A Guide to Business Casual for Men
Business Casual Can Be Confusing — Here’s How to Get It Right
Let’s be honest — “business casual” is one of those terms that gets thrown around a lot, but it’s rarely explained well.
The truth is, it can go one of two ways:
A) You can lean more “business” — think sharper, more tailored, more put-together.
B) Or, you can lean more “casual” — relaxed, but still polished and intentional.
The key to nailing the look comes down to three things:
1. Your dress code
2. The time of year
3. Your personal style
Dialing in on those will help you decide how to strike the balance.
A Guide to Business Casual for Men
Let’s break it down with examples:
Outfit #1: The More “Business” Side of Business Casual
If you're leaning more professional — maybe it's for a client meeting, presentation, or networking event — this look has you covered:
Wear:
A lightweight navy blazer
A white or light blue button-down shirt
Tailored chinos (tan or gray work best)
Dark brown leather loafers or oxfords
A slim leather belt to match
Why it works:
This outfit keeps things structured and intentional without going full suit-and-tie. The blazer brings formality, while the chinos and loafers strike the casual balance.
These garments are designed with a more substantial weight and structure than traditional suit jackets.
Keep in mind: suit jackets are meant to be worn with their matching trousers — that’s how you maintain a cohesive, well-put-together look. Pairing them with casual bottoms like denim tends to throw off the balance and makes the jacket look out of place due to its lighter construction.
Pair your jacket with a crisp, neutral-colored dress shirt for a classic, polished foundation.
Opt for a semi-spread collar and make sure it’s tucked in neatly for a clean, refined finish. Round out the look with a sleek leather belt to tie everything together.
You’ve got options here: go with a sharp pair of chinos for warmer days, or lean on the timeless appeal of dark wash jeans for year-round versatility.
Both work—just let the weather guide your choice.
Leather oxfords or loafers are a foolproof way to elevate your business-casual look—polished, refined, and effortlessly stylish.
Outfit # 2
If you're aiming for a slightly more relaxed look, skip the blazer and opt for a refined crewneck sweater as your top layer instead.
When putting together your outfit, be sure to factor in the current weather.
A lightweight crew or v-neck sweater layered over your dress shirt adds just the right amount of sophistication and aligns perfectly with a business casual aesthetic.
A solid-colored dress shirt — think crisp white, light blue, or even a classic navy gingham — can instantly elevate your style when buttoned up. It’s a simple yet effective way to present a clean, refined appearance.
You can opt for either a stylish pair of wool trousers or classic dark wash jeans — both are incredibly versatile and serve as a solid foundation for a variety of outfits.
Derbies, Oxfords, and loafers are all excellent footwear choices for a business casual setting. Each strikes the right balance — polished enough to look intentional, but never overly formal.
Outfit # 3
This jacket is a true wardrobe essential for every distinguished man.
It’s the suede material that really elevates the look—adding instant class and polish to any outfit.
If suede isn’t quite your style, you can always opt for a classic cotton or refined wool version instead.
When it comes to your polo, achieving a trim, snug fit is key to a sharp, well-tailored appearance.
Fit is king—always.
You can’t go wrong with either chinos or dark wash jeans—both are versatile staples.
Let the season guide your choice:
On warmer days, opt for chinos to stay cool and sharp.
When temperatures drop, dark wash jeans offer a more substantial, season-appropriate option.
A pair of dress shoes will always add a refined touch to your overall look.
But if you’re aiming for that perfect middle ground between casual and business, opt for a luxe leather sneaker in a clean, neutral color. It’s modern, sharp, and still office-appropriate.
What to Avoid in Business Casual
Ties: Generally too formal for business casual. Unless the setting calls for it, skip it.
Shorts: Always a no. Save them (and flip-flops) for the beach or poolside.
T-Shirts: As foundational as they are, tees lean too casual for this setting.
Untucked Dress Shirts: A polished look requires a proper tuck. (Polos are the only exception here—they’re designed to look sharp untucked.)
Brandi is a personal stylist with over a decade of experience helping men show up with confidence and ease. She offers tailored style solutions that take the guesswork out of getting dressed—so you look sharp and feel great, no matter the occasion.