What happens when you receive an invite to a business event and there’s a small print in the bottom of the invitation that says “dress code: business casual”? Do you run to your laptop and Google an answer out of it or do you gather up your coworkers and brainstorm on outfit ideas? If you don’t have a clue what business casual stands for then stick around, because you’re about to find out. Although dress codes can vary from organisation to organisation, and depend on the many factors such as type of industry, size of the company, number of employees, amount of interaction between employees and customers, geography, climate, culture, and average age of the workforce, there’s a generalized description of business casual: it’s a professional, business-like image that includes casual and relaxed clothing.
A typical business casual attire would include a pair of slacks or khakis, a dress shirt, open-collar or polo shirt, optional tie or seasonal sport coat, a tailored blazer, knit sweater, and loafers or dress shoes that cover all or most of the foot. To help you visualize we prepared a list of 10 outfits according to the business casual dress code.
Corduroy Pants + Cashmere Sweater
Loro Piana Corduroy Trousers $695
J.Crew Gingham Check Shirt $65
Billy Reid Cashmere Sweater $395
Mark McNairy Pebble-grain Brouges $510
Black & White
Maison Kitsune Slim Chinos $189
Schanyderman’s Oxford Shirt $195
PS by Paul Smith Dress Shoes $395
Golf Pants + Polo Shirt
Peter Millar Street Polo Shirt $85
Loro Piana Cashmere Sweater $995
Andrew Marc Rockwood Suede Shoes $178
Jeans + Plaid Blazer
Alexander McQueen Classic Shirt $350
Pollini Contrasting Boots $623.34
Slim-fit Trousers + Unstructured Blazer
Gant Rugger Slim-fit Trousers $250
Officine Generale Chambray Shirt $300
Incotex Unstructured Blazer $1,685
J.M. Weston Mocassin Leather Loafers $750
Dress Pants + Polo Shirt
Brooklyn Tailors Dress Pants $300
Zanone Ice Cotton Polo Shirt $66
Vince Robertson Donegal Blazer $525
The Generic Man Monk Oxfords $112.50
Checked Trousers + Knit Sweater
Valentino Classic Shirt $367.80
Fendi Ribbed Knit Sweater $650
Giorgio Armani Patent Derby Shoes $840.50
Wool Suit + Flannel Shirt
Thom Sweeney Navy Wool Suit $3,210
Gitman Vintage Flannel Shirt $210
John Smedley V-neck Merino Sweater $230
Commaon Projects Derby Shoes $500
Khaki Chinos + Tie
Dsquared2 Stripe Dress Shirt $390
n.d.c. made by hand Oxfords $350
White Trousers + Floral Shirt
Stefano Ricci Floral Print Shirt $1,015
Robert Talbott Cashmere Solid Tie $245