Country casual attire is a dress code that is more relaxed compared to traditional business attire, but still polished enough to look professional. It is often seen in country club settings, outdoor weddings, and other similar events. Country casual attire is a combination of comfort and style that allows for a relaxed yet refined look. In this article, we will discuss what country casual attire is and what items are considered appropriate for this dress code.
What does country casual attire mean?
The term “country casual” hints at a more relaxed dress code that’s commonly observed in outdoor events, particularly for country clubs or golf courses. It is a dress code that is between casual and formal and can vary depending on the event’s requirements. Men might find themselves wearing a blazer or sport coat, while women can opt for a breezy sundress or a comfortable two-piece set.
The dress code can vary from event to event, so it’s essential to check with the organizer to avoid any dress code mishaps. For instance, a summer garden wedding might require you to dress up a bit more than a family picnic at the clubhouse. One way to determine what country casual entails is to check the venue, host, and time of the event to get clues on what is considered acceptable.
What items are appropriate for country casual attire?
If you’re unsure what to wear for a country casual event, here are some items that you can choose from:
For Men
• Button-up shirt: A button-up shirt in a neutral color like white or blue with a collar will work well for most country casual events. Men can wear fitted dress shirts or looser styles depending on their preference.
• Khaki pants or chinos: These are great alternatives to dress pants, and they are comfortable enough for a casual event.
• Blazers or sport coats: A blazer is a suitable option for a casual event, but for dressier events, a sport coat is a better choice. Men can wear blazers in colors like navy, olive, or beige, and pair them with khakis or chinos.
• Loafers: Loafers are a classic footwear choice for country casual events. Men can choose between leather or suede, and colors like brown, black, or burgundy.
For Women
• Sundress: A sundress is a great option for outdoor events. It’s casual, yet dressy enough for a country club setting. Opt for lighter colors and floral prints for a summer wedding or brunch.
• Two-piece sets: Two-piece sets like a skirt and top, or shorts and a blouse are a great alternative to dresses. These outfits can be more comfortable and still look chic.
• Low heels or sandals: Comfortable low heels or sandals come in handy for outdoor events. Stick to neutral or pastel colors for a dressier appeal.
What should you avoid wearing to a country casual event?
Although country casual attire is more relaxed than formal dress codes, there are still some things that you should avoid wearing:
• Activewear: Avoid wearing gym clothes or activewear to country casual events. Your outfit should be refined, relaxed, and not too sporty.
• Denim shorts or jeans: Denim shorts or jeans with holes and frays are too casual for a country club event. It’s best to choose dressier options like chinos or khakis.
• Sneakers: While sneakers can be high-end and stylish these days, it’s still wise to avoid wearing them to a country casual event. There are plenty of other shoe options that are comfortable and dressier, like loafers or sandals.
Final Thoughts
Country casual attire is an excellent choice for outdoor events that require a polished, yet relaxed look. It is a dress code that is unique and allows you to express your style while still meeting the event expectations. Men can choose between blazers and sport coats, while women can wear sundresses or two-piece sets. Although it is more laid back than formal dress codes, it’s still essential to avoid wearing activewear, denim, or sneakers. When dressing for a country casual event, choose clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and appropriate for the setting.
FAQ
What does country casual mean at a wedding?
Country casual is a popular dress code for weddings that take place in a relaxed, rural setting. This type of dress code seeks to reconcile the elegance of wedding attire with the easy-going nature of country life. The concept of county casual can differ depending on the location and specific ambiance of the wedding, but it generally encourages guests to dress in more informal and comfortable clothing, without completely sacrificing style and decorum.
For men, country casual attire can take the form of dress slacks or khakis, paired with an ironed button-up shirt. Lighter colors, such as cream or beige, can be a good choice for a summer wedding, while darker shades might be more appropriate for fall or winter. Loafers or comfortable yet dressy footwear are often a good fit for this type of dress code, and boots may be acceptable in colder months or for particularly rustic weddings.
Women’s country casual attire often looks somewhat like gentlemen’s, though female guests may lean more toward natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen. Dresses or skirts in calico, floral, or gingham patterns can add a bit of playful charm, while still appearing reasonably formal. Comfortable but still dressy shoes and simple, elegant accessories, such as pearl necklaces or earrings, can complete the look.
The key to understanding the country casual dress code is to balance convenience with fashion and grace. Wedding guests are often expected to look put-together and polished, but not at the expense of comfort and ease. By selecting well-fitting, cohesive outfits and paying attention to the timeframe and theme of the wedding, guests can be sure to hit the mark in terms of county casual attire.
What shoes can I wear to country club?
The dress code for country clubs tends to be more on the formal side, so it is important to choose the right shoes to complete your outfit. Shoes that are suitable for a country club should not only be stylish but also comfortable and appropriate for the environment. There are several options available for men, but by far the most popular shoe type for country club attire are loafers.
Loafers are slip-on shoes that have become a classic footwear style. They come in different materials and colors such as leather, suede, and even velvet, making them suitable for any formal and semi-formal occasions. The most popular and versatile type of loafer to wear at the country club is penny loafers. They are called penny loafers because they have a decorative slot that is perfect for holding a penny or any coin.
In terms of color, neutral shades such as black, brown, and tan are ideal as they can be matched easily with any dress code. The material of the loafer should also be considered. For instance, a pair of leather loafers would be more appropriate for winter while suede is perfect for summer. If you want a more casual look, you can go for boat shoes that come with soles with grip that could come in handy on boat decks. Although, it is also essential to note that boots, sandals or flip-flops are not suitable for a country club dress code.
When dressing for the country club, it is important to keep in mind that the dress code is generally formal. While there are several shoe options available, loafers are the most popular and versatile. Neutral colors of loafers such as black, brown, and tan are perfect as they can be matched easily with any outfit. You can choose between leather or suede loafers depending on the season. Remember, the shoes you wear also need to be tidy and well-polished to complete your country club look.
What happened to country casuals?
Country Casuals was a British clothing brand that had been in existence since 1973 and was well-known for offering classic yet fashionable clothing styles and accessories. The brand became popular for offering high-quality fabrics, excellent tailoring, and affordable prices. Country Casuals had over 400 stores in the UK, and in the 1990s, many stores were opened worldwide.
However, the brand began to experience financial difficulties, which led to the closure of many stores in the early 2000s. By 2011, Country Casuals had gone through many different owners and saw the closure of 31 stores across the UK. Despite this, the brand was eventually purchased by the Day family, owners of other clothing brands such as Jaeger, Austin Reed, and Viyella.
After the acquisition, the Day family implemented a strategy to restore the brand’s reputation and revamp the product line. They focused on creating modern classic styles that would appeal to a broader market while maintaining the brand’s identity. They also introduced a new online retail platform, which allowed customers to purchase products from anywhere in the world.
Nowadays, Country Casuals is a prosperous, independent, and privately-owned Scottish group with over 380 stores across the UK. It is well-known for offering high-quality products and excellent customer service. The brand has continued to evolve, adapting to new technologies and changing consumer preferences. With its new owners, Country Casuals looks set to remain a much-loved brand, providing quality fashion that reflects the changing tastes and attitudes of the market.