Business casual sits between formal business wear and leisure wear. You wear trousers or chinos with a shirt, a knitted polo or a fine jumper. A tie is not needed. A blazer is allowed, but not required.
What business casual is and is not
The dress code leaves room for your own choices. Still, there are limits. It is about polished clothing that fits well and suits the workplace. In many traditional offices a T-shirt with a large print and a hoodie are too casual, but the dress code differs per company.
In autumn you get an extra layer. That makes the dress code easier. A cardigan or a jumper over a shirt immediately looks finished.
| Item | Yes | Better not |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Shirt, knitted polo, fine jumper | Printed T-shirt, hoodie |
| Bottom | Trousers, chinos | Sports trousers, shorts |
| Layer | Cardigan, unlined blazer | Sports jacket |
| Shoes | Loafers, smart sneakers | Flip-flops, running shoes |
| Belt | Leather, in the colour of the shoes | Eye-catching buckle |
Four working days, four formulas
- Monday. The Hamilton cotton shirt with Italian collar in light blue made of 100% cotton with the Vincent slim-fit trousers in khaki. A classic combination for a more formal working day.
- Tuesday. The Alistair knitted piqué polo in navy made of viscose and polyamide with the Ulysses slim-fit herringbone trousers in taupe grey.
- Wednesday. The shirt under the Maximilian wool cardigan in beige and the Frederick trousers with pleats in coffee brown. This is the warmest combination.
- Thursday. A white shirt without a tie, navy trousers and loafers. Whether this is formal enough for a client meeting depends on the company and the client.
The shirt remains the foundation
A good shirt suits every formula. The Hamilton shirt has an Italian collar. It sits open without a tie and still looks neat. Tuck it into the trousers if you wear a cardigan. Wear it untucked only if the shirt is short enough.
Pay attention to the fit. Check that the shoulder and sleeve length suit the model and your own proportions.
The knitted polo as an alternative to the shirt
Want it more relaxed? Then a knitted polo is a good choice. The Alistair polo is made of 80.5% viscose and 19.5% polyamide. The piqué knit gives structure. Wear it under a cardigan or blazer, or on its own with trousers.
A fine-knit polo often looks smarter than a classic piqué polo. Both can work, depending on the working environment.
When to add a blazer
A blazer makes a business casual outfit more formal. Wear it for a client visit, a presentation or a first meeting. On an ordinary office day a cardigan is often enough. Choose a blazer whose weight and construction suit the temperature indoors.
The blazer may be made of a different fabric from the trousers. That is even nicer. Combine a navy blazer with grey trousers or a beige blazer with coffee brown trousers. That keeps it casual enough.
Shoes and belt
Shoes define much of the impression. Loafers are the easiest choice. You slip them on quickly and they suit chinos or trousers. A leather sneaker in white or navy can also work, as long as it is clean. Wear thin socks with them that do not show above the shoe, or that are deliberately high enough.
A belt in the same colour family as the shoes gives a calm combination; exactly the same colour is not needed. The buckle is modest. A large buckle stands out and does not suit a calm outfit.
How to buy business casual with a plan
Start with three shirts in white, light blue and striped. Add two pairs of trousers in navy and grey. Then choose two knitted polos in calm colours. With a cardigan added, you have multiple combinations for a working week.
The collar defines the look
Without a tie, the collar counts for extra. A collar that falls limp quickly looks sloppy. Choose a shirt with a firm collar that stays upright. On our shirts page you will find models with an Italian collar, which also falls nicely open. Without a tie, one open button is usually the most formal option; adjust this to the collar and the workplace.
What you had better leave at home
Some things stand out, even when they are small. A worn belt, stains on a shirt or creased trousers are noticed sooner than a different colour. Make sure shirt and trousers are neat. Iron only according to the care label.
From meeting to drinks
Drinks after the office? Then you do not need to change. You can loosen the outfit by taking off a layer or rolling up your sleeves if the setting allows it. A business casual outfit is meant for both moments.
Colours for autumn
A calm palette makes choosing easy. Navy, grey, beige and brown go together. Add a light blue shirt for freshness. If you want to keep the outfit calm, limit the number of distinct colours.
- Navy. Combines easily and is a calm base.
- Taupe grey. This is a soft variation on grey for those who find navy too dark.
- Coffee brown. Warm and suits beige and light blue.
- Beige. Wear it in a cardigan or coat and combine it with dark.
Browse the full Office for Men collection. There you will also find the shirts, the polos and the trousers. For a meeting or event, look at the Signature Occasions.
Shop the look
Hamilton: cotton shirt with Italian collar, light blue
Vincent: slim-fit trousers with mid-rise, khaki
Alistair: knitted piqué polo with stripe detail, navy
Ulysses: slim-fit herringbone trousers, taupe grey
Maximilian: wool cardigan with business cut, beige
Frederick: trousers with pleats and brushed inside, coffee brown
Frequently asked questions
What is business casual for men?
It is polished clothing without a suit and without a tie. Think of trousers with a shirt or knitted polo. A cardigan or blazer finishes it.
Can I wear a polo at the office?
Yes, if it is a knitted polo with a neat collar. Wear it with trousers and smart shoes.
Which shoes go with business casual?
Loafers, derbies and smart leather sneakers all work well. Choose black, brown or navy.
What if a garment does not fit?
If a garment does not fit, check the current return conditions on the returns page.
