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keep it lowkey

Business casual
looks for men

The business world is ever evolving – so too is the business wardrobe. The modern man needs a style versatile enough to move with the times. One that is just as at ease in the boardroom as it is for date night.

 

Men’s business casual outfits blur the lines between formality and laid-back style to deliver a look purpose-made for contemporary living. Think slim-fitting jackets crafted from breathable and lightweight fabrics; contrasting trousers and chinos in stretch cotton blends; grained leather or suede loafers with subtle accents; and versatile accessories for paring up or down your look on the fly. Each piece, blending smart form with casual function.

 

Discover the true meaning of casual business attire for men and how to dress with style and confidence, whatever the moment.

Business casual and business professional: Finding the balance

The business casual dress code has now been adopted as a standard across many modern industries and companies. However, that was not always the case. Business casual originated as a term in the 1980s among the early tech startups and disruptors of Silicon Valley, who looked to retain a formal respectability while also appearing more approachable and forward-orientated.

 

That evolution is clear to see, with professional staples such as the shirt and blazer still standards of the business casual look for men but with a wider range of styles, fabrics, fits, and accompaniments now accepted.

 

For more conservative workplaces or for those most formal of occasions, business professional might still be expected. That means you should leave your more contemporary-styled suits at home, along with any patterned shirts, chinos, or moccasins.


The benefit of business professional lies in its simplicity. Expect tailored two- or three-piece suits in a classic fit, a crisp white shirt and a silk tie in a solid color or subtle patterning, and a pair of black or brown dress shoes. A refined look with clear rules and expectations, as recognisable as it is timeless.

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Smart casual office wear for men

Striking the right balance between timeless tailoring and a more laid-back style is the key to bossing casual business attire for men.

Business casual presents several options for the wearer, from jeans and smart trainers at one end of the spectrum to a suit jacket and trousers at the other. What works best for you depends on your workplace’s definition of the term ‘business casual,’ as well as your personal style.

 

  • SUIT JACKETS
  • Cut a modern silhouette and show you mean business with a selection of styles, forms and fabrics that will have you looking your best while breathing easy.
  • Looking for men’s casual work outfits that are sure to adhere to any dress code? Keep it timeless with a slim-fit two-button jacket in navy or maroon, featuring micro-patterned cloth for a subtle touch of intrigue and crafted from virgin wool, cotton and linen blends for lightweight breathability and action without restriction.
  • For the man who is always on the go, groundbreaking packable jackets with wrinkle-resistant fabric will have you looking business-ready straight out of the suitcase.
  • Or, for men’s smart casual workwear that effortlessly threads the needle between office attire and runway fashion, choose from a contemporary color palette of pastel greens and blues, distinctive details such as defined chest pockets or contrasting lapels, and pair your look with a confident shirt and trouser selection to create a business-casual look that is all your own.

 

  • SHIRTS
  • When it comes to men’s business professional attire, the right shirt can set the tone for the rest of your outfit. For those most formal of occasions – weddings, client meetings, galas – a classic dress shirt in neutral tones and cotton poplin or twill is often the standard call. But what about all those in-between moments, when a shirt is on the menu, but a more casual style is also implied?
  • The business casual dress code for men need not be a challenge to pull off. Find the right shirt and you are halfway there.
  • For a look that still errs more on the side of business than casual, regular, and slim-fit shirts printed with a contemporary and subtle motif add a dynamic focal point to a refined look without stealing the show. Performance-stretch fabrics can also ensure a quality look and feel while in motion.
  • Otherwise, more distinctive and daring designs like pink and white pinstripes, bold geometric shapes or seasonal prints offer versatile ways to elevate business casual looks for men beyond the expected.

 

  • TROUSERS
  • Whether looking to match your trousers with the rest of your outfit for a timeless style or create a daring color contrast for a more distinct look, there are a number of ways a pair of trousers can alter business casual looks for men.
  • Men’s smart casual workwear comes in many forms. Keep it simple with tried-and-true charcoal suit trousers in a straight or tapered fit, complete with an elasticated waist and crafted from virgin wool for optimal crease resistance. Or, put your own stamp on the day with contemporary chinos cut to a defined fit and finished in bold colors for an effortlessly business-casual look.
  • Whatever your style, just be sure to keep it within the boundaries of your office dress code. Acceptable trouser wear - like all men’s smart casual office wear in the US – is highly subjective. Whether suit trousers, chinos, or denim is to be expected, is dependent on your place of business.
  • To ensure you're always looking your best, it's essential to strike the right balance between style and professionalism.

 

  • FOOTWEAR
  • Talk the talk and walk the walk with footwear that perfectly complements the rest of your look. What that looks like in practice depends on the rest of your finely curated outfit.
  • Cap-toe Oxfords, character-infused Monks, and polished Derby shoes, when crafted from genuine leather, will never go out of fashion. As timeless as they are versatile, refined business shoes such as these look at their best when paired with an equally tailored silhouette; setting the standard for men’s business professional attire.
  • For jeans or chinos, keep it casually sophisticated with a pair of grained or burnished leather trainers in rich, dark tones contrasted against a white sole. Never let those laces trip you up again with the signature hidden lace system featuring BOSS branding.
  • Are you in need of a fully versatile shoe that easily pairs with almost any business casual look for men, from denim to suit trousers? Leather and suede loafers with understated tassel or fringe trim are a go-to style when you simply need to get up and go or prioritise space in your hand luggage.
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Accessories to complete the look

With an arsenal of timeless accessories at your disposal, it is possible to effortlessly alter any look to suit the formality of the occasion.

 

Sometimes an understated Italian leather business belt with a polished buckle is all that is required to elevate a pair of chinos or jeans to that desired business casual standard. Likewise, a matching leather or stainless-steel watch might be just the finishing touch that seals the deal.

 

While cufflinks, ties and pocket squares are typically not expected of business casual looks for men, having a few trusted accessories close by can allow you to seamlessly transition from the office to the client meeting and back again, without ever having to change your outfit.

 

Embrace the versatility that comes with the business casual dress code for men and be prepared for whatever comes your way.