Dress Up to Dress Down
Effortlessly chic rather than lazy is the goal, and brands like Everlane, Gucci, and Adidas will get you there with a few styling tips
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What exactly is “business casual” in menswear? The term is loose enough to constitute anything from sneakers and jeans, but pointed enough you know a blazer better be in the mix. Yet, for many, it’s still challenging to identify precisely what business casual looks like and even more difficult to do it well.
First, to strip down the term’s complexities, let’s cover what it’s not: Overly dressed, stuffy, and restricting might as well be villains to the business casual look. If you’re about to put on something without room for ease or motion, you’ve already destroyed the concept. First and foremost, comfort takes precedence above all.
Next, think about duality and shape. “Businesscasual gives you a lotof room to focus on silhouettesand fit rather than patterns, colors, and logos that people get too caught up in,” stylist Matt Rossi tells Rolling Stone. For example, if your look’s main staple is a blazer, find something nicely tailored that accentuates shape, but bring it down to earth with jeans and sneakers. Or, if you want to wear loafers, pair them with an oversized graphic tee (french tucked) and pleated trousers to bring in that idea of duality.
Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite products and how to style them for a business casual look that’s comfortable and effortlessly chic rather than lazy. This guide was built with you in mind, combed by our editors who scoured the internet for business casual attire most loved by customers and experts. We’ve made sure only to include highly-rated products from reputable brands we love and shop from ourselves for the office and beyond.
Best Business Casual Editors’ Picks
- Best Blazer: Topman Double Breasted Suit Jacket, $85
- Best Sneaker: Adidas Samba OG Sneaker, $100
- Best Jeans: Levi’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans, $34.75
- Best Sweater: , $48
- Best Loafer: G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafers, $198
- Best Tee: Everlane Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew, $45
- Best Dress Pants: Rhone Commuter Pant, $138
Best Business Casual Blazers
Blazers are your ultimate, not-so-secret weapon here. In any context, they can pull even the sloppiest looks together — Yes, even sweats (my frequent go-to look during New York winters). While your first reaction might be to look for something that naturally imbues a more casual design, I want to challenge the notion with sharply tailored pieces that are opposite and feel more formal.
Although this seems counterintuitive to the objective here, what it does is provide contrast between your otherwise casual style. Look for double-breasted jackets inspired by menswear from the 50s and 60s, which brands like “Oscar de la Renta, Prada, and Balmain still reference,” Rossi notes, and pair them with jeans and a hoodie. Editor’s tip: go one to two sizes up for an unrestricted feel. Editor’s picks
Topman Double Breasted Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 38-44
$85$17050% off
Jack Victor Double Breasted Wool Sport Coat
Currently available in men’s 36-44
$523.60$74830% off
J. Crew Ludlow Slim-fit Jacket in English Cotton-Wool
Currently available in men’s 34-46
$348
Topman Skinny Fit Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 34-46
$109
Everlane Performance Chino Blazer
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$188
Best Business Casual Sneakers
This is where things can be a little tricky because not all sneakers are created equal. While some of your kicks might be rare finds or hard-to-get collectibles, that doesn’t mean those outside of sneaker culture will comprehend them as such. Here is where duality comes in. Pair your sneakers with slacks to balance out the casual nature of them. Or, if jeans are a must, wear a button-down or blazer on top for contrast.Related
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-11
$30
Cole Haan GrandPro Breakaway Leather Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-13
$130
Adidas Samba OG Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 6-14
$100
Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-15
$99.95
Nike Dunk Low Retro BTTYS Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 8.5-14
$115
Adidas Park Street Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-14
$59.88$7520% off
Best Business Casual Jeans
There is no escaping; jeans will always be casual. Even when designed with the highest standards and quality or tailored to perfection, they will always appear too casual in a formal setting. Their history of utilitarian use has stamped them as such; however, that makes them perfect for a business casual look.
If you’re considering donning a pair of denim pants, opt for darker washes, straight legs, and little to no distressing so as not to make them look worn. Pair them with cardigans or button-ups for a polished look or a blazer, which is a surefire way to pull off any pair of jeans.
Paige Lennox Transcend Slim Fit Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-40
$209
AG Everett Slim Straight Leg Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-42
Levi’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-42
$34.75$69.5050% off
Lucky Brand 221 Straight Jean
Currently available in men’s 29-42
$49.99$9950% off
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$80
Best Business Casual Sweaters
Quiet luxury has died down, but its popularity gave rise to early preppy trends like polos and slacks. This is perfect when discussing business casual because cardigans and sweaters reign supreme for prep.
Don’t be quick to jump for something too brightly colored or patterned, however. There’s a delicate balance when it comes to sweaters and cardigans when discussing the topic of business casual. Solid colors are a great place to start if you’re not sure what to buy, elevating to patterns or textures only when designed in neutral tones like blue, tan, grey, or black.
Everlane Felted Merino Shawl Collar Cardigan
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$198
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Currently available in XS-XXL
$132$16520% off
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$48$8040% off
Everlane Cloud Relaxed Cardigan
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$188
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$48$8040% off
Best Business Casual Loafers
Luckily, loafers do most of the work regarding business casual, so you don’t have to. They’re shoes designed for formalwear, meaning that even your most casual pair of pants can feel elevated with the right loafer. Shop from a variety of materials like suedes and polished leather.
However, a word of caution. If you live an active life where moving about is deemed a necessity in your day-to-day, look for loafers with a bit of traction. You’ll thank us later.
Gucci Jordaan Horsebit Loafer
Currently available in men’s 6-15
$920
Cole Haan Pinch Penny Slip-On Loafer
Currently available in men’s 7-16
$92.40$16042% off
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafers
Currently available in men’s 7-13
$175
Sebago Casual Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
Currently available in men’s 5-11
$230
Dr. Martens Adrian Loafer
Currently available in men’s 9-11
$149.95
Best Business Casual Button-Downs and Tees
Don’t be fooled into going too casual with a button-down or tee. Like cardigans, this is a category that needs much consideration and thought before attempting a business casual look.
Opt for neutral colors that seem universally accepted in business attire: shades of blue, grey, tans, or black. If picking out a pattern, stick to standards like pinstripes or a small print. Going with something flashy or brightly colored here might sometimes work, but from a general standpoint, it’s better to stick with what is universally accepted.
Everlane The Heavyweight Overshirt
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$98
Van Heusen Dress Shirt
Currently available in men’s 14.5-18.5
$34.99
Buck Mason Cotton Slub T-Shirt
Currently available in men’s S-XXL
$45
Currently available in men’s 17-20
$148
Everlane Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew
$45
Best Business Casual Dress Pants
Dress pants are your bread and butter for unrivaled style. “I think pretty much every fashion house has put out a double pleated wide-leg trouser for the last few decades so there is no going out of style there,” says Rossi. Today, they come in unique styles and newer, not-so-formal silhouettes. Like the blazer, they are key in forming any business casual look and can quickly transform something as simple as the white tee into a fit worthy of both the office and your general life.
Look for neutral colors, specifically browns and blacks, which will go with most of your wardrobe, and cuts like straight or athletic. These will give you more room for movement with some stretch. Finally, always go for pleated pants. Always!Trending
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Casual Stretch Khaki Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-42
Currently available in men’s 28-38
$80
Mr. P Tapered Wool Drawstring Trousers
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$255
Rhone Commuter Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$138
Everlane Performance Chino
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$98
HowRolling StoneEditors Make Their Fashion Selections
Style is incredibly subjective. That is why we take care in choosing the clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry that we present to our readers. While we review trends to showcase fashion-forward selections, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind.
Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes tofashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories.Shop like aRolling Stoneeditorand check out more of our recommendations.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an enthusiast and expert in fashion and menswear, I have a deep understanding of the concepts and elements that contribute to a well-curated, business casual look. I keep up with the latest trends, designers, and brands, and I'm well-versed in the nuances of styling for various occasions.
Understanding Business Casual in Menswear
The concept of "business casual" in menswear is a blend of professional and relaxed attire, aiming for an effortlessly chic look without appearing lazy. It involves a careful curation of clothing and accessories that prioritize comfort, while still maintaining a sense of sophistication. The term allows for a wide range of interpretations, but it typically involves a mix of tailored pieces with more casual elements.
Key Elements of Business Casual
- Comfort Takes Precedence: The foremost consideration in business casual attire is comfort. The clothing should allow for ease of movement and a relaxed feel.
- Focus on Silhouettes and Fit: Business casual provides the flexibility to emphasize silhouettes and fit over patterns, colors, and logos. Tailored pieces that accentuate shape are often paired with more casual items to create a balanced look.
- Styling Tips: Pair a blazer with jeans and sneakers for a smart yet relaxed ensemble, or opt for loafers with an oversized graphic tee and pleated trousers to play with the idea of duality.
Featured Brands and Products
The article highlights several brands and products that are well-suited for creating a business casual look, including:
- Blazers: Topman, Jack Victor, J. Crew, and Everlane offer a range of blazers that provide a mix of formal and casual elements.
- Sneakers: Adidas, Everlane, Cole Haan, and Nike offer versatile sneaker options that can be paired with slacks or jeans to achieve a balanced look.
- Jeans: Levi's, Paige, AG, and Lucky Brand provide high-quality jeans in darker washes with straight legs, suitable for a business casual setting.
- Sweaters: Everlane offers a variety of solid-colored sweaters and cardigans that add a touch of sophistication to the ensemble.
- Loafers: Gucci, Cole Haan, G.H. Bass, and Sebago provide a selection of loafers suitable for business casual attire.
- Button-Downs and Tees: Everlane, Van Heusen, Buck Mason, and Brooks Brothers offer neutral-colored button-downs and tees suitable for a business casual look.
- Dress Pants: Amazon Essentials, Mr. P, Rhone, and Everlane provide dress pants in neutral colors and modern silhouettes ideal for business casual wear.
Styling Tips for Each Category
- Blazers: Emphasize sharply tailored blazers for a contrast with more casual attire, such as jeans and a hoodie.
- Sneakers: Pair sneakers with slacks or jeans, and balance their casual nature with a button-down or blazer.
- Jeans: Opt for darker washes, straight legs, and minimal distressing, and pair them with cardigans, button-ups, or blazers for a polished look.
- Sweaters: Choose solid-colored sweaters and cardigans in neutral tones like blue, tan, grey, or black for a refined touch.
- Loafers: Look for loafers in a variety of materials, such as suede and polished leather, and consider options with traction for added comfort.
- Button-Downs and Tees: Select neutral colors or subtle patterns for button-downs and tees, maintaining a professional yet relaxed appearance.
- Dress Pants: Opt for neutral colors and cuts like straight or athletic, with some stretch for ease of movement, and prioritize pleated pants for a timeless look.
Rolling Stone's Fashion Selection Process
The article emphasizes that the fashion selections are carefully curated based on promising customer feedback, first-hand experience with the products and brands, and a focus on trends and fashion-forward choices. The aim is to present a thoughtfully considered shopping list with the reader's needs in mind, catering to those who pride themselves on selecting the best in clothing, shoes, and accessories.
Overall, the article provides a comprehensive guide to achieving an effortlessly chic business casual look, featuring a range of reputable brands and products tailored to the modern professional's wardrobe.
