With even the most formal workplaces relaxing dress codes, it is now casual Friday every day in the corporate sector. We’re not suggesting you show up to work in your tracksuit pants and runners. However, it is now more acceptable to dress casually for work and let a little bit of your personality shine through. Indeed, personal style should never be overlooked, and our workwear clothing is no exception. Clothing defines us as people, not just as employees. It is natural for gentlemen to want to wear proper office attire, regardless of the level of formality. We usually recognize the need to dress well for the office, especially given our culture’s love of tailored suits. What about business casual attire? We’ve compiled a no-fuss style guide for owning business casual for men, from shoes to shirt selection.
What is Business Casual?
While dressing up for work events is the norm, business casual is a relatively new phenomenon. With the rise of Silicon Valley’s tech titans in the 1990s came a shift in standards. Startup culture demanded less formal attire in the office, preferring jeans, T-shirts, and hoodies. Of course, this isn’t appropriate for every office setting, but the desire for comfortable clothing quickly took over. This has evolved over time, combining the two styles to create the ideal office-friendly hybrid of work and casual attire.
Business casual is a bit more ambiguous than formal attire or casual attire. It’s one of those dress codes that doesn’t really have a strict definition, like semi-formal or dressy casual. It is loosely defined as an office dress code that is more casual than standard corporate attire but not casual enough for everyday wear. The ambiguity of this dress code should not be cause for concern. Instead, it should be met with zeal. It’s up to you how you interpret it, but embrace the business casual dress code as enthusiastically as you would any of your formal or casual looks. The key to nailing this corporate clothing style is to keep it youthful, fun, and trendy. It should be tailored to your features and build. Business casual attire should still be polished, neat, and clean-cut. After all, this is the office. So there’s no excuse for sloppy or boring dressing. Instead, think of business casual as an opportunity to wear a few statement or trendy pieces to work.
Business Casual Outfits
Business Casual Shirts
Depending on where you work, it’s probably best to stick to a button-down shirt. Some industries, such as education and the creative industries, may allow for a plain white T-shirt and blazer combination. However, if you work in the corporate world, a shirt is still appropriate. The classic color-bond button-down shirts are unbeatable. Traditional shirts work well if they are well-tailored, made of high-quality materials, and ironed or steamed. Any business casual wardrobe should include a few good button-down shirts. They are both flattering and versatile, and they look great with tailored pants, chinos, under jackets, cardigans, and blazers.
Business Casual Chinos
Chinos are great because they enhance the appeal of casual looks while remaining casual. Chinos’ common materials also make them suitable for the workplace. For maximum versatility, you’ll want chinos in all of the classic colors. The colors black, navy, khaki, and beige are suggested. These colors are extremely versatile and will be excellent investments for your personal wardrobe. They also look quite professional for the office, so you won’t feel completely undressed. They can be dressed up as well as down. Also, make sure your chinos fit snugly and aren’t too long or too short. Once you’ve found a style or brand that works well for you, invest in multiple pairs and colors to ensure that all of your looks are consistently polished and fit properly.
Business Casual Shoes
The great thing about adapting your personal style to business casual is that you can use a lot of what you already have in your closet. Brogues, monk straps, loafers, and Oxfords are all good choices for business casual shoes, but consider switching up the materials you use. Suedes and matte leathers are versatile and will give your look a more relaxed vibe. Also, make sure to use conservative colors. You should never forget to be professional in your business casual attire. Black is timeless and pairs well with crisp white shirts, but use business casual to inject more color into your wardrobe. Dusty brown is recommended because it works well with other neutral tones such as beiges and tans, as well as navies, emerald greens, and rich burgundies.
Business Casual Blazers
Blazers for business casual should not be overly formal, but should still have a dressed-up appearance. Choose blazers with minimal structure to appear professional but not overly conservative. The fit is critical, and you don’t want anything baggy or that overpowers your appearance. Keep in mind that blazers in classic colors will ground your outfits and give them a classic edge. When selecting a blazer, keep a youthful appearance in mind as it will register stylish.
Business Casual Cardigans and Sweaters
The best tip for mastering business casual is to wear great sweaters and cardigans. These clothing items work well because they add a relaxed element to your office looks without making you appear too casual. Most importantly, consider the type of knitwear you want to wear. Choose round-neck cable knit sweaters for a clean, classic look that screams Americana and preppy while remaining sophisticated. Shawl neck cardigans should be in every man’s wardrobe, not just for business casual attire. Because these cardigans will be worn a lot, make sure they fit well and are of good quality. Furthermore, they are extremely comfortable. If you want something more relaxed, go for grandpa-style cardigans, which are simple but still appropriate for office wear
Business Casual Jeans
While chinos are an excellent choice for business casual attire, jeans are also an option. Despite their inherent casualness, a great pair of jeans worn correctly can look perfectly at home in an office setting. Choose a design that appears sophisticated and neat to rock business casual jeans. A straight-leg style in black or dark blue is especially appropriate. Just make sure they don’t have any rips and aren’t too faded to make you look polished rather than sloppy. When it comes to office jeans styling, make sure to pair them with sophisticated pieces. Wearing smart items, such as an Oxford shirt and derby shoes, will not only look great, but will also elevate your look to an appropriate level.
Business Casual Jackets
When a blazer is too formal and a sweater is too preppy, there are a number of other business casual jackets that can serve as excellent substitutes. A stylish bomber jacket, in particular, can be an excellent choice. Just make sure to choose one in a dark or neutral color to ensure it looks polished. Similarly, chore and dark denim jackets can be appropriate for the office if paired with a smart outfit. Try wearing a business casual jacket with chinos, derby shoes, and an Oxford shirt for a stylish look. If you still feel underdressed, consider adding a tie to your ensemble.
Summer Business Casual
Wearing a smart casual outfit will help you avoid sweating profusely in the office. In the summer, opt for a lightweight shirt in blue or white with roll-up sleeves if you need some ventilation. Stick to darker trousers that are breathable – chinos and linen are excellent choices. While dress shoes are the traditional choice, boat shoes or brogues can be worn for a more relaxed look. These are best suited for summer events where you need to look professional but also want to stay cool and fresh.
Winter Business Casual
When the mercury drops and temperatures begin to fall, layering is the best way to dress for the office. Begin with a white button-down shirt and add a crew neck sweater – grey and blue are great choices because they go with so many other colors. Swap out the classic shirt for a turtleneck to keep your neck warm – pair it with a blazer for a polished look. Add an overcoat to stay warm without looking too casual – camel, navy, and charcoal are great neutral and flattering options.
What to Wear to a Business Casual Interview
No matter where you’re going, job interviews require clean, tidy attire. If you are applying for a position in technology, you can dress casually while still looking professional. Begin with a pair of dark trousers – chinos or black jeans work well if you don’t want to wear suit pants. Add a button-down shirt in blue, check, or white for an office-friendly look that isn’t too formal. Always tuck your shirt into your trousers and wear a belt to tie the outfit together. Depending on the weather, you can layer on a blazer or sweater in colors like grey or tan. You don’t need to wear a tie with this outfit because it will make you appear overdressed. Dress shoes are a classic choice, but clean sneakers can give you a more relaxed vibe.
Business Casual Attire Tips
When dressing in business casual attire, it is important to strike a balance between professionalism and comfort. Here are some tips to help you achieve the right look:
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- Choose a business casual outfit that is professional without being overly formal.
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- When it comes to shirts, go for a solid-colored button-down or one with a pattern.
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- Chinos are the perfect pants for a business casual look.
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- Consider suede or leather brogues, monk straps, loafers, and Oxfords when shopping for shoes.
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- Finish the look with a casual blazer, cardigan, or sweater.
By following these tips, you can create a business casual outfit that is both comfortable and professional.
Business Casual for Men FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
Can we wear jeans for business casual?
For a business casual look, jeans are a great alternative to chinos. However, when styling the outfit, keep an office setting in mind. Because denim is an inherently casual piece of clothing, pair it with elements that are more formal, such as a blazer, button-down shirt, and dress shoes. When selecting the right fit, choose colors that complement the rest of your wardrobe – a black or navy straight-leg pair will work well for a variety of occasions.
When is business casual appropriate?
Business casual attire is appropriate for a wide range of occasions. This dress code can be worn anywhere, from an after-work drinks night with colleagues to a job interview. However, it is critical to check the dress code before attending an event; not all business casual is created equal. For a potential job interview, wear chinos and a button-down, with a sweater or blazer if necessary. If you’re going to a work holiday party, try dark straight-leg jeans with a neutral button-down for a more casual look. If in doubt, a well-dressed and sharp ensemble is sure to impress.
Can I wear business casual clothes to a meeting?
Business casual is appropriate for a meeting, but make sure your outfit is clean and neat. Depending on the meeting, you may want to wear dark denim and a shirt; if it’s inside, you may not want to wear a blazer. If the meeting is with potential clients or for an interview, however, it is safe to dress on the more formal side of the dress code spectrum. A pair of slacks or chinos, a neat shirt, Oxford shoes, and a blazer or sweater are all required.
Do I have to tuck in my shirt?
It is best to tuck your shirt into your pants when dressing for a business casual dress code. This will result in an instantly neat and tidy outfit. Some may argue that you can leave it untucked, but this may appear unprofessional. If you’re wearing a sweater or cardigan, make sure no shirt peeks out from underneath. While you can still wear jeans and other casual clothing, it’s important to look put together and neat.
Is a vest/waistcoat business casual?
Waistcoats are typically associated with formal attire, but they can be dressed down for a more casual look. Wearing it with a blazer or a tie will make you appear quite dressed up. Wear them with a printed button-down or a plain T-shirt, and leave the buttons undone to allow them to hang loosely. Add some dark-colored chinos to complete the look.
Can shorts be business casual?
While you can look professional in more casual attire, it’s best to avoid wearing shorts in a business casual setting. If it’s hot outside, pair your outfit with chinos or dark jeans – it’s casual enough for a relaxed vibe but still looks put together.
Are black jeans appropriate for business casual?
Black jeans are an excellent choice for a business casual look. Check that they are clean and well-fitting, with no tears or embellishments. Wear them with a button-down shirt, turtleneck, or T-shirt, and top with a blazer or sweater for a more sophisticated look.
