Business Casual for Men: The No-Stress Guide

The concept of “business casual” can be confusing to some, as the term almost sounds like an oxymoron. However, you have definitely seen it before, you just didn’t know it; here is a quick guide to help you master business casual looks. 

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What is Business Casual?

Firstly, understanding what business casual is can help you create outfits more easily. In simple terms, business casual is a mix of traditional formal office wear and modern trends, cuts, and designs. 

For instance, wearing a pair of men’s formal boots with some fitted chinos, or a plain white T-shirt with a blazer, it isn’t quite formal, but it definitely wouldn’t be seen as casual either. 

Workplace-Based Business Casual

The one problem you will encounter is that business casual isn’t the same in every workplace. Due to traditions and the standards some employers place on clothing choices, these can differ drastically between companies, even within similar fields. 

For example, business casual in a tech start-up run by a few 20-something-year-olds won’t be the same as business casual in an old-school law firm. This is why your best bet is to see what others are wearing. 

When in Doubt, Look Around

If you ever think you are overdressed or underdressed, the easiest way to fix this is to look around at what others are wearing. You can take this a step further, and look at what your manager or CEO is wearing, as they will be setting the example for others. 

Casual vs Formal

Now that you understand what business casual is, the next question you probably have is what constitutes “casual” and what constitutes “formal.” The latter is fairly easy to figure out, but what is and isn’t casual can be difficult. 

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Design

The first thing to look at is whether the clothing item has a design. More often than not, if there are graphics or slogans plastered across the item, it is too casual and won’t be appropriate. 

Colors

Next, when it comes to colors, the rule of thumb is that the brighter it is, the more casual it is. For instance, white, black, grey, tan, navy blue, and even dark green are all acceptable, whereas pink, lime green, or bright blue shirts are all more casual. 

Trends

Finally, the trendier the item, the more casual it likely is. Whether it is a fun new pattern, a unique pants design, or something in between, if it is trendy, it is usually casual. Therefore, sticking to classic cuts and silhouettes is often a better choice. 

Business Casual Staples

If this is your first time dressing in business casual, you may not know where to start. Here are a few staples to help you create a simple and stylish capsule wardrobe. 

Blazers

The first thing you need is a couple of blazers: a more formal one and a more relaxed, casual one. Both give you the formal look you are going for, while the latter is a bit less uptight and better for day-to-day office work or business lunches. 

Shirts

For shirts, aim for a decent mix, but keep in mind they should all pair well with your blazers. White T-shirts and button-down shirts are a must, but you can also throw in black, grey, navy blue, or olive green variants. 

If you don’t have an endless budget for clothing, Chambray-style shirts are a great in-between: they're formal enough for the dress code but still relaxed enough to keep you comfortable throughout the day. 

Pants

For pants, you should invest in three pairs, with each lying on different points on the “formality scale.” First off, you can never go wrong with a good pair of fitted jeans. Remember, fitted does not mean skinny or skin-tight, but rather tailored. 

Next, a pair of tailored chinos falls somewhere in the middle of business casual, similar to the Chambray shirt. They can be dressed up or down and easily worn with a T-shirt or a blazer. 

Finally, a pair of tailored dress pants caps off what you need. While you won’t necessarily wear them day-to-day, for more formal meetings, events, etc, they are a must. 

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Shoes

Finally, shoes can often be a tough part of this process: you don’t want to look like you are going to a wedding, you don’t want them to be uncomfortable, but you also know you can’t wear your comfiest 8-year-old sneakers. 

Much like the pants, there are three types you should go for. Firstly, a great pair of more “dressy” sneakers. Think of something that is black or tan, leather, and with no other colors or designs on it. 

Next, you need something that falls between business and casual. Lace-up boots, desert boots, and Derbys are all formal enough, but with the casual comfort you are looking for in an all-day shoe. 

Finally, you need your formal dress shoes. Oxfords are the typical go-to for many men, but you can also opt for something a bit more unique, like monkstraps. 

By ML Staff. Images courtesy of Unsplash