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The Guardian - UK

What does 'smart casual' actually mean for men?

A man trying on a tie — A job to tie for? Photograph: Getty Images/Glow

Every week a Guardian Money reader submits a question, and it’s up to you to help him or her out – a selection of the best answers will appear in next Saturday’s paper.

I’m a 26-year-old male who has landed his first proper job, but my heart sank at the dress code: smart casual. What does that actually mean? Blazers and chinos from Marks & Spencer? I don’t have a large budget and I don’t know what is expected of me. Are jeans allowed? Please help – my dad laughed and said I should go to C&A or Burton.

Do you have a problem readers could solve? Email your suggestions to money@theguardian.com or write to us at Money, the Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU

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