Yes, we know that it sounds quite obvious, but you know what? Defining business casual isn’t really the easiest task out there. Such a combo should be appropriate for the business environment, but not as strictly formal as it was the case just a few decades ago. On the other hand, it allows for some casual, laid-back elements, but it doesn’t mean that you’re allowed to wear shorts or flip-flops to work. As you can see, there’s a fine line between a hit and a miss when it comes to a business casual outfit. This is why we’re here to help you come up with a clothing combo that perfectly fits this style. Here are some useful tips and hacks, so check them out, get down to it, and own your smart office style like a true pro!
Build your wardrobe with quality basics
The first step towards nailing a business casual style is building your wardrobe. It should contain quality basics in the first place, as these are wardrobe essentials that can be combined in multiple ways. Since they are very versatile, you can use them to come up with different business casual outfits in the blink of an eye. Needless to say, a good suit is the first essential you need to buy. Make sure to get a tailored, custom-made one as this is the only way for your suit to fit perfectly. A classic pair of jeans is also a great choice, as well as quality monochromatic T-shirts in white and black. A nice fitted blazer is unavoidable, too, and you can match it with jeans for the ultimate business casual combo. Besides these, get several button-down shirts and wear them without a tie.
Pay extra attention to the fit
If you ask us, a great fit is everything. It doesn’t really matter how expensive your suit was if the jacket sleeves are too long, the pant legs are short, and the jacket shoulders are too wide. So, if you want to look stylish and ‘expensive’ – without necessarily spending thousands on brand new clothes – all you have to do is to get them altered. As simple as that! Find a trusty tailor for the necessary alterations and you’ll instantly see a major improvement. Apart from that, be sure to choose sizes correctly. Nothing ruins the outfit like an ill-fitting piece, so bear that in mind and be realistic with the sizing. Also, remember that there isn’t a unique sizing chart for all the brands, which means that you can be an M in one brand and an XL in another one. It’s silly but that’s how it is!
Don’t forget to accessorize properly
Business casual style isn’t just about the clothes – but about the accessories, too. So, the first one you should take into consideration is your wallet. We can freely say that traditional wallets have become a bit outdated recently, which is why you should get a cool men’s card holder instead. These are super thin and lightweight because they can hold cards only, so give them a try if you prefer cards over cash. Aside from the wallet, you should also rock an elegant yet stylish wristwatch. It has always been a unique symbol of class and elegance, which is why you should incorporate it into your business casual combos. Your watch can come with either metal or leather bracelet – it doesn’t matter as both of them will flawlessly fit this style.
Your footwear matters, too
Last but not least, you should definitely pay extra attention to your footwear, too. Dress shoes are the first ones on our list. These are an epitome of business style and elegance. They are super formal, which means that you’ll wear them on special occasions such as meetings with your business partners or a Christmas party at the office. On the other hand, there are also brogues, loafers, Oxfords, Derbies, and other casual styles that will do the trick for your business casual outfits. These can be worn in every single combo, but trust us when we say that they will work best when matched with a pair of jeans and a stylish button-down. Once that’s done, there’s no room for mistakes.
As you can tell there are many amazing ways to rock business casual combos and own your smart office style like a true pro. So, if this is one of your top goals at the moment, just stick to our useful tips and you won’t go wrong. All you need to do is to find a perfect balance between the two styles – business and casual – and you’ll do a great job. That’s a promise!
