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Smart business attire outfits are a set of non-formal clothing that you can wear to work or meetings. Since the way you look is so critical when you go to various social events.
Maintaining a nice dressing style that looks appropriate and makes you feel relaxed in various situations is important. Men’s smart casual outfits involve a broad range of simple garments that can be tailored to fit your personality and style.
What’s the key to business casual dressing? It’s all about wardrobe versatility. What you need to look for are items that can be used in various settings, with either dress slacks or khakis. You’re looking for versatile items that still offer a sophisticated, professional appearance.
Here are the 27 essential elements of an effortless business casual style.
Business Casual Shirts
A button-down shirt is a good option for a business casual outfit. You can wear it with a variety of pants and trousers. Below are some options to choose the right shirt for your business casual wardrobe:
1. Oxford shirt
The shirt is a versatile shirt that one can wear in many settings. It can be tucked into pants and worn to work. It can also be worn underneath a suit or vest and paired with a patterned tie for a formal look.
Oxford shirts are made from cotton, linen, or cotton blends in different colors and patterns. They have long sleeves and button-down collars that can be buttoned up, halfway, or opened altogether, thanks to the spread collar. (Collars Explained here)
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2. Twills Shirt
The shirt is similar to the Oxford shirt except that it comes in twill fabric. It can be worn tucked into trousers or worn untucked over a belt to make a more casual look. They come in different colors and patterns and are made from cotton, linen, and wool blends.
They have long sleeves and button-down collars that can be fully buttoned down or opened up for an open collar look. It is also a versatile item that you can wear in many settings. It has a blended fabric with a wide range of colors and is mostly considered casual. It is a good choice for men’s smart-casual wardrobe.
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3. Pinpoint Shirt
The pinpoint shirt is woven with the same process as cotton oxford cloth, but it has a lighter weight and finer thread and most of them are pocketless making it perfect for warmer days where you don’t want too many layers or heavy fabrics. The pinpoint shirt produces an understated finish with a natural softness that`s perfect for dress wear or a casual look. Made of poplin weave fabric (100% cotton), this micro-patterned collar button down features long sleeves and some with chest pocket for added detail-keeping you always looking your best!
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4. Polo shirt
A polo shirt is a classic golfing outfit. It has short or long sleeves and two or three buttons. Polo shirts are made in various colors for men and can be worn with pants and jeans. They come in a variety of colors, including camel, black, gray, and brown. A sweater can also be layered with a shirt or a shirt underneath if preferred for added warmth on colder days.
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Business Casual Pants
Pants worn as business casual should be paired with other casual pieces and color combinations to create business-casual looks that are both comfortable and stylish successfully. Business casual pants include:
5. Slim-Fit Pants
These pants are made with a snug, close-fitting cut. They should be worn with an appropriate trim waist or belt and not be too loose. The pants have a straight leg and are usually worn with normal or low-top shoes. Slim-fit pants come in various cuts depending on the manufacturer.
The most common cuts are straight and tapered. Tapered cut pants are shaped in the leg and have a narrower thigh, narrower rise at the waist, and narrow legs. The straight-cut pants have a slightly wider leg than tapered cut pants, but the rise around the waist is just as low as tapered cut pants.
The pants can be made from many clothes. Some of these include denim, chino twill, linen wool, and crepe de chine, while others may be made with different synthetic blends such as poplin or acetate for more texture. The pants typically have a comfortable stretchy fabric that makes them suitable for both men and women to wear.
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6. Wool Pants
Wool pants are made of wool fabric and come with a smooth finish and a crease. They have a classic look to them with striped patterns and plaids used frequently on them. Wool pants are usually made from wool blends such as cotton, linen, mohair, or polyamides. Wool pants are also known as suit pants, while you can wear them in the office or for formal occasions like weddings and funerals.
Wool pants have many uses ranging from business casual to more formal styling, such as during ceremonies, dinners, and weddings. However, for most occasions, wool trousers are ideal because you can wear them in casual settings such as at home or with a white button-down shirt for work functions and events.
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7. Relaxed Leg Pants
Relaxed leg pants are loose-fitting around the thigh and knee area and come in different cuts. Some of these include the flare, wide leg, bell bottom, baggy, boot cut, or loose cut.
Relaxed fit pants are also known as lounge pants, casual pants, chinos, and cargos. These are great for a casual wear at home or to spend the day out for errands. These kinds of pants are also worn to work if a more casual style is preferred, which can be office attire depending on the company dress code.
These pants can be worn anywhere but are most popular in areas where comfort is emphasized, such as leisure time activities, the outdoors, or during travel but not limited to those activities.
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8. Cropped Pants
Long pants that end at a height above the ankle are known as the cropped pants. These pants have cuffed or twisted hems, and some may have pleats or belt loops. Typical designs of cropped pants are those that have an elastic waistband and a simple knee-length.
Considered as a style statement, these pants are also worn by people working in sports industries like surfers.
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9. Straight-leg jeans
If you work in a career where you have to wear pants, it’s time to ditch the straight-legged or “skinny” jeans. That is because what’s seen by your coworkers is how you can fit in with them.
So if you want to be noticed as a cool geek instead of an awkward nerd, then only wear jeans that are cut low at the hips and wide (sometimes called “bootcut”). You will look like someone confident (and people will want to be around you!)
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Business Casual Shoes
The best business casual shoes for men include:
10. Loafers Shoes
This is the classic gentleman’s slip-on shoe. Despite their reputation as a more casual shoe, loafers have recently made their way into the office as a casual business shoe. Where conventional laces will protect the foot, loafers typically feature a tassel, buckle, or belt. While not as formal as other shoes, they are a pleasant addition to any wardrobe.
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11. Oxford shoes
They are a more casual version of the classic dress shoe. Made from the finest tan leather, with a distinctive vamp and pinstriped finish, oxfords are well-suited to business casual attire. They feature a removable insole and decorative rubber outsole and are traditionally made with high-quality leathers in supple colors. You can wear these casual shoes for both business and casual occasions. They feature a variety of designs with different levels of comfort for different occasions.
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12. Brogues Shoes
These are the traditional dress shoes of men. The shoe sole is more narrow than that of the boot to allow for smoother walking and a higher-toed, more elegant appearance. Their uppers are usually made of brogue leather, used since the early 18th century, and suede or rubber soles.
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13. Monk Strap Shoes
These are the most formal of the casual shoes. They traditionally feature a monk strap that runs across the shoe’s top and one or two rows of decorative metal eyelets. The design is uniquely different from its casual counterparts because you can wear it with a suit and other formal attire.
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14. Derby Shoes
These shoes are made from leather or suede and have a lace-up or zipper closure. They are flat in the front with a back strap.
Derby shoes can be worn with various pants, including chinos and pants, but look best with jeans. Derby shoes come in different colors, including black, brown, white, and yellow, depending on the manufacturer.
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Business Casual Jacket
Men’s business casual jackets can be a complete way to transform your look from boring to smart. There are some great ones out there that make an outfit feel polished and put together. Just think, what do you need to get in your office? You don’t want it all to be boring and look like every other suit in the office.
15. Slim Fit Cardigan
This is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn while at work or out with friends. This stylish office wear comes in many colors and patterns depending on your preference. Cardigans come in various materials, including wool, black cotton, blue denim, and leather.
Depending on the material, cardigans are suited for all seasons, and you can easily adjust the type you wear depending on the weather. It offers a comfortable fit while still giving you that great appearance at work or on any occasion you go out. You can opt for long sleeves, short sleeves, or sleeveless cardigans, depending on your preference.
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16. Knitted Vest
A knit vest is usually made of a soft fabric such as wool, silk, or velour. Knitted vests are considered an essential piece of clothing because they offer great comfort and can be worn with almost any business suit type. There are numerous styles to choose from, which include crew, V-neck, and capped-sleeve. You can select styles that make you look professional or casual, depending on your needs at work.
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17. Navy Blazer
This is a classic outerwear piece that is very versatile. You can wear navy blazers with casual and business attire when you are out for lunch or dinner. Navy is the official color of the military and is also a great option for a business casual jacket because it looks upscale and professional. Many people like to wear navy blazers with white shirts to give them that sharp, clean look which makes them appear polished and classy.
One can buy navy blazers with different styles like pre-tied, standard, or functional, which offer a more casual look. You can get a navy blazer in various sizes, from slim to classic fit, depending on your needs and requirements.
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18. Conservative Sports Coat
A conservative sports coat is perfect for men who want to wear business casual attire but do not want to see their shirts wrinkle or shirttails gap out. The conservative sport jacket is a great look because you can wear it with almost any tie, shirt, and pants pair.
The key to looking fashionable when wearing a sports jacket is making sure the fit is right and the color scheme complementary because this will create that sharp, clean image that will make you look polished and put together.
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19. Stylish bomber jacket
A stylish bomber jacket comes in a variety of colors and styles. It is an unstructured, buttoned-up jacket made from wool or leather, with two front pockets and one breast pocket. Bomber jackets are usually worn for more formal occasions like wedding parties and can also be worn for casual events like ski holidays.
The right-styled bomber jacket has a classic design with a bold color palette which will give you that cool style that you need to look even more productive and put together at work. Dark colors like navy blue or black will make you appear more professional, while light colors such as plaids, stripes, and solids will make you look trendy and appealing to other people around you.
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20. V-Neck Sweater
A v-neck sweater is a casual sweater that looks great with jeans or khakis and other casual tops. V-neck sweaters can come in many different styles, including ribbed v-necks, v-necks with buttons, and cardigan v-neck sweaters. V-neck sweaters are very versatile so that you can wear them on your own or under a jacket. They also help accentuate your neck and add some warmth to your winter style by providing you with the extra layer of warmth you need in cold weather.
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Business Casual Accessories
Now comes the fun part: transforming the simple business casual outfit into something that truly reflects your style. Accessories are the neat little bow that binds the whole ensemble together if you picture your outfit as a gift. What a blast!
You may dress up an otherwise boring outfit with a variety of accessories. You can use various handy accessories to enhance your casual business style. They are a must-have when you’re ready to dress up for work, going out with friends, or attending special events.
21. Ties
Ties are indeed the go-to smart-casual piece to liven up your wardrobe, whether your company wants them or not. There are indeed a near-infinite number of connections available, so feel free to look around and try them out. When it comes to statement objects, keep in mind that the same rules that apply to shirts in the office often apply to ties.
You can tie a wide variety of scarves, neckties, and handkerchiefs to add a bit more style to your business casual look. If you want to make sure the knot is tied correctly, it’s best to practice on some fabrics before trying in a place where you need the finish to be impeccable.
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22. Business Casual Watches
These help you look sharp in your business casual outfits. Men’s watches are usually made from durable materials like leather or metal. They should be appropriate for most business occasions and may include features that help keep it looking good for longer.
These include watchbands with croc-style lugs, removable straps, and tough mineral crystal glass faces that do not scratch easily. Every guy should have at least one wristwatch. While watches are no longer as versatile as they once were, their timeless style will be around to stay. You can also look them in the eyes and suggest you have to leave because you have an uncomfortable conversation.
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23. Belts
Belts are an important part of your wardrobe. They have the power to transform a business casual outfit from dull to interesting and can be used in many ways. They can help make an ensemble look edgy, or you can use them to help keep an outfit more polished and put together.
While some people do not consider belts to be accessories, one can wear them correctly. There are more options for leather belts than just basic ones. The list goes on and on, from woven leather to braided fabric to accentuated leather grain. Patterned belts are also available, but keep them for your more casual outfits.
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24. Pocket Squares
Pocket squares can be one of the most powerful accessories in your arsenal. They are a quick, easy way to dress up an otherwise dull outfit. They’re also incredibly functional because they can add a splash of color or pattern to a simple outfit and keep them from looking too bland.
The fact that you never know what pocket square will work best with your suit makes them fun to experiment with, too. A pocket square is a perfect accessory when you want to shine in your business casual outfit, adding a bit more color or pattern than required.
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25. Fedora
A fedora is a form of hat that comes in many styles and colors, including black, brown, orange, and blue. It has a flat brim and is worn with the top of the hat being folded over for a unique look. The ribbed or creased part of the brim gives it the appearance of being three-dimensional. Most fedoras are now made of wool felt, even though they were originally made of fur felt, such as beaver.
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26. Colorful Socks
Socks are a great way to show your personality. With all the new colors and patterns on socks, you can add some fun to your wardrobe. Some of the best ways to pair socks with your business casual attire match them with neutral colors such as black and gray or darker secondary colors like navy and burgundy.
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27. Shirt Stays
Made of either plastic or metal, shirt stays or tie stay are placed just above the waistline. They are used to keep a shirt tucked into pants to prevent it from moving and keep it from wrinkling. They are attached to the inside of the pants and usually made with a clip taken on or off as needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
🧐 What is the typical dress code for a business casual?
Business casual at work means that people usually wear lighter, more comfortable clothing like polo shirts and sweaters, khaki trousers or chinos with no ties and only a watch or a pocket square if needed. Pants with no belt loops usually mean the pants are also devoid of pockets. That makes it easier to keep your hands free while working but still allows you to keep a tie in your pocket for special occasions.
🤔 What is considered business casual for a man?
A man’s business casual outfit typically includes a button-down shirt, slacks, and a nice belt to complete the look. When in doubt, men should always stick to the rule of pairing their clothing with clothing they would wear to church or on a date. If you would feel comfortable wearing it outside of work, then it’s probably acceptable.
☝️ How can I make my business casual look good?
The best way to make your business casual look good is to pair it with an equally well-dressed and stylish tie, which will help you stand out in a crowd. The most important thing is to choose the right colors for your outfit that go well with the color of the shirt. Another important thing is to take care of your clothes, as they are your first impression.
✅ Are jeans OK for business casual?
Jeans are a great item to wear during the day but should only be worn on promotional events. Slim and dark-colored jeans are most ideal for business casual. Also, avoid wearing jeans with excessive wear or damage.
👀 What kind of pants should I wear for business casual?
Most companies require their employees to wear pants, but some companies permit their employees to pick their pants. If your company allows you to wear slacks, you should choose either dark or light colors of your preference.
❌ What is not business casual?
A business dress code is something that all people in a workplace must abide by to maintain the dignity and professionalism of the organization. Business casual attire is when employees wear a more casual and comfortable clothing style than traditional business attire, which is made up of jackets, ties, and dress pants with cufflinks.
