. Wear a pressed button-up or polo, chinos or dark jeans, and clean shoes.
Can I wear shorts to a casual event?
At a daytime summer event, tailored shorts can be fine. For anything in the evening or at a wedding, wear trousers.
Are jeans okay for casual?
Yes, as long as they’re dark, fitted and free of rips or fading.
Can I wear sneakers to a casual event?
Yes, if they’re clean and simple, like white leather sneakers. Leave gym shoes at home.
Can I wear a T-shirt to a casual event?
A plain, well-fitting T-shirt can work at very relaxed daytime gatherings. For anything you’d call an event, a collar is safer.
Have an invite?
Paste it into Dress the Part and get the dress code decoded, an outfit for your season and setting, and where to buy each piece at any budget.