Smart casual. The operative word in ‘smart casual’ is—you guessed right—‘smart.’ (Tip: A plaid shirt cuffed just below the elbows look effortless and not too sloppy.) Veer from your beat-up sneakers—they may have weathered the storms, but they'll make you look lousy when the game calls for smart. Snappy! You may also opt for an extra top layer: a hip sports blazer will make you look hip. Consider a letterman jacket, or a lightweight cardigan. For the chillax after-party in the horizon, feel free to unbutton and reveal your talismanic T-shirt of choice.
Mustard hooded toggle jacket, P999, plaid shirt, P1,499, and jeans, P999, all Penshoppe; Wolverine T-shirt, P699, Marvel x Folded & Hung; black leather boot-and-sneaker hybrid, P5,990, Feiyue at Shoe Shalon
Corporate. A strictly suit-and-tie commitment, the kind of serious uniform you’d wear to meet possible employers. Color-wise, don’t go to the extremes. No white suits, or jetblack ones, please. And wear a light shirt with a stiff collar. Pick a tie that’s not too narrow or too wide. Business attire should reflect the good judgment of most successful businesses: Don’t take risks unless you’re absolutely sure they’re worth taking.
Navy suit jacket, 1,499, Penshoppe; light blue pinstripe shirt, P1,750, and black leather belt, P1,090, both Mundo at The Ramp Crossings; stylist’s own navy tie; navy trousers, P1,750, Folded & Hung; stained leather cap-toe oxfords in pewter, P3,790, Frank at Traffic Footwear
Formal. While you can't go wrong with a black suit and a crisp white shirt, it can make you look like everyone else—caterers and servers, included. How to pull off a gray suit without looking like a geriatric banker? Wear a shirt in a deep jewel tone (like burgundy, or midnight blue as shown here) and seal the deal with brown leather accents.
Gray shawl lapel suit jacket, P2,880, midnight blue shirt, P1,690, and gray trousers P1,750, all Mundo at The Ramp Crossings; stylist’s own bow tie; charcoal vest with light pink and blue dots, P1,325, 21 Men at Forever 21; brown faux leather belt, P279, Folded & Hung; brown leather cap-toe oxfords with perforation detail, price available upon request, Frank at Traffic Footwear
