18 Business Casual Outfits For Men With Styling Tips

In the 1960s, a Hawaiian company pioneered the concept of business casual as an innovative marketing strategy to drive sales and profits. The initial idea was simple: wear something different on Fridays, like a Hawaiian shirt. This unorthodox approach quickly gained traction in America, as people were eager to break free from the monotony of traditional work attire. As the trend spread, brands such as Levis and J. Crew seized the opportunity to capitalize on this new category.

Today, business casual has become an established norm. However, men often find themselves perplexed by what constitutes acceptable business casual wear, with boundaries varying across industries and office cultures.

How To Wear Business Casual for Men

In general, men work in three primary sectors: white collar jobs, service industries, and startups/new setups. While some flexibility exists within these categories, it’s crucial to understand that only startups and new setups tend to adopt a relaxed dress code, often allowing employees to wear casual attire like jeans and sneakers. However, this doesn’t mean you should forego dressing professionally entirely.

When faced with uncertainty, it’s essential to default to a formal dress code to avoid any potential missteps. A great indicator of what’s acceptable is observing your coworkers – they can serve as a valuable guide in determining the workplace culture and expected attire.

↓ 18. Caution for Navy Blazers

↓ 18. Caution for Navy Blazers

A navy blazer is often associated with formal events, but it can also be styled for more casual business attire. For a relaxed yet put-together look, opt for a simple and elegantly fitted navy blazer that won’t overwhelm the occasion. Avoid elaborate double-breasted or buttoned designs, as they’re better suited to more formal gatherings. Instead, choose a timeless piece that effortlessly complements a range of shirt and pant combinations.

A classic navy blazer can be paired with white pants for a sophisticated and understated look that’s perfect for dress code settings. In fact, it’s an excellent foundation for exploring the versatility of blue suits with brown shoes, as showcased in our 20 Ways to Wear Blue Suits with Brown Shoes Ideas for Men.

↓ 17. Light Colored Blazers

↓ 17. Light Colored Blazers
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In relaxed environments, such as casual gatherings or informal workplaces, it’s generally best to steer clear of traditional navy blue blazers, as they tend to upstage the laid-back atmosphere and clash with the overall vibe. Instead, consider alternative shades that better fit the occasion. For instance, grey or brown tones can work well in most settings, with darker hues suiting more formal environments and lighter colors being suitable for a more relaxed atmosphere.

↓ 16. White Casual Look

↓ 16. White Casual Look
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↓ 16. White Casual Look

While abandoning traditional matchy-matchy attire, you can still inject a touch of casual flair into your outfit by playing with unexpected color combinations. One way to do this is to swap out expected neutrals for something more adventurous, like pairing grey and white suits with bold, bright accessories. This refreshing take on the classic look is perfect for summer. To really make it pop, try pairing your suit with a vibrant tie or pocket square that adds a fun, unexpected twist.

By doing so, you’ll create a look that’s both stylishly unique and undeniably yours.

↓ 15. Casual Ties with Suits

↓ 15. Casual Ties with Suits
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↓ 15. Casual Ties with Suits

To inject some personality into your everyday business attire, consider incorporating various tie styles, patterns, and hues. Striped or printed ties can add a touch of whimsy, while bold colors can make a statement – just be mindful of the office dress code. A white shirt or light-colored pantsuit provides a chic backdrop for bright-colored ties. When it comes to fabrics, grenadine is a standout option, while knitted ties are also trending.

If your workplace has a more relaxed atmosphere, you may even consider skipping neckwear altogether and going au naturel. Whatever your approach, don’t miss the opportunity to explore 25 Ideas on How to Wear Double-Breasted Suits for Men.

↓ 14. Contemporary

↓ 14. Contemporary

In today’s casual fashion landscape, a departure from traditional longer-length blazers has emerged in favor of shorter, unstructured coats. This shift is particularly prevalent in settings where dress codes are relaxed or non-existent. The shorter silhouette not only lends a more refined and elongated appearance but also provides an air of sophistication. For those looking to incorporate this look into their wardrobe, Topman offers a wide range of stylish options.

↓ 13. Jackets

↓ 13. Jackets
↓ 13. Jackets

In many professional settings, jackets are considered a versatile and acceptable attire option, often aligning with the dress code standards. To create a polished look, opt for a classic and formal jacket, which tends to be more suitable than a blazer in some cases. When dealing with a formal dress code policy in offices, aim for a jacket that shares a similar tone to your pants.

This allows you to explore various styles, from structured and formal options to more relaxed designs, catering to different occasions.

↓ 12. The Classic Winter Look

↓ 12. The Classic Winter Look

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to incorporate warm and practical clothing into your wardrobe. For a timeless business casual ensemble, pair a dress shirt with cardigans or sweaters that exude understated elegance. Opt for subtle colors and prints that won’t draw attention away from the overall look. If the weather takes a turn for the worse, layering is always an option – we’ll delve into the art of layering later on. For a stylish take on this classic look, head to Zara Men.

↓ 11. Casual Summer Wear

↓ 11. Casual Summer Wear
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As summer approaches, the wardrobe requirements for casual business attire undergo a significant shift. To stay stylish and comfortable, it’s essential to opt for a lightweight summer coat or sports coat designed with warm weather in mind. While sports coats share similarities with traditional coats or blazers, they differ in terms of fabric, weave, and stitching.

Although you’ll want to avoid heavy, weighty coats, be cautious not to sacrifice style by choosing something too light – an unbalanced silhouette can result in creases and a lackluster impression. In this regard, unlined coats prove more practical than their lined counterparts, as they’re easier to carry and won’t overwhelm you in harsh weather conditions.

↓ 10. Patterned Trousers with Blazers

↓ 10. Patterned Trousers with Blazers
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While casual business attire offers more freedom to express your personal style through patterned pants and trousers, finding the right fit for different work settings can be a challenge. For offices with strict dress codes, you’ll likely want to stick with unpatterned or very subtle patterns. Houndstooth, in particular, is a classic choice that pairs well with crisp white shirts and can even be worn without a blazer.

On the other hand, less restrictive dress codes allow for bolder statements with larger, yet still tasteful, colored patterns. Striped or checked prints in shades of grey, brown, and white are great options to consider.

↓ 9. Polo Shirts

↓ 9.  Polo Shirts
↓ 9.  Polo Shirts

While a polo shirt may not always fit neatly into a business casual dress code, it’s not necessarily a poor choice either. Before making a decision, it’s wise to gauge the prevailing norms at your workplace and among your colleagues. In some office settings, full-sleeved or half-sleeved polo shirts are perfectly acceptable for everyday wear, especially during the summer months. Additionally, pairing polo shirts with blazers, jackets, or coats can instantly elevate their acceptability factor.

Come winter, consider opting for knitted polo shirts with full sleeves to add a touch of warmth and style to your outfit.

↓ 8. Layering it Up Professionally

When it comes to building a business casual wardrobe for winter, one of the biggest challenges is striking the right balance between staying warm and dressing appropriately for the office. A classic combination that works well in a conservative setting is pairing a crisp white shirt with a grey V-neck sweater, then layering on a navy blazer and finishing off the look with a luxurious cashmere top coat in charcoal grey.

This adds both style and practicality to your outfit, keeping you warm while still looking polished. To complete the look, opt for a simple navy tie that ties everything together. For a similar option, check out J. Crew’s offerings.

In a more relaxed office setting, you have the flexibility to swap out the white shirt for something with a bit more personality – think pastel or check print.

You can then choose from a range of jacket and top coat options in colors like blue, grey, white, and black, allowing you to tailor your look to fit the tone of your workplace.

↓ 7. Dress Shirt

When it comes to dress shirts, you’ll want to consider the company culture and dress code policy. For more traditional or conservative environments, a classic white dress shirt without a tie is often an acceptable choice. However, if you’re looking to add some personality to your outfit, pastel shades, printed shirts with lighter hues like pink, purple, peach, and mint green can be great options. Striped or delicately printed shirts are also suitable for less formal settings.

To achieve a relaxed, effortless look, consider leaving the top two buttons of your shirt undone.

↓ 6. Crewneck Shirt

When it comes to layering under a blazer, there are certain guidelines to keep in mind. For instance, when pairing a crewneck shirt or undershirt with a blazer, it’s generally best to tuck the shirt away from view, as showing too much of the shirt can detract from the overall polished look you’re aiming for. On the other hand, sweaters and cardigans with a crewneck design can be worn without worrying about hiding them under the blazer.

The key is to balance your layers so that you appear put-together and professional, rather than sloppy or overly casual.

↓ 5. Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants offer a practical solution for staying warm, making them an excellent addition to any casual outfit. When paired with corduroys, it’s best to tone down the upper half by opting for just a shirt or crewneck sweater instead of a blazer or jacket. This combination creates a comfortable and stylish ensemble. In fact, there are many ways to incorporate sweaters into your wardrobe, which we’ll explore in more detail.

Whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual, the right sweater can make all the difference.

↓ 4. Playing it Safe with Khaki Pants

↓ 4. Playing it Safe with Khaki Pants
Photo Credit: thefashionisto

↓ 4. Playing it Safe with Khaki Pants
Photo Credit: thefashionisto

↓ 4. Playing it Safe with Khaki Pants

Fear not the khaki, for it has undergone a stylish transformation! Fashion designers have breathed new life into this versatile fabric, making it suitable for both casual and formal occasions. The beauty of khakis lies in their ability to be paired with a range of tops, from button-down shirts in summer to sweaters and blazers in winter.

When opting for a more relaxed look, try combining a contrasting khaki with a blazer or jacket to sidestep the schoolboy vibe and exude a sophisticated casualness. And if you’re worried about getting stuck in a style rut, fret not! Khakis come in a multitude of colors, allowing you to choose from a vast array. In fact, darker shades are often the most flattering option.

↓ 3. Chinos

↓ 3. Chinos
↓ 3. Chinos

The longstanding rivalry between chinos and khakis has driven innovation and variety in men’s fashion. For a stylish business casual look, pair your chinos with oxford shirts in crisp whites or soft pastels, complemented by sweaters, cardigans, or blazers in contrasting hues. Seasonally, opt for dark-coloured chinos for winter’s chill and light-coloured ones for summer’s warmth.

Chinos excel at providing a flattering fit, sleek appearance, and the added benefits of stretchiness for ease of movement and comfort.

↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect

↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect
Photo Credit: hespokestyle

↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect
Photo Credit: gentlemansgazette

↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect
↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect
↓ 2. Accessorizing for Optimal Effect

When it comes to accessorizing your dress, shoes play a significant role in elevating your overall look. Opt for comfortable yet stylish options like loafers or monk strap boots, and steer clear of more formal Derbies and Oxfords that might make you blend in with the typical business attire. Instead, go for smart and sleek shoes that exude a sense of sophistication.

When it comes to socks, casual options with small prints are perfectly fine.

However, be cautious when reaching for trainers or sneakers, as they may not meet the dress code requirements in more conservative settings. Watches and cufflinks can also add a touch of elegance to your outfit, but use them sparingly – metal strap watches are particularly versatile and will complement various ensembles.

In colder weather, scarves can be a stylish addition. Stick to darker shades and small prints for a sophisticated look that won’t overpower your dress.

Silk scarves, in particular, have an air of elegance about them. As for boutonniere and lapel pins, use them to add a touch of whimsy or sophistication – but only if you feel confident doing so.

↓ 1. Business Casual Accessories

↓ 1. Business Casual Accessories

When selecting a bag, consider how it can reflect your personal style and complement your overall persona. Forgoing traditional backpack options, opt for high-quality leather or canvas bags that exude sophistication and refinement, effectively capturing the essence of who you are.

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