Business casual for men: The dos, don’ts, and style tips

The dreaded business casual dress code. It isn’t the wardrobe that is the problem; it is the dress code. When you start a new job, and they tell you to adhere to the business casual dress code, you have to do a little bit of research. It isn’t the usual research where you come on to The Manual simply to find out what the business casual dress code is; there is an extra step where you need to figure out what the business casual dress code is for your new company.

The biggest problem with business casual attire is that many companies take different approaches to what they expect in their dress code, regardless of the name. While business casual outfits are pretty straightforward (suit, tie, dress shoes), the business casual dress code is on a much larger scale. So, we have put together a little guide to help you figure out how to navigate this little minefield.

What is business casual?

Ah, the decades-old question: What do employers mean when they say “business casual?” Here’s the rub: There isn’t a straightforward answer. Every company has a different idea of what the phrase means and what’s appropriate for their workspaces. The one certain thing is that the dress code is more elevated than streetwear but not quite formal enough for a suit. Where your company falls on that spectrum will depend on the company’s mission.

Let’s start with the basics. If you work in a place with a vague business casual dress code, here’s a good starting point to help you figure out how to actually dress business casual.

Shirts: Replace your typical dress shirt with a more casual version with a button-down collar. Patterns work better in this level of dress because you can ditch the tie.

Pants: Ditch the dress pants. Your dry-clean-only pants can go in the closet, and you should invest in a few pairs of elevated chinos.

Shoes: Dress shoes are a sure way to upgrade almost any outfit. However, they could be a little too elevated for business casual outfits. If you want a pair of shoes that can elevate some outfits and tone down others, opt for some Chelsea boots.

What should you not wear for business casual?

While there’s a wider variety of garments that you can wear while dressing in business casual, some garments should be avoided, either because they’re too formal or too casual. Business casual takes the spectrum of clothing levels from streetwear to formal wear and cuts off the extreme ends to focus on the middle.

Shirts: Obviously, you shouldn’t be wearing your formal tuxedo shirts, and almost no one will try to find ways to work them into their wardrobe. However, you will see people work a T-shirt into their office wardrobe. Even an elevated luxury T-shirt falls too far toward the casual end of the spectrum.

Pants: Dress pants are a little closer to the formal side of the business casual spectrum. While they can be acceptable to wear with an open-collar dress shirt, they are typically more expensive than chinos and should be reserved for more formal environments.

Shoes: There are essentially only two kinds of shoes that we would recommend not wearing with your business casual attire. Your athletic sneakers and steel-toed work boots won’t work in the office. Sure, if you’re a construction worker and have some office time, you may be wearing these, but you probably aren’t wearing business casual attire. More likely, you’re simply putting on a polo over your workwear.

Can you wear jeans as business casual?

The short answer is yes, but there are some caveats about wearing jeans to work. The first rule for wearing jeans in an environment where jeans are not typically considered your go-to is to wear upgraded jeans. Dark dress denim is what you’re looking for. You shouldn’t wear the same jeans when you bum around the house on weekends. These should be dark wash and slim silhouette.

The second rule is to elevate them. Jeans are the ultimate in casual attire, which means they’re built for streetwear or more rugged outdoor work. They were never designed for the office, but after years of expanding the uses of denim, they can now be worn to work as long as they’re the most casual item you wear. Pair them with a sport coat, dressier shoes, or Chelsea boots, and you can pull off jeans in the office.

Can I wear sneakers for business casual?

The rules for sneakers in business casual are similar to the jeans rules above. First, they should be upgraded, and they should be what many shoe companies call dress sneakers: slim silhouettes, leather tops, and soft-soled. Second, they should be the most casual garment in your outfit.

Pair these with chinos and a sport coat to take these sneakers to a higher level of the dress code spectrum. These items in your closet are great for comfort and will do you a lot of good if you are on your feet for much of the day.

Where does smart casual fit into the business casual spectrum?

There is another dress style that can get into the mix here: smart casual. This is a step up from business casual and a step down from formal wear. It sits in the middle of the formality spectrum, aiming for a polished yet relaxed look. Here’s a breakdown of its essential characteristics:

• Balanced: Combines elements of both casual and professional attire.
• Polished: Requires you to wear clean, wrinkle-free, and well-fitting clothing.
• Comfortable: Allows for some freedom of movement and personal style.
• Professional: Suitable for most office environments, business meetings, and formal events.

Here’s a quick example: Dress pants with a button-down shirt and blazer, or chinos with a polo shirt and loafers.

When it comes down to it, business casual is a tough and vague statement that can be highly confusing. Some businesses will lean more toward the formal side and want to see sports coats daily without requiring a tie. Other companies will lean more on the casual end and simply ask you to wear chinos and a polo.

Either way, the best way to approach a business casual environment is to lean more formal until you learn what others around you are wearing, then find your place on the spectrum. Just remember that the higher up you go in most companies, the higher on the dress spectrum you will go. In other words, dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

Secret weapons of the business casual wardrobe

While there are definitely plenty of garments you can pick up to improve your business casual dress code, there are definitely a few secret weapons you can grab that will help you no matter which end of the spectrum your company lands on with its definition of the term.

Rhone Commuter Long Sleeve Polo

The idea of a polo in the business casual dress code is precarious. You can go the cotton polo way, but it will look a little too casual with a very casual collar. You can also go a little too out there with the golf polo, but the truth is if you dress like it is tee time, you will work like it is tee time. So, the best middle ground is this Commuter Polo from Rhone. The collar looks more like a dress collar than a regular polo, and it is light and movable, like the golf polo, but with an elevated look that is perfect for the office.

Buy at Rhone

DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES Maneuver Pant

You must look excellent, professional, and approachable if you’re in the office all day. But you also need to be able to move and be comfortable if you will be at your best. The Maneuver Pant from DEVIL DOG DUNGAREES is the perfect secret weapon for your business casual wardrobe. Wear like jeans and look like suit pants — the best of both worlds.

Buy at Devil-Dog Dungarees

Beckett Simmonon Preston Chelsea Boots

One of the harder aspects to get right with this dress code is the shoes. Dress shoes can feel too elevated with chinos, and sneakers will sometimes feel too casual for the office. Therefore, swapping out the footwear with these leather Chelsea boots from Beckett Simonon will be the perfect addition. Even on casual Fridays when you’re wearing jeans, these shoes will keep you firmly in the business casual wardrobe.

Buy at Beckett Simonon