Business Casual for Men: What to Wear (and What to Skip)
Business casual for men explained: the core pieces, 12 outfit formulas, shoes that work, common mistakes and how to adjust for conservative or relaxed offices.
By Ayoub Farid · · 2 min read
Business casual is the most common office dress code and the most confusing. It sits between a suit and weekend clothes. The rule of thumb: collar or fine knit on top, tailored trousers or chinos below, leather shoes or very clean sneakers.
The core pieces
- Trousers: chinos in navy, khaki and grey; wool trousers in grey or navy
- Shirts: white and light blue oxford shirts, a subtle stripe or check
- Knits: merino crewneck, quarter-zip, cardigan
- Polos: knit polos in navy, cream or green
- Layers: an unstructured blazer, an overshirt or a field jacket
- Shoes: brown loafers, derbies, suede chelsea boots, minimal leather sneakers
- Belt and watch that match in tone (brown with brown shoes)
12 outfit formulas
- Light blue oxford + navy chinos + brown loafers
- White shirt + grey wool trousers + navy blazer + derbies
- Navy crewneck over a white oxford + khaki chinos + suede boots
- Knit polo + grey trousers + loafers
- Quarter-zip + oxford shirt + navy chinos + leather sneakers
- Overshirt + white tee + dark chinos + chelsea boots (relaxed offices)
- Cardigan + striped shirt + grey trousers
- Blazer + fine turtleneck + charcoal trousers
- Field jacket + oxford + khakis + desert boots
- Light grey knit + navy trousers + white sneakers
- Linen-blend shirt + beige trousers + loafers (summer)
- Dark jeans + white oxford + navy blazer + loafers (only where jeans are allowed)
What to skip
- Graphic tees and hoodies
- Athletic sneakers (running shoes, chunky trainers)
- Shorts
- Very distressed or light-wash jeans
- Wrinkled shirts: an ironed shirt is half of business casual
Adjusting for your office
Conservative: always a collared shirt, add a blazer, wool trousers, leather shoes. Relaxed or tech: knit polos, overshirts and clean sneakers are usually fine.
The difference between business casual and smart casual is subtle: see smart casual for men and dress codes explained.
Build it from fewer pieces
Six tops, three trousers, three shoes and a blazer give you weeks of combinations. A men's capsule wardrobe is a good way to plan it.
Try it with your own closet
Snap your work clothes into Wardrobely and it builds a business casual outfit from them every morning. Ask the AI stylist "Is a quarter-zip okay for a client lunch?" and get an answer based on what you own.
Frequently asked questions
Can men wear jeans for business casual?
In many offices, dark, clean, non-distressed jeans are accepted with a collared shirt and blazer or knit. In conservative offices, stick to chinos or wool trousers.
Are polo shirts business casual?
Knit polos and well-fitted cotton polos generally are. Sporty polos with big logos are more casual.
What shoes are business casual for men?
Loafers, derbies, brogues, suede chelsea or desert boots and clean minimal leather sneakers in relaxed offices.