A smart, tailored shirt is a non-verbal statement of professionalism and reliability. It should be comfortable, yet sophisticated and polished, with a clean finish.
A traditional oxford cloth button down (or OCBD) with long sleeves and barrel cuffs is your best choice for business casual. Pair it with a dark-coloured field jacket to keep your look sharp but casual.
Attire
If you’re building your business casual wardrobe, focus on staple pieces that will work in any season. Light linen or cotton shirts and trousers are perfect for the summer, while thicker wools and twills will keep you warm in winter. Pair your business casual shirts with classic dark shades or soft neutrals, and avoid bright colors or patterns. Bright colors can come across as too informal and bold patterns may be distracting. If you’re new to a workplace or industry, it’s wise to stay on the safe side until you understand the company culture and dress code standards.
Spread collar shirts sit well with this look, but button down collars are also popular. Button down shirts feel more relaxed than their spread counterparts and offer the polish of a button-up shirt without the bulk.
While cufflinks are not required, they do add an elegant finishing touch to your outfit. Opt for barrel or roll cuffs rather than French cuffs, which may feel a bit too formal in a business casual environment.
When it comes to shoes, loafers and oxfords are a great option. Stay away from sneakers or flip-flops, and choose softer shoe colors like brown or grey. Accessories are another opportunity to let your personality shine. Classic leather messenger bags are a stylish alternative to briefcases, and scarves can be a welcome replacement for ties in appropriate weather.
Choosing a Shirt
Business casual strikes a balance between business wear and weekend style. MaryKathryn McArthur, lead stylist at Short Story, a DTC retailer and personal styling service helping petite women, says it’s “that harmonious balance between a suit set and jeans and a t-shirt.”
When choosing a shirt for a business casual look, consider the fabric and collar. A breathable cotton or polyester blend is appropriate. Lightly textured fabrics, such as Oxford cloth and chambray, can add interest. Subtle shirt patterns that utilize two colors are also a good option. Collar styles include spread, point and button-down.
The fit of the shirt is also important. You want the shirt to fit your shoulders and frame, but you don’t want it so snug that it clings to your body. The classic ‘two fingers’ pinch test helps you determine the right fit. The sleeves should be long enough to cover your wrists when your arms are relaxed at your sides, but not so long that they look sloppy or that you can’t comfortably roll them up.
You can find shirts with either French or barrel cuffs, but choose barrel cuffs for a more polished look. Avoid cufflinks, which are a bit too formal for business casual attire.
Fabrics
As the name suggests, business casual is a slightly more relaxed style of clothing that is appropriate for professional workplace settings. It is typically less formal than a full suit and tie, but more formal than the everyday casual look that includes jeans and t-shirts. Acceptable clothing items include long-sleeved button-down shirts, polo shirts and blazers. The fabric of the https://insidemen.vn/ shirt can range from poplin to cotton twill, but should be made of quality, wrinkle-resistant materials.
The fabric of a men’s dress shirt is one of the most important elements for a good business casual outfit. A soft twill in a lighter color such as blue or white is ideal. This type of material has a more relaxed appearance than crisp poplins, but still possesses the professional look of classic wool suits. The weave of the shirt also makes a difference in how wrinkle-resistant it is. A good quality twill will have a diagonal pattern that creates a more textured appearance and drapes nicely.
Men’s business casual shirts can have subtle patterns that incorporate two colors, but should avoid larger patterned fabrics such as gingham and stripes. A woven check pattern is more acceptable than a solid stripe in most cases. Texture is a great way to add interest to an outfit without adding too much formality, and can be used for the shirt, blazer or trousers. A wool tweed jacket with a pair of navy chinos is an elegant look that is both comfortable and professional.
Fit
A well-fitting business casual shirt is a staple for any professional wardrobe. It needs to be long-sleeved to avoid looking too casual, but it should be fitted to your body to create a flattering silhouette. This style should also be tucked in, as it looks most polished when worn with trousers and skirts. You can choose from both solid and patterned shirts for business casual outfits, but be careful to keep the patterns subtle and tasteful to maintain the appropriate level of professionalism.
The oxford cloth button down is the best option for business casual, as it’s versatile and timeless. You can wear it with a tie for dressier events and meetings, or without neckwear to lean into that casual Friday vibe. Choose a dark wash to make the most of this workwear staple, and avoid light washes that can look sloppy and unprofessional.
A navy grenadine tie is another essential piece to have in your wardrobe, as it works with so many different outfits and can really elevate the tone of your look. This fabric choice is softer and more relaxed than a silk tie, but it still makes you look polished and refined. It’s great to have on hand for when your boss unexpectedly drops in or you need to dress up quickly. Keeping these classic pieces in your closet will help you master the nebulous world of business casual style and always come out on top!
