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Hi there,

Last Friday's video on elevated casual wear brought up the question I frequently hear:

'When do you wear tailored sports jackets/blazers? I only reserve them for formal events and parties.'

Now, in comparison to suits, sports jackets and blazers are traditionally considered „casual” wear. But I understand formality of clothing has shifted quite a bit. So I’d like to give you some tips when to confidently wear tailored pieces without feeling 'overdressed'.

First, you don't need to be a 'sartorialist' (someone deeply invested in the art and craft of tailoring, who wears three-piece suits and ties as a lifestyle choice) to benefit from owning a well-fitted blazer.

A textured navy blazer, a linen jacket for summer, or a flannel sport coat for autumn is incredibly easy to throw over a casual shirt or polo with jeans. It doesn't look 'too much.' It looks like you care about presenting yourself well in situations you value.

A linen sports jacket is a casual piece that pairs well with casual shirts and trousers.

Here paired with a blue linen shirt and white jeans. It elevates your casual outfit without entering 'formal' or 'overdressed' territory.

Here, I’d like to suggest situations where you can look put-together without being formal. I think the next occasions allow for elevated casual with sports jackets, casual shirts and leather shoes.

• Weekend brunch or dinner dates
• Coffee meetings or business casual situations (even if your office dresses in t-shirts, there’s no affront in wanting to care about a qualitative wardrobe when others don’t.)
• Cultural outings—museums, galleries, movie theaters, out and about in the city
• Travel days when you want to feel sharp (no hiking and athletic activities)
• Social gatherings where "casual" doesn't mean sloppy (meeting with friends, restaurants, having an important appointment)

These aren't black-tie events or serious business. Neither are they 'grocery shopping' situations. They're regular parts of life where elevated casual is actually taken positively by most peers (More than we think.)

A blazer isn't overdressing for a Saturday dinner—it's showing that the occasion matters to you.

How do you feel about casual dressing nowadays? What's underdressing and overdressing like in your life? Let me know!

Best regards,
Lukas from Thoughtful Style