A Guide to Business Casual for Men
Business casual can be a pretty confusing term to grasp. One things for sure, it can either lean more “business-like” or lean more “casual” it really all depends. The surefire way to nail the business casual look is to first consider a few very important things first.
Read more on “A guide to business casual for men …”
Business Casual
Business casual can go two different ways: you can focus more on pieces that help dress up your look to present more “business-like” or 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 “dressier”, 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, as pairing them with other bottoms will just look mismatched and lack cohesion.
Pair your jacket with a simple crisp neutral colored dress shirt for a classic and polished look. Opt for a semi-spread collared style shirt and make sure to tuck it neatly into your pants. 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, ideal for warmer weather, or 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, making either choice suitable for any occasion.
Leather oxfords or loafers make the perfect choice for an effortlessly stylish dressy-casual look, adding a touch of class 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. Opt for a lightweight crew or v-neck sweater to layer over your dress shirt, adding a touch of sophistication to your look.
A solid colored dress shirt, like a crisp white or light blue option, or even a classic gingham shirt in navy, can elevate your style when buttoned up, creating a nice refined appearance.
You have the option to choose between a stylish pair of wool trousers or classic dark wash jeans - both are versatile choices that offer a great foundation for creating many different outfits.
Derby’s, oxfords, and loafers are all great choices for footwear. These specific type of shoes are ideal for when the dress code calls for “business casual," this ensemble strikes the perfect balance of being appropriate but not overly formal.
Outfit # 3
This jacket is truly a versatile piece that hold top spot in every distinguished man’s wardrobe. It’s suede material adds a touch of class and style to any outfit. If suede 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 presenting a well-tailored appearance that will ensure you look your best. Make sure to prioritize this in order to look your best.
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 you prefer the perfect blend of casual and business, choose for a pair of luxe leather sneakers in a neutral color.
**Things to Avoid for Business Casual**
Tie: 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 that everyone should have in abundance, it typically won’t work due to it’s casual nature.
Untucked shirt: Your dress shirts are always tucked in for a formal dress code. 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 tails for this purpose.
Use this valuable information for continued success so you can attract investment from others just as you invest in yourself.
I've provided a comprehensive list of actionable steps that men can take to elevate themselves and become the greatest version they can be — be sure to explore more posts to gain deeper insights.
Remember to join my newsletter to receive practical and insightful content like this from me on a monthly basis.
I look forward to connecting with you in your inbox soon!
Brandi is a wardrobe consultant and stylist helping leading men feel more confident in their style. She provides carefully-curated style offerings, dedicated to relieving all your style struggles, so you stay looking and feeling your absolute best.
Prefer real-time style assistance?
Start with a complimentary consultation to see how I might be able to help you.