Start with one strong piece and build everything around it. The sculpted-shoulder wool overshirt gives you structure and a touch of 80s luxury without feeling costume. Pair it with high-waist pleated trousers, a chunky leather belt threaded through the loops, polished loafers and one bold gold cuff to create a smart-casual outfit that reads modern, masculine and effortlessly put together.
Why this works
The overshirt is the hero because it blends the relaxed feel of a shacket with the tailored presence of a blazer. Sculpted shoulders give the top a confident silhouette while the merino roll neck keeps the neck line clean and masculine. Pleated trousers add volume and long lines that balance the boxier overshirt. Finish with a classic belt worn through the loops, low-profile loafers and one statement metal cuff for a subtle glam note.
The Outfit Formula
Hero piece: sculpted-shoulder wool overshirt. Underlayer: lightweight merino roll neck. Trousers: high-waist pleated tapered trousers. Belt: chunky leather belt threaded through loops. Shoes: leather loafers or derby boots. One bold metal cuff and a classic watch complete the look.
How to copy it
- Fit balance – Choose an overshirt with defined shoulders but a slightly boxy body. The trousers should taper toward the ankle to avoid a shapeless silhouette.
- Belt rules – Use a chunky leather belt but keep it through the trouser loops only. This defines the waist while staying menswear-correct.
- Textural play – Combine textured wool with a satin or fine-gauge merino roll neck for contrast that reads luxe without being flashy.
- Shoes and finish – Polished loafers or minimal derby boots keep the look smart. One bold gold cuff or a broad metal watch adds the glam highlight without looking like costume jewelry.
If you like the sculpted shoulder idea in a sharper blazer form, see our sculpted-shoulder blazer casual glam for a related take. For more on pairing pleated trousers with structured knits, reference the styling notes in our structured-shoulder knit polo with relaxed pleated trousers piece.
Color Palette and Fabrics
Keep the palette grounded: deep navy overshirt, camel or ivory roll neck, navy or charcoal pleated trousers. Wool for the overshirt, a fine merino knit for the underlayer and smooth leather for belt and shoes create a tactile, premium mix. Satin detail on the shirt placket or a slight sheen on the cuff can add a hint of 80s glam while remaining modern.
Where to wear it
This outfit is ideal for weekend dinners, creative office settings, gallery openings and smart daytime events where you want to look intentionally dressed without being formal. It sits between relaxed and refined, so it works for most social occasions that call for elevated casual dressing.
Quick copy checklist
- Sculpted-shoulder wool overshirt in navy or camel
- Lightweight merino roll neck in ivory or camel
- High-waist pleated tapered trousers in navy or charcoal
- Chunky leather belt threaded through trouser loops
- Polished leather loafers or minimal derby boots
- Bold gold cuff or broad metal watch, structured leather messenger
Keep proportions clean, respect the belt placement rule, and let one gilded accessory provide the glam. That is smart casual with a confident, modern edge.
