Before business casual dominated the workplace, men's attire was categorized into two: casual wear and business attire. In the office, they are expected to wear a suit and tie. On weekends, casual clothes are worn.
The idea of business casual dressing started in 1966, when employers introduced Casual Fridays. They want to make their employees feel more relaxed, but still professional. Little by little, the fad began to catch on. Eventually, Casual Friday look became accepted in the workplace.
Business casual attire ideas
Business casual is a dress code men are often confronted with. However, people seem to have different opinions as to what counts as business casual attire. This blog post is intended to help you choose an outfit get this dress code right.
Here are 5 relaxed and professional attire ideas for men. These classic looks are versatile enough for the office and can help you standout the right way.
Suit sans tie
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Some companies do not support business casual attire. They still expect their employees to come to work wearing a suit. Others allow their workers to leave their tie at home.
Wearing a suit sans tie is a fine, stylish way to dress down a suit. This is perfect when you want to look professional, but you don't want to project conventional authority. Since you won't be wearing a tie, you need to unbutton the buttons of the shirt. The more buttons you unbutton, the more casual and daring the look will be. Also, keep your undershirt hidden. After all, they aren't meant to be seen.
Blazer over a V-neck shirt
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Just because Mark Zuckerberg can get away with wearing a t-shirt and jeans, doesn't mean you can too. You still ought to dress up.
Masculine, sophisticated and versatile, a blazer is a staple in men's wardrobe. Although it is intended for smart occasions, it also works well with casual pieces like a t-shirt. To pull off this look, make sure that you get the fitting right. The blazer, along with the v-neck shrit, should be well-fitted. The t-shirt should be loose enough that you're comfortable but not form-fitting. Also, we suggest that you stick with solid, neutral colored t-shirts. In this case, navy, gray, black, and white are your colors of choice. Bright-colored t-shirts should be reserved for casual occasions.
While donning a blazer over a V-neck shirt is acceptable, make sure that you pair those with tailored pants to keep you from looking too casual. You want to tip the balance in the direction of smart.
Sport coat and chinos
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For days when a sweater is too preppy and a blazer is too formal, consider wearing a sport jacket instead. Sport jacket is looser and more unstructured than typical jackets and suits. It is versatile and can be paired with almost anything - be it athletic shirts, polos, and dress shirts. It is a handsome, respectable garment that works well on almost every social situation.
While wearing a blazer over a t-shirt can be quite difficult to pull off, doing it with a sport coat is somewhat easier. Keep things stylish by pairing it with a pair of chinos and loafers. For maximum versatility, you'll want chinos in classic colors. Beige, khaki, navy, and black are your best options. If you want to smarten up your look, opt for a plain shirt and dark colored trousers.
Dress shirt and slacks
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When you're dressing business casual, you should always lean towards the business side rather than the casual side. Jeans are a no-go in a business setting as it looks too casual. Chinos are a good alternative. But if you want to hold yourself to a higher standard, we suggest pairing your dress shirt with slacks.
A simple white Oxford dress shirt is ideal for officewear. Keep the button undone for a relaxed, comfortable look. You have the option to wear a jacket and tie. But it's not advisable to wear a tie without a blazer.
You can leave both the tie and jacket at home, provided that you don't have an important meeting for the day. Maybe keep a blazer handy and a tie kept in your desk drawer, just in case.
Knitwear and dress pants
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Sweaters are a classic wardrobe item. With the onset of chilly weather, sweater make fine layering pieces. They help keep you warm without the bulk
A good, plain-colored V-neck sweater is the ideal sweater for wearing with a necktie. It shows the tie more neatly than a crew neck, making it a great option for the workplace. Bright-colored sweaters can add a pop of color to your outfit. It draws attention to the wearer and can add interest to an otherwise boring outfit. Steer clear from bold patterns as they make smart pieces look more casual.
You may want to balance out the casualness of your top by pairing it with a pair of dress pants rather than chinos. Opt for more conservative colors like camel, gray, and navy. Also, make sure your pants fit well and don't crease too much around the ankles.
Be the guy that gets business casual right
When you go to work, you are expected to dress up to a certain standard. For decades, a suit has been the standard when it comes to dressing up for a job. Now, things have changed. Business casual is the norm in most offices. It's the fusion of formalwear and comfortable attire.
A lot of people are confused about this dress code. Please remember that business casual is a dress down from the suit, not dressing up from a casual outfit. You should appear groomed and neat, yet relaxed at the same time.
You need to prioritize fit in order to nail this look. Remember, it is incredibly easy to ruin your outfit with a baggy shirt or pants. You also need to consider your age. The older you are, the more formal your outfit should be.
