A Guide To:
Men's Business Casual Dress Code
Photography by Jeremy French
Men’s business casual clothes boast a smart, sophisticated aesthetic. Think tailored silhouettes and well-fitting pieces paired with slick shoes and polished accessories. One of the easiest ways to get the look? Styling formal and casual clothing together. Still a little confused as to how to navigate the tricky men’s office casual dress code? Let us help you nail the business casual look.
1. Shirts
Shirts are a wardrobe essential when it comes to men’s office wear. Choose an Oxford shirt from Ralph Lauren to wear with tailored trousers, or pair a smart Hugo Boss polo shirt with chinos. When it comes to colour, stick to classic black, white and navy colourways, which are easy to switch in and out, or introduce a stripe or checked pattern from Tommy Hilfiger for a subtle statement. Whether you prefer the crisp texture of poplin or the soft, breathable feel of cotton pique, make sure to choose a shirt with a button-down or point collar to add an elevated touch to your look. A button-down collar is versatile – dress it up or down - while a point collar provides a more formal appearance, perfect for professional settings.
Don’t - choose ill-fitting silhouettes. Finding the right fit is key. An overly tight shirt can spell disaster, creating an unflattering appearance and restricting movement. Opt for an oversized button-down for a relaxed look or stick to breathable but fitted shirts for a more professional style.
2. Knitwear
Layer up your business casual menswear with a knit. Team a crew-neck Calvin Klein jumper with a fitted shirt or wear a V-neck Fred Perry cardigan over a polo. Add a sweater vest to your business casual attire and style a Balenciaga turtleneck under a blazer for a smart aesthetic. Invest in merino wool, cotton or cashmere fabrics for all-day comfort and pick from fine or chunky designs to keep you warm – and polished - throughout the day.
Don’t - wear distressed knits. While deliberately ripped or distressed knitwear is trending, it's a no-go for business casual. Keep to timeless ribbed, jacquard, or cable knits and steer clear of overly relaxed fits to keep it feeling smart.
3. Trousers
Tailored, tapered, slim-fit, chinos: a key element of business casual looks for men is the trousers. Look to Dolce&Gabbana for a slim-fit silhouette or go for neatly tailored styles from Alexander McQueen. Want to try something different? Introduce a wide-leg trouser from Gucci into your rotation. Opt for tonal colourways for easy, failsafe styling when you’re in a rush to get out the door. Or, when you want to mix things up, go for pinstripe trousers or a subtle checked pair. Tailored trousers should brush just above your shoes, while ankle grazers can add a point of difference to your summer work wardrobe. Embrace wide-leg trousers for an effortless, laidback look, perfect for wearing with a platform shoe.
Don’t - wear overly baggy or ripped styles. While jeans are increasingly accepted in office settings, it is advisable to choose slightly more fitted designs. Steer clear of joggers and athleisure – these are best reserved for weekend wear.
4. Jackets
Finish off your men’s business casual outfit with a smart jacket. Think tailored blazers from Saint Laurent in single or double-breasted fronts and overcoats or trenches from Burberry for a refined touch. Pick a puffer or quilted style from Moncler for the colder months or choose a long coat to dress up more casual trousers, like jeans and smart cargos. Alternatively, keep to classic wax jackets which’ll help you fight the elements on your daily commute.
Don’t - choose casual styles. Save those overshirts, puffers, and denim jackets, for your off-duty adventures. Instead, opt for structured leather jackets or smart cardigans for a polished look - your professional wardrobe deserves nothing less.
5. Shoes
Men’s business casual shoes tie your ensemble together. Opt for luxe leather or suede designs with round or slightly pointed toes. Choose a timeless Derby shoe from Christian Louboutin or introduce a loafer from Prada for a more modern approach. Add a pair from Tom Ford or Valentino Garavani’s range of Chelsea and desert boots for a dressed-down touch.
Don’t - wear open-toe shoes or slip-ons. It's best to save your sandals and sliders for summer, keep to smarter styles such as comfortable trainers or boots to complete your look.
6. Bags and Accessories
Men’s office bags are a business casual essential. From a cool Bottega Veneta leather tote to a sleek Balmain backpack or a handy briefcase, elevate your commuting and work essentials with a stylish bag. Matching your belt to your bag and shoes is the perfect way to create a cohesive outfit - and when it comes to jewellery, look to Vivienne Westwood or Versace for a timeless watch. Keep it simple with a silver or gold chain and complement it with a simple ring for a minimalist look.
Don’t - overdo it. Keep to minimal day-to-day accessories and opt for watches with a leather strap or in one metal tone. Work bags should also be able to comfortably hold your everyday essentials and belts should match your shoes and have low-key buckles that tie in with the tone of your jewellery.
Final Thoughts
Generally, men’s office casual clothes policies can vary from role to role and company to company, so checking the dress code before is vital, but there’s often room to add your own spin. Clothing and accessories, shoes and bags: it's important that however you dress for business casual, you still feel comfortable. Picking neutral colours, subtle prints, comfortable fabrics and well-tailored pieces is the best way to ensure you look and feel the part.