Business casual for men
Business casual for men means dress trousers or chinos, a collared button-up shirt and leather shoes. A blazer is optional, and a tie usually isn’t needed.
Get a business casual outfit for your event
Dress the Part’s closest look is smart casual, which adds a jacket. For business casual the blazer is optional; wear it for meetings, client visits and interviews.
What to wear
Example photo: MART PRODUCTION / PexelsBlazer and roll-neck
- JacketOlive or grey unstructured blazer
- TrousersStone wool trousers
- ShirtBlack merino roll-neck
- NeckwearNone
- ShoesDark brown suede chukka boots
- ExtrasBrown belt matched to shoes
In spring and summer: navy blazer, no tie. See it
Example photo: Daniel Friday Danzor / PexelsPatterned blazer, roll-neck
- JacketBrown patterned or textured blazer
- TrousersCharcoal flannel trousers
- ShirtRust roll-neck sweater
- NeckwearNone
- ShoesDark brown chukka boots
- ExtrasPocket square in a warm print
In spring and summer: textured blazer, tee. See it
By season
| Season | The safe bet | The flex | Cloth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Navy blazer, no tie | Textured blazer, tee | Mid-weight wool or wool-linen, 9–10 oz |
| Summer | Navy blazer, no tie | Textured blazer, tee | Tropical wool, linen or cotton, 7–9 oz |
| Fall | Blazer and roll-neck | Patterned blazer, roll-neck | Worsted wool or light flannel, 10–12 oz |
| Winter | Blazer and roll-neck | Patterned blazer, roll-neck | Flannel or heavy worsted, 11–13 oz |
What it costs
Typical prices for the whole safe-bet look, from budget stores to investment pieces:
- Budget$180–$375
- Mid-range$565–$1,010
- Investment$1,315–$2,500
Prices are typical ranges and change often. Shop each piece at real stores in the app.
Accessories
A leather belt that matches your shoes and a simple watch. Keep bags and accessories understated.
Day or evening
Business casual rarely changes from day to evening. For an after-work event, adding a blazer is the easy upgrade.
By venue
In the office, stick to quieter colors: navy, grey, white and light blue. At a conference or client site, add the blazer. At an outdoor company offsite, chinos and loafers are fine.
Wedding, party or work
Most offices, conferences and work dinners use business casual. For an interview at a business casual company, dress one step up with a blazer, or a suit if you’re unsure.
Skip these
- Athletic sneakers
- T-shirts with graphics or logos
- Shorts
- Wrinkled or untucked dress shirts
Common questions
Are jeans business casual?
In many offices, dark clean jeans are fine on casual days, but chinos or dress trousers are the safer default, especially when you’re new or meeting clients.
Do I need a tie for business casual?
No. Wear one only if you’re presenting or meeting someone senior and want to be a step dressier.
Is a polo shirt business casual?
A well-fitted polo can be at relaxed offices. A button-up is the safer choice.
What shoes are business casual?
Leather loafers, derbies, oxfords or chukka boots in brown or black. Clean, minimal leather sneakers work in some offices; athletic sneakers don’t.
What’s the difference between business casual and smart casual?
Business casual is office wear: tidy, quiet and practical. Smart casual is more social and allows more texture and personality, like knitwear, suede and a sport coat.
Have an invite?
Paste it into Dress the Part and get the dress code decoded, an outfit for your season and setting, and where to buy each piece at any budget.