eBusiness
Business casual can be an elusive dress code to interpret, as its definition varies based on company culture and industry. Most workplaces allow a more relaxed version of formal business wear such as jeans or khaki pants combined with blouses or polo shirts as part of this attire category.
If your workplace allows for chinos, slim fit designs in neutral colors like navy or light grey may be best. Twill pants could also be tried out but save them for weekend wear only.
Shirts and Tops
Business casual dress codes might seem formal and outdated; however they can work well for businesses looking to foster a more casual workplace culture. By setting forth the parameters for what clothing can and cannot be worn in your office environment, you can give clear guidelines as to what attire is and isn’t allowed, helping everyone feel more at ease while showing customers you take your work seriously.
Though a business casual dress code still has some stringent rules, there are various ways to tailor your attire for different events and temperatures. A blazer adds an elegant finish to any skirt or top; fitted and tailored ones look best when worn over trousers but they can even be layered over looser-fitting dresses for an alternative look.
When it comes to choosing the ideal shirt, classic cotton button downs in white, navy or burgundy are excellent choices. Twill or oxford designs also work well. If you want something a bit different try choosing something with jacquard or plaid patterns – they add personality while pairing perfectly with blazers!
A polo shirt is an ideal option for business casual attire. With its more relaxed collar than standard spread collar, its versatility allows it to be worn either tucked in or left out when worn with both suits and casual pants. For something even more creative, try opting for mock neck or turtleneck shirts featuring fitted but not tight collars – they provide more feminine aesthetic that works great when paired with skirts or pants as well as more polished looks when combined with blazers.
A blazer or sweater is another effective way to elevate any maxi dress, and pumps or flat shoes may even transform an excessively casual maxi into an office appropriate outfit. Ballet flats or moccasins make excellent companions as they combine elegance with casual appeal for everyday office use.
Pants
An ideal company uniform combines comfortable bottoms and timeless tops. When it comes to business casual pants for both men and women, styles range from relaxed silhouettes to more rugged options. Men can find customized casual trousers in regular, big, tall sizes as well as long rise and tailored fits ensuring a precise look without excess fabric.
While some businesses have specific guidelines about what constitutes business casual attire, the standard rule for most workplaces is usually a combination of business professional and casual styles. This usually entails wearing pants (not jeans) or skirts in neutral colors with an appropriate blouse (no crops, t-shirts or cotton tank tops allowed) paired with either a blazer or cardigan; dresses and skirts of knee length or longer qualify. Shoes tend to be either loafers or dress shoes but some workplaces allow sneakers and sandals too!
Consider lighter fabrics when shopping for spring and summer business casual pants. Breathable linens, silks, or linen blends may offer plenty of choices that keep the body cool during those heatwave months when many bodies tend to overheat easily. Lighter color pants may also help provide relief during those hotter times when people require something cooler to wear.
When shopping for casual work pants, look for features that set them apart. For instance, some modern linen trousers feature anti-pill and wrinkle-preventative finishes which help keep them looking fresh after multiple wears; others feature Advanced Coolest Comfort finishes which wick moisture away from the body for cooler feel against your skin.
Casual work pants should also feature a comfortable medium waistband that supports your tummy without needing a belt; one tester found her favorite Western Rise Evolution pants had a wider waistband than most black trousers, making them more supportive and flattering on her figure. Furthermore, these particular trousers graze the floor when worn with flat shoes!
If you’re searching for business casual pants that feel more like leggings, check out these stretchy SweatyRock pants with more than 7,500 five-star reviews. They feature a skinny fit with four-way stretch, sizes from x-small to xx-large availability and customers have reported flattering their figures without looking overly casual for business casual attire.
Shoes
Shoes might seem like an insignificant part of an ensemble, but shoes made with quality material and in great condition can elevate a business casual outfit dramatically. Conversely, poorly made footwear will detract from it altogether – luckily there are numerous great options available to men looking for fashionable work attire!
Color is of utmost importance when choosing business casual footwear, and black is often the ideal hue to achieve this aim. Black exudes formality without appearing too formal; sneakers should only be used for dress-down Fridays as they tend to be too informal for business casual events.
Leather oxfords are an ideal choice for most business casual occasions. Their closed lacing keeps the eyelets sewn inside the vamp for a more formal appearance than your average sneaker, as well as being available in several materials – leather being preferred due to its durability and natural shine.
For something a bit more relaxed, why not consider suede Derby shoes? They have the look of Oxfords but feature soft yet durable suede instead of leather for greater comfort. There’s an assortment of colors available; dark shades such as brown and burgundy tend to work best for business casual looks.
Chukka boots make an excellent business casual choice. Resembling desert boots in appearance, these casual shoes feature low ankles and wide toe boxes to provide a relaxed yet professional appearance. Commonly made of suede leather, but other forms like oxblood and cordovan leather may also be available as options.
If you prefer more casual looks, slip-on laceless loafers may also be an option. These slip-on styles are extremely versatile; they work with both jeans and chinos alike! These versatile shoes also come in various colors; grey and navy are usually ideal for business casual outfits.
Accessories
Accessories can help take your business casual look to a whole new level. This may include items like ties, bow ties and jewelry as well as belts and bags – the goal being to appear stylish yet put-together without overdoing it on trends or wearing too many pieces at once.
As with most items on this list, there are several choices that work well depending on the situation. A classic leather belt with an unadorned buckle may suffice in most business casual situations; for something a little different try weaving leather or even madras pattern fabric belts for an eye-catching and personalized look.
Solid ties can add a great deal to your look and can really set it off, while clip-on ties may be more versatile and less likely to overdo things in terms of volume or overstated style. Cufflinks should also play an integral part here; gold-tone ones would likely work best.
Fabric belts can also add an element of formality while maintaining the casual spirit of your outfit. Fabric belts come in leather, cotton and linen varieties; dark-hued belts like black or navy may give the most formal impression; for something slightly less serious yet still casual choose lighter-hued options with texture such as madras or woven leather for an unassuming yet formal look.
Finally, socks can add another element of formality and casualness to your look while remaining casual. Socks with intricate patterns tend to add formality while simple socks in darker or neutral colors are generally more informal.
Business casual attire allows for greater freedom when it comes to clothing choices, giving most people plenty of leeway when selecting an appropriate look that won’t go overboard between casual or dressy. This is an excellent solution in most workplaces and may help create the impression you’re hoping for with coworkers, clients or anyone else you encounter during the day.
