FIELD NOTES
Being a fashion writer and a style consultant, the biggest gripe I hear from men has always been some version of: Except now it's worse, because even the codes around dressing for the office have collapsed. The frustration at not being able to nail “smart casual” is palpable-and understandable: As the phrase itself suggests, it's an in-between approach that requires dressing comfortably yet also stylishly (or is it the other way around?) and without looking like you've made much effort. No wonder guys throw up their hands and reach for what they already know.
