Sometimes, the best way to curate an outfit is to focus on the finer details of it instead of directly going for the big picture. And yes, we understand that an outfit means the complete look to most people, and that being able to envision the entire look is what differentiates someone with a great fashion sense.

But that is not always practical. In fact, in most cases, we think of individual elements and how we can include them in a look instead of thinking of the entire outfit.

This could be used as a strength, actually. If you are the kind of person who looks at the finer details of the look, and sticks to paying attention to how these individual elements might add to a look, you can use this to curate smart formals.

Smart formals are formals done in a more flexible, functional and versatile way. You want your looks to be impactful, but minimalistic. And you want to be able to wear them in a casual as well as more formal settings.

So check out our guide on how to curate smart formal dressing style to pull off some amazing looks

• Outfit Style - Formal outfits for men. Outfits with pants & shirts
• Our Most Favourite Look - Navy Pants + White Shirt + Leather Shoes
• Occasion -Business casual / Daily wear
• Featured - Chirs Mehan
• Budget - Low to Medium
• Age Group - 24 to 50 years 
• Recommended Read - More Formal Outfits For Men
• Recommended Guide - Capsule Wardrobe For Men (eBook)

Smart Formal Dressing Style For Men

Navy Pants + White Short + Tan Leather Shoes

It is best to start with something that is a classic. It goes without saying that simple, formal white shirts have been the mainstays of men’s wardrobes for several decades now.

And yes, wearing them frequently can prove to be a problem because you have to learn how to maintain their neatness, they do help you look effortlessly good in most settings – whether formal or casual.

Then, combine a formal white shirt with a pair of blue trousers, and some ochre dress shoes. Complement the ochre shoes with a matching belt to complete the look.

Grey Pants + Navy Shirt + Tan Double Monk Shoes

You can also go for a simple blue shirt instead of a white one, especially if you are a fan of the darker side of the palette. These looks are great for office wear, and you can very easily switch out the formal trousers and go for a pair of denims if you want to make the look less formal.

The whole look here is quite fitted, especially since the formal trousers are as snug. Make sure that you keep the trousers well ironed so that they do not look wrinkled when you are wearing them.

Finish the look with a pair of brown dress shows and a matching belt. You can go for a pair of shoes that have a more interesting buckle detail than the more conventional laces.

Olive Green Pants + Black Shirt + Black Leather Shoes

The other way of styling smart formals, is to focus on combining elements that contrast with each other.

You want to keep the look simple in terms of the number of elements, so bear in mind that you only have four or five things to work with – and you have to make an impact with them.

So go for something in a jewel tone – such the shirt and the pants here. Both of them, in a sleek black and bright olive, bring out the colours of the look by contrasting with them.

Finish the look with a pair of black dress shoes and a complementing black belt.

Navy Pants + Light Blue Shirt + Tan Leather Shoes

You can also go for something in a paler blue color if you are styling the look for a simple day at the office. This is a shade of blue that you should absolutely have in your wardrobe, since this is really easy to style.

You can go for a lot of different options here. But if you want to keep it minimalistic, go for a pair of dark blue formal trousers and finish the look with a pair of brown dress shoes and a matching brown belt.

Black Chino Pants + Grey Shirt + Black Double Monk Shoes 

You can go for the classic combination of a grey shirt and black pants as well. This is a match made in heaven for those who want to keep their looks a little edgy but just as professional.

A lot depends on the formal appeal of a look like this, so make sure you for something that has a good silhouette. Finish the look with a pair of black boots and a black belt.