Dress Code: Business Casual
Style Guide
By: Alexandra Engdahl • 4 minDiscover the art of business casual with our expert insights and styling tips, designed to help you confidently find the sweet spot between polished and relaxed. This will ensure you maintain a sophisticated and professional demeanor in environments that call for business casual attire.
It’s essential to understand the expectations of this dress code; mastering this balance is key to making a memorable impression in every professional context. Our guide will help you meet these expectations, so you can make a stylish impression in every professional setting.
What is business casual?
Business casual is a versatile look that pairs the professionalism of business wear with the comfort of casual attire. The overall look should be polished, neat, and professional, offering a more relaxed vibe than traditional business wear. There’s a degree of freedom to this dress code–you don’t need to match every piece meticulously; yet it's crucial to strike the right balance between professional decorum and casual comfort.
How to Ace Business Casual for Men
Traditionally, 'business casual' simply meant the absence of a tie. Today, the definition has broadened; neckwear and blazers are now optional, reflecting a shift towards a more relaxed professional style. You will want to choose a pair of tailored pants or chinos and complete your ensemble with a classic watch and stylish shoes–penny loafers, Oxford shoes, or double monks are excellent choices. If you opt for a blazer, a sports coat offers a timeless choice, while a chambray fabric blazer lends a softer touch, perfect for a more casual approach.
How to Choose a Business Casual Men’s Shirt
Selecting the appropriate shirt is pivotal for the business casual ensemble; a collar is non-negotiable. For those who forego the tie, both polo shirts and button-down collared shirts are perfect options. However, if you chose to wear a tie, pairing it with a wide-spread collar ads an academic twist, especially when accented with a Prince of Wales check shirt.
Let the context guide your choice of pattern, allowing you to express your sartorial flair. A microprint featuring an expressive motif such as a pineapple for a casual business meeting can add a spritely yet refined edge, demonstrating that your appreciation for the finer details in life.
For the quintessential business casual shirt, opt for sharp practicality– a wrinkle-free finish or versatile four-way stretch fabric stands out as the prime choice, ensuring you remain impeccable from the first handshake to the closing deal.
Get Creative with The Details
While the business casual dress code adheres by certain sartorial must-haves–tailored pants and a well-fitting shirt, for instance–it also offers a canvas for personal expression. Beyond choosing the pattern of a shirt, consider the subtle artistry of accessories. Think lapel pins or a pocket square sporting a flamboyant micro pattern can serve as your signature flourish, adding personality into professionalism.
