tenue de ville
Smart casual in French is tenue de ville.
The term describes a dress code that is neat and professional but not as formal as a full suit.
Which one should you use?
The phrase tenue décontractée chic is a more modern, literal way to say 'smart casual' and is frequently seen in fashion magazines or modern event invitations. On the other hand, Look décontracté and Habillé mais relax are informal ways to say "smart casual" in French.
Did you know?
- While tenue de ville translates to 'city dress', the word ville is a doublet of the English word 'villa'.
- In high-society French circles, tenue de ville can still be interpreted as a full suit and tie for men, making the 'casual' part of the English equivalent a potential risk.
- In historical contexts, tenue de ville did not refer to a relaxed style, but rather to the formal attire required for life in a civilized town or city.
Example conversation
Manon and Nathan are discussing what to wear to a work event.
- ManonQue doit-on porter pour la soirée, Nathan ?What should we wear for the party, Nathan?
- NathanL'invitation précise une tenue de ville.The invitation specifies smart casual.
- ManonEst-ce que je peux mettre un jean ?Can I wear jeans?
- NathanNon, choisis quelque chose de plus élégant.No, choose something more elegant.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, ville, CC BY-SA 4.0.
