A Guide to Business Casual for Men
Business casual can sometimes be a confusing term to grasp.
One things for sure, it can either lean more “business” or more “casual” but it really all depends.
The surefire way to nail the business casual look is to first consider a few important things.
Read more on for “A guide to business casual for men …”
Business Casual
Business casual can go two different ways:
A) You can focus more on pieces that help dress up your look to present more “business-like.”
or
B) You can lean more into the casual aspect, where you’d “dress down” your business-casual look to appear more relaxed.
Ultimately you want to consider dress code, time of year and personal preference to determine which direction works best for you.
Outfit # 1
If you want to appeal more “business” try out this look:
These garments are designed to provide a robust and substantial feel compared to suit jackets.
Remember that suit jackets are best worn with their original matching pants to maintain a well-put-together look — pairing them with other bottoms, like denim, will just look mismatched and lack harmony due to the flimsy weight.
Pair your jacket with a simple, crisp, neutral colored dress shirt for a classic and polished look.
Go for a semi-spread collared shirt and ensure it’s tucked neatly into your pants for a clean finish.
Complete the look by adding a sleek leather belt to tie everything together.
You have the flexibility to choose between a stylish pair of chinos, which are ideal for warmer weather, or you can opt for the timeless versatility of dark wash jeans.
Chinos are the perfect match for a sunny day while a fresh pair of jeans can effortlessly transition through all seasons, so it really boils down to the weather.
Leather oxfords or loafers are the perfect choice for an effortlessly stylish dressy-casual look, and will add a touch of class and refinement to your outfit.
Outfit # 2
If you're aiming for a slightly less formal look, skip the blazer altogether and instead choose a cozy sweater as your top layer.
When deciding on your outfit, take into consideration the current weather conditions.
Go for a lightweight crew or v-neck sweater to layer over your dress shirt - this will layer in an air of sophistication and best complement the business casual aesthetic you’re going for.
A solid colored dress shirt, like a crisp white or light blue option, or even a classic gingham shirt in navy, can instantly elevate your style when buttoned up — great option a nice and refined appearance.
You have the option to choose between a stylish pair of wool trousers or classic dark wash jeans - both are highly versatile and a great foundation for many different outfits.
Derby’s, oxfords, and loafers are all fantastic choices for footwear.
These specific shoes are ideal for business casual environments, and will help strike the perfect balance of being appropriate but not overly formal.
Outfit # 3
This jacket is truly a versatile piece that’s must have for every distinguished man’s wardrobe.
It’s the suede material that add class and style to an outfit.
If suede just isn't your preference, you can opt for a classic cotton or cozy wool version instead.
With your polo, achieving a trim snug fit is crucial for a well-tailored appearance that’ll ensure you look your great.
Fit is king!
You have the choice to go with a nice pair of chinos or dark wash jeans, as both options work equally.
Let the time of year or current weather conditions guide your decision on whether to go for chinos or dark wash jeans.
When it's warmer out, lean toward a stylish pair of chinos that’ll align better with the season.
Conversely, if the weather calls for something a bit more substantial, then dark wash jeans will be your next best choice.
A pair of dress shoes undoubtedly adds more of an elevated vibe to your overall look.
If you prefer the perfect blend of casual and business, choose a pair of luxe leather sneakers in a solid neutral color.
**Things to Avoid for Business Casual
Ties: Generally, wearing a tie is not acceptable as it can lend a more formal look. Although there are always exceptions.
Shorts: Never acceptable, reserve flip flops for full-on casual settings like a leisurely day at the beach or somewhere poolside.
T-shirts: While a t-shirt is indeed a versatile wardrobe essential, it typically won’t work in this scenario due to it’s casual nature.
Untucked shirt: The only exception to this rule is with a polo shirt, as it can be stylishly worn untucked while maintaining a polished appearance.
When going with a dress shirt, remember to keep them neatly tucked in at all times since they are specifically designed with a longer tail strictly for this purpose.
Brandi is a personal stylist with over 10 years of experience helping men feel confident in their clothing. She offers tailored style solutions to solve your fashion issues, ensuring you look and feel great for any occasion.