May 22, 2018

Guide To Business Casual For Men | Business Casual Attire For Men

Home Men's Fashion Blog Guide To Business Casual For Men | Business Casual Attire For Men

Guide To Business Casual For Men | Business Casual Attire For Men:

What comes to your mind when you hear the business casual outfits? It's chinos, blazers, a ton of dress shirts.

A lot of bloggers believes that sneakers and jeans cannot be a part of business casual attire for men. And I believe that to be false.

Times have changed, Our jobs have changed. Young guys are moving from corporate jobs to starting their own businesses or working for startups.

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I think it's time we change our views about men's dress codes.

Now, I am not saying blazers and dress shoes don't have their share in creating a perfect business casual outfit for men. All I am saying is it's time to experiment and get out of same old philosophies of how a man should dress.

I very much believe that a nice casual shirt paired with well fitting (not skinny) jeans and a cool pair of sneakers can now be called the new business casual outfits for guys.

Now, let's look at what the business casual for men means in a traditional sense.

What Is Business Casual For Men

Smart business casual outfits are an array of non-formal clothes that can be worn for work or business meetings. As your dressing code is an important factor when you attend different occasions,

it is good to maintain a nice dressing style that looks suitable and makes you feel comfortable in various events.

Business casual outfits for men include a lot of basic clothing; however, it can be altered to suit your style and preference.

Below are some of the different methods to generate a variety of business casual wardrobe.

Different work environments require a specific type of business casual outfits that as an employee you must adhere to.

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This may require one to acquire an assortment of casual pieces like khakis or cotton trousers. These casual pants can be worn together with sports jackets and blazers.

Business casual outfits for men also comprise of light coloured slacks. These trousers usually go well with non-formal collared shirts that match the trousers colours.

When one wears a light coloured trouser complimented with a dark coloured shirt, the outfit displays a relaxed appearance.

Another great addition to a man's collection of business casual attire is a blazer. This can be worn together with a matching pair of trousers when you are not wearing a suit.

They also go well with patterned shirts and other outfits that have neutral colours especially if worn to the office.

Shirts are also very important clothing items. It is good to have a variety of shirts with different colours such as checked or pinstripe shirts, light blue and white shirts.

Prefer to acquire shirts with neutral colours which are generally well-accepted for business casual outfits.

Sweaters are also handy items of clothing for men in cold seasons. You can wear them under your blazer or sports jacket during chilly days making you feel warmer and also maintain a professional appearance.

Long pullover sweaters can also be worn as Business casual outfits for men in the office environment. Consider purchasing neutral coloured sweaters which appear more professional.

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Okay, now that we know what all things you'll need to build a perfect business casual wardrobe for yourself.

Let's list down some of the essentials you'll need to build a perfect business casual wardrobe.

Here're a few other tips to nail business casual attire for men.

Deserted are the days when dressing in a suit and tie made you okay enough to go to the office. Not that it isn't a good look. It is just a look that has been there for centuries and there is nothing more annoying than doing the same thing over and over again.

Hence, the introduction of business casual dressing that has completely changed the office dressing game as we know it.

Sometimes, people make the mistake of dressing way too casual and trying to pass it off as business-like. No. You wearing those ripped jeans and that fitting blazer or cardigan and a printed t-shirt doesn't make up for the business part of the casual.

It just makes you look unprofessional though it is a stylish piece you should try out when going out for that barbeque with your friends during the weekend.

Dressing up business casual isn't as hard as it seems. Wear your normal suit with a nice dress shirt, ditch the tie and opt to let free one or two of your buttons and wallah! You have already perfected your first business casual look without looking like you are trying too hard.

Sometimes though, when you feel uncomfortable about popping those buttons and too uncomfortable about the thought of living that tie behind, pull on a scarf (if the weather allows it) and just enjoy your new look!

But, what if there is another way of playing around with your shirt? Try wearing a v-neck t-shirt or a crisp crew-neck with that well-pressed blazer and marvel at just how sleek the whole look is going to pull itself together.

Point to note however is that you have to try as much as possible to wear t-shirts that have neutral colours just in case you have to lose your blazer. No one wants to be seen as informal in a formal setting.

Moving on to the pants, you might have a relaxed workplace and for that, are allowed to wear jeans. Always wear dark coloured jeans (the blacks, the greys and the navy blues) so that you might still maintain that outward professionalism you have going.

If your workplace isn't as relaxed with the rules, then khakis, wool and sometimes corduroys - for the colder days - are your best friends. They all come in different colours so changing up your look might not be as hard. Remember, the key here is to make sure your pant colour is a different colour from your blazer and that they are slim fitting.

The pair of threads you have sporting can also change your look drastically. Dress shoes are awesome for business looks but dress boots - neutral coloured leather ones that have been taken care of correctly - can shake up your whole look and give you both the laid back and business look you are trying to achieve.

You can even try out the loafers without socks on and oxford suede shoes. They also give the desired effect.

If you are not feeling the whole blazer look but still want to look professional, best try to play around with neutral coloured cardigans, not buttoned down and showing your dress shirt perfectly.

You can also incorporate a tie into this and it will still look as dapper with it like it did without it. Sometimes, you might go to the edge of the cliff and decide, why not try colours and this might introduce you to the tweed coat that will be your best friend in those sulky dark colours in the office.

Never forget, these outfits are only nice when you find fitting ones. No one sees baggy clothing as professional (unless we are talking about that black time in the early two thousand's!).

Always seek to find clothes that make you feel powerful and help you slim down or show off those muscles you've been working for at the gym.

Again, avoid clothes that are two sizes too small because they tend to ride up and make you look like you are being suffocated by your own clothes or that you just don't want to admit you have grown a bit since puberty.

Dressing business casual is a way of playing around with items already available at affordable prices while trying to stop with the same old dress routine you have. Go on! Play around with those items you never thought you'd wear to the office and see just how fun it will be.

Here's a cool video from Alpha M's Youtube channel for you about business casual for men

Business Casual Wardrobe Essentials For Men

1. A few pairs of chinos. Chinos are a must-have piece in your business casual wardrobe. No wardrobe is complete without a few pairs of well-fitting chinos.

Go for neutral colours like beige, khaki, navy, grey or black. However, there are no hard rules here. If you prefer (and feel comfortable) wearing bright colour chinos then I don't really have a problem with that.

2. One Dress Shoes. I know your guys prefer sneakers over dress shoes but, it's a good idea to have at least one pair of nice dress shoes in your wardrobe for those extra formal events.

I personally love tan dress shoes (I don't really know the real reason, but I find black dress shoes to be way formal than what I like) However, it's really up to you. If you prefer wearing a pair black dress shoes, then it's all good with me.

Oh, yes and one more thing. There are no hard rules here as far as the types of dress shoes you get. However, if you really want to look good in business casuals then go for monks (single monk or double monks).

If you are not sure what are the different types of dress shoes and how to buy one? Then, check out our The Ultimate Guide To Men's Dress Shoes. It will turn you into a dress shoe expert. Promise!

3. A Couple of Blazers. See, honestly as I said earlier, I really don't think you need blazers to complete your business casual outfit.

However, if you work in formal sectors (Finanave, Bankers, Layer, Or any kind of formal corporate environment) you may need a couple of blazers in your arsenal.

Pick Balzers in beige or grey colours for summers and navy or black for winters.

One of the most important you shouldn't miss when buying a blazer is the fit. A blazer will only look good on you if it fits well. So, pay very close attention to the fit of your blazer.

All blazers are not created equal. Here's a nice Infographic that shows you the types of men's blazers. So, you can pick the right one for yourself. Source

Types of men's blazers

4. Dress (or) Casual Shirts. Yes, you should have a couple of dress shirts in your business casual wardrobe. They are important and looks good. But, that's not the rule nowadays. Oh, if you want to learn what's the difference between a casual shirt and formal shirt and more, check out this post.

You can very well switch the well-fitting casual shirt for a formal shirt. If you don't like to wear the formal shirt.

Please note casual doesn't mean sloppy. Please don't wear printed or embroidery shirts. (Embroidery shirts? Wear them, we'll apparently this billionaire I love you Chirs!)

You can go for more subtle patterns like stripes of gingham shirts if you think wearing solid colours is too boring.

If you ask me I only wear solid colours. I think they are cool and works with almost anything I wear them with.

5. Jeans. Some of the fashion gurus just pulled off their guns to shoot me. As (still) a lot of fashion gurus believe jeans cannot be a part of men's business casual outfit.

But, I think we're in 2018 and not 1970's. So, we need things to progress.

Yes, I give you the permission to wear your jeans and casual shirt (tucked in preferably) and call it a business casual outfit.

Because nowadays a casual outfit is way casual than it used to be. Today, casual means ripped jeans+tee+sneakers.

People used to consider jeans+shirt casual in the 70's. Not now. Because then the only presentable way to dress up for any kind of business was to get yourself a suit or tuxedo if you are attending an event.

Mainly, due to the lack of a lot of modern silhouettes we get today were not invented yet.

Before 90's casual shirt meant crazy prints, oversized checks, embroideries etc. On a side note, if you fancy getting a shirt like those, here's vintage collection on eBay.

However, when it comes to jeans, you must adhere to one rule, and that is no ripped jeans.

6. Sneakers. Sneakers are also a big no if you ask some fashion gurus. Now, I understand you should not wear over the top sneakers. (like these)

What I am talking about is those sleek white, grey or black sneakers. (Like this one)

Modern work culture and modern dressing sense do allow for sneakers to be considered a part of your business casual attire.

To sum it up for you, here's what your minimal business casual wardrobe should include.

7. Sweater. For winters you should have a couple of sweaters. Crew necks, in grey, navy or black colours. You can layer up your shirt+jeans outfit with a sweater or you can wear your seater under a blazer. See these sweater+shirt outfits for more inspiration.