Business casual outfits for men usually start with a collared shirt or knit, trousers or chinos, and shoes accepted by the workplace. The right combination depends on your office, the weather and who you’ll be meeting.
Start with clothes you already wear comfortably. You may only need a better-fitting pair of trousers or another layer to create several useful combinations.
For founders and executives, personal style in business also means being ready for changes in the day’s schedule. These seven outfits give you options for ordinary office days, travel and less formal meetings.
1. Oxford Shirt, Chinos and Loafers
A button-down Oxford shirt and chinos make a useful starting point when your workplace allows business casual clothing. Choose colors that work with shoes and layers you already own.
Try this combination
- Light blue Oxford shirt.
- Navy chinos.
- Brown loafers.
- A simple brown belt.
Tuck in the shirt, then sit down and reach forward. You should have room through the waist and back without the shirt pulling tight.
Small fit adjustments can change the whole outfit. Our article on updating an existing wardrobe discusses fit and layering before buying more clothes.
2. Fine-Knit Sweater, Tailored Trousers and Derbies
Wear a fine-knit sweater over a collared shirt when the office calls for another layer. A thinner knit leaves more room beneath outerwear and is easier to remove as temperatures change.
The outfit
Navy knitwear, a white shirt, gray tailored trousers and brown Derby shoes.
Let the collar sit flat and keep the shirt hem tucked in. If fabric gathers around the shoulders or sleeves, try a different sweater cut.
For a meeting that needs more formal clothing, switch to a blazer. Building a consistent professional wardrobe means having those options ready.
3. Winter Jacket, Knitwear and Wool Trousers
Winter business casual outfits for men need enough room for the clothes underneath. Try outerwear over your usual sweater, especially if you’ll spend part of the commute walking.
When comparing men’s winter jackets, read the insulation, closure and coverage details. A lining alone doesn’t tell you how warm the jacket will feel.
For extreme cold, verify the product’s intended conditions before buying.
Keep the Indoor Outfit Complete
Pair the jacket with a plain sweater, wool trousers and weather-appropriate boots. The sweater and trousers should meet the office dress code once you remove the outer layer.
Sit down and carry your work bag while trying the jacket. Tight shoulders or a restrictive hem will become irritating during a longer journey.
4. Leather Jacket, Collared Shirt and Dark Trousers
A simple leather jacket can work for an office that accepts casual outerwear. Start with a plain collared shirt, charcoal trousers and loafers, then try a black or dark brown jacket over the combination.
Look at how the whole outfit sits. The jacket should leave room through the shoulders, and its hem should work with the shirt underneath. Minimal detailing makes it easier to pair with clothes you already wear to work.
If you’re considering leather jackets on sale, shortlist the designs that suit those clothes before comparing prices. A discounted jacket still needs to fit your routine.
Our guide to choosing leather goods covers other buying considerations. For a client meeting, confirm the dress code first and wear a blazer or suit when the setting requires one.
5. Unstructured Blazer, Knit Polo and Chinos
An unstructured blazer adds a tailored layer without requiring a matching suit. It works as an option for workplaces and meetings that allow a polo shirt.
Try navy, cream and charcoal
Wear a navy blazer over a cream knit polo, with charcoal chinos and dark loafers.
The polo collar should sit comfortably beneath the lapels. Button the blazer while standing and look for pulling around the fastening.
For a more conservative setting, swap the polo for a button-down shirt. That lets you reuse the trousers, shoes and jacket while adjusting the outfit to the occasion.
6. Cardigan, Button-Down Shirt and Straight-Leg Trousers
A cardigan gives you a removable layer when the office feels cold but the journey home is warmer. It is also useful when you want variety beyond crew-neck sweaters.
Pair a charcoal cardigan with a pale shirt, navy straight-leg trousers and dark leather shoes. Leave enough room for the shirt sleeves without stretching the cardigan’s cuffs.
Make It Comfortable for Travel
Sit in the trousers before packing them. The waistband and thighs should remain comfortable through a train journey or flight.
Wear shoes you’ve already tested on foot. A business trip is a poor time to discover that a new pair rubs after ten minutes.
7. Polo Shirt, Dark Jeans and Simple Shoes
Use this outfit where the office allows denim. Choose dark jeans without rips, a plain polo and loafers.
Minimal sneakers are another option if the workplace permits them. Keep the jeans at a length that clears the ground and sits neatly over the shoes.
This combination suits a relaxed workday more readily than a formal client presentation. Have trousers available when the schedule changes.
Before wearing it again, inspect the collar, hems and footwear. Our clothing care guide covers looking after the pieces already in your wardrobe.
Questions About Business Casual Outfits for Men
Is a leather jacket business casual?
It can be, where the workplace accepts casual outerwear. Judge the design and complete outfit against the setting. A leather jacket does not automatically replace formal tailoring.
How does smart casual differ from business casual?
Business casual is tied to workplace expectations. Smart casual also appears in social settings and may allow different clothing. Ask the employer or host when the label leaves you unsure.
What should you buy first?
Start with the piece that would complete several existing outfits. That might be comfortable shoes, trousers that fit or a suitable jacket. Try it with at least three items you own before deciding.
