Mastering Business Casual for Men: A Complete Guide to Looking Professional

Business casual is the middle ground between traditional business and modern casual. Some industries — such as the tech and creative sectors — skew more towards the casual side of business casual, while others — like law firms and C-suite positions — are still more formal.

A solid business casual wardrobe includes long-sleeve shirts and polo shirts, chinos, and tailored trousers in neutral colors, and dress shoes or boots. A stylish hat is also acceptable, especially flat or newsboy styles.

Men’s Business Casual Attire

Men’s business casual attire strikes a delicate balance between comfort and professionalism. Button-down shirts in light neutrals or classic dark colors are a safe choice, but you can also go for patterns like stripes and microprints if appropriate for your company culture. If you want to spruce up your look, try adding a blazer in a complementary shade or even a bright color that fits your style. Unlike business formal, where you need to wear a tie with every outfit, business casual doesn’t require one and go now https://aristino.com/.

A solid pair of khakis, corduroy pants, or chinos are a good choice for bottoms. Avoid jeans unless specifically allowed in your workplace’s dress code, and opt for pants with a crease or tailored fit. You don’t need to wear a belt, but you can add a stylish leather belt or a woven tie clip for a polished look. For footwear, a pair of clean sneakers works well. While heels are more typical in more formal dress codes, flats and boots can help elevate a casual look.

Business Casual for Men

Keeping your wardrobe in line with business casual standards can be challenging. To make sure you’re on the right track, consider consulting with HR or a colleague. You may also find it helpful to use an employee management system like Connecteam, which provides a customizable platform for communicating dress code guidelines and visuals with your team.

Business Casual Dress Code

Business casual attire is a more relaxed version of traditional formal business wear, popular in modern workplaces and professional events where full suits aren’t required. It’s a great look for men who want to stay polished, but don’t have the time or budget for full suit outfits.

MaryKathryn McArthur, lead stylist at Short Story, a DTC retailer and personal styling service that helps petite women, says that business casual strikes “that harmonious balance between a formal work set-up and weekend casualwear.” She adds that while business casual may sound more laidback than a suit and tie, it still prioritizes a professional appearance.

To achieve a polished, business casual look, pair dress pants with a long or short-sleeved button up shirt or polo shirt. A tailored sweater or light colored blazer can also elevate the look of your outfit. For shoes, dark denim or neutral-colored khakis are acceptable in many workplaces, but check with your company’s culture and industry standards to ensure that you are dressing appropriately for your business casual wardrobe.

In terms of accessories, a leather belt and classic watch are appropriate for business casual attire. Other items such as a scarf or tasteful hat can be added to the look for a more stylish finish. Keep in mind that while business casual is more casual than formal business attire, you should still choose high-quality clothing for your outfits. Casual doesn’t mean cheap, and your employers will notice if you show up to work in low-quality outfits.

What is Business Casual?

Business casual is a more relaxed version of formal business attire and is commonly seen in modern workplaces and professional events where full suits are not required. Men’s business casual outfits typically include a button-down shirt in either white, light blue or subtle patterns, paired with dress pants or neat chinos in neutral colors. A blazer is an optional addition to add structure and formality to the look. For shoes, a pair of polished brown loafers or Oxfords is appropriate for business casual wear. A leather belt and a classic watch complete the look.

For women, a sheath or A-line dress is ideal for a smart yet casual look in the office. While strappy sandals and pumps are acceptable in many workplaces, choose closed-toe styles that are polished and appropriate for the office. Choose hemlines that are above the knee or at the knee for a more professional appearance and avoid overly casual designs and patterns.

In terms of what is not considered business casual, it’s important to remember that your outfit is a form of self-representation and communicates a nonverbal message about your work ethic, competence and professionalism. This is why it’s best to avoid outfits that show unexpected skin such as clingy or tight clothing, shorts and skirts that expose the upper thighs and excessive cleavage.

Business Casual Tips for Men

Many men find it challenging to strike the right balance between business casual and business professional. Fortunately, a few small tweaks to your wardrobe can significantly enhance your look and help you make the transition with ease.

Choosing the right shoes is an important aspect of your business casual attire. Avoid flip-flops, slides and sandals in favour of leather loafers, Oxfords or derbies, or stylish Chelsea boots or two-tone chukka shoes. You can also choose to colour match your shoes or opt for a contrasting pair to add a touch of style.

As a general rule, you should avoid wearing sneakers with business casual, but if your workplace is more relaxed this is fine. In addition, it’s important to consider the expectations of your particular workplace when dressing for business casual. Some industries – such as finance, law firms and C-suite executives may still be a little more formal than others.

Adding a blazer or sport coat to your outfit can help to make it more business casual. Look for a jacket in a classic colour such as navy, grey, dark green or brown to coordinate with your trousers. If you want to go further, a linen or summer wool jacket will also work nicely. Opt for a single-breasted or patch pocket design for a more relaxed finish.