The Ultimate Guide to Men's Business Casual: 2023 Dress Code
Look your best every day at the office or any semi-dressy locale with our guide to 2023 business casual. In this article, you’ll find our top picks for men’s business casual separates and how to wear them. All these pieces come in sizes to fit every body, including Tall and Big and Tall. We’ve also included some info on complementing your look with shoes, neckties and business bags. Let’s start by discussing each element of a men’s business casual outfit:
Undergarments for Work Days
The right undergarments serve as a foundation for the rest of your business casual outfit. Whether you like briefs or boxers, ensure you have the right fit. The undershirt is one of the most important foundational pieces for building an office look. Whether wearing a men’s Oxford shirt or a cashmere sweater, an undershirt provides a layer between your skin and the fabric for a light layer of extra coverage and a barrier between your skin and the fabric. Men’s undershirts are typically made from cotton and come in tank and crewneck short-sleeve styles that work well under most dress shirts.
Dress Shirts for the Office
A major part of a men’s business casual look is the dress shirt and tie. Your office may or may not require button-down collared shirts and ties. If so, you’ll find there are plenty of options from which to choose. Today’s men’s dress shirts have features such as wrinkle-free finishes so that there’s no need for ironing. Some are crafted from Supima cotton, a USA-grown cotton species with a long-staple fiber twice as strong as regular cotton. If you need a heavier fabric that’s still comfortable and machine washable, a cotton/polyester broadcloth dress shirt is another option.
Dress shirts come in multiple colors, including white and light blue. There are darker colors such as navy and black, along with classic striped prints. Pair any of these dress shirts with a tie if your office requires it or if you prefer. A traditional necktie or bow tie can set off any look when you choose a hue that accents your dress shirt.
Dress Pants for the Office
There are plenty of men’s dress pants to wear with any of these business-casual shirts. If you like a streamlined, modern look, plain-front styles are available in neutral colors. Or opt for a pair of pleated dress pants for a traditional style. They come in khaki, navy, and black to let your dress shirt and tie take center stage. Match your pants to a blazer in the same color for days when you want a more formal look.
Outfits for Casual Workdays
Sometimes, you want a shirt-and-pants combo that’s more casual than dress pants and a button-down. A pair of khaki chinos is always a good bet, especially when worn with a polo. Men’s polo shirts come in short- and long-sleeve styles, so you can find one that fits the season. There are mesh cotton polos for hot days and Supima cotton polos great for all year. If you need an extra layer, wear one under a lightweight men’s sweater.
There are hybrid 5-pocket pants for men that combine features of jeans with dress pants. They look like chinos with the pocket styling of jeans, and they have a slight amount of stretch for comfort. You can pair these pants with a polo shirt or dress shirt or go even more casual with a button-down over a white or black T-shirt. For a semi-dressy style, tuck the overshirt and unbutton the first few buttons to let your tee show through.
Shoes for Business Casual Outfits
Men’s dress shoes are always an appropriate choice for business casual outfits. Look for an Oxford shoe style for a classic look or choose a pair of wingtips for retro flair. Even loafers can work for the office if you choose a pair with dressy features, such as a leather or suede upper. Some loafers and dress shoes have cushioned memory foam footbeds to keep you comfortable all day. If your office is casual enough for athletic shoes, opt for a simple style in a neutral color.
Choosing a Business Bag
Another important part of your business casual outfit is a business bag. Whether you prefer a laptop backpack or traditional briefcase, choose something with padded compartments for safely toting your tech. Many of these men’s travel bags have multiple compartments for holding important papers and small essentials such as keys and cards.
With these tips, you’re ready to shop for business casual menswear. Try different shirt, tie, and pant combinations to find what looks best together. By choosing pieces you can mix and match, combining a wide variety of office outfits with a basic business casual wardrobe is possible.