Are you a young man wondering how to dress business casual? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
As a guy in my early twenties who studied business, I’ve had to dress business casual on several occasions throughout my life. Whether it’s for a school presentation, a job interview, a meeting or casual Fridays at work, knowing what’s acceptable business casual attire is very important.
With that being said, here are some business casual outfit ideas, what to wear and what not to wear for business casual.
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Business Casual Outfit Ideas (With Pictures)
Here’s a breakdown on a few casual outfit ideas with pictures.
These outfits should give you an idea on how to dress business casual, as well as provide inspiration for your own outfits. Feel free to mix and match different elements from each outfit.
1. Polo Shirt and Khaki Pants
For many guys, a polo shirt with khaki pants is their go-to business casual outfit. This is an outfit that is affordable, comfortable and still has a very nice look.
The important thing about this outfit is that you find a polo shirt and a pair of pants that fits your body type properly.
As a guy who is on the slimmer side, I like my polo shirts and khaki pants to have a slim fit. If you’re a bigger guy, you may want some clothes that have a more relaxed fi,t since it will suit your body type better.
This casual style looks great with a pair of white or black leather sneakers. You can accessorize this outfit by wearing a bracelet or watch.
If you’re debating on whether or not to tuck in your shirt, it really is a personal preference. Tucking in your shirt will look more classy and proper. Whereas, not tucking in your shirt will look more casual.
Get this outfit:
- Polo Shirt (see different colors on Amazon)
- Khaki Pants
- Dress Shoes
- Watch (check price on Amazon here)
2. T-Shirt, Sports Jacket and Dress Pants
In recent years, the t-shirt, sports jacket and dress pants look is one that has become very popular in the corporate world. This is a youthful business casual style, that looks professional and classy at the same time.
This outfit takes elements from traditional business casual looks and mixes it with modern, minimalist style.
For this outfit, start with a sports coat that fits well. I recommend going with a grey or navy solid color, or a plaid pattern for extra style.
Wearing a stylish sports coat with a white t-shirt and black slim fit dress pants will look proper. This outfit will have you looking like you just came from Silicon Valley!
Get This Outfit:
3. Half Zip Sweater and Dark Jeans
Half zip sweaters are one of my favorite current fashion trends. Not only are they super comfortable, but they are also very stylish and look really good with business casual outfits.
If you’re a guy, add a half zip sweater to your business casual wardrobe. This versatile sweater goes great with a pair of jeans, chinos or slim pants.
Wearing an undershirt under the half zip-sweater is a good idea because it will absorb any sweat on your chest.
This outfit goes great with a pair of white or black leather shoes. If you like the look of smart casual outfits, this is the perfect style for you.
Get This Outfit:
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4. Dress Shirt and Dress Pants
If you’re looking for traditional business attire, a button-down shirt and dress pants are a safe bet. This is an outfit that you can wear to a business meeting, interviews or daily if you work in a casual workplace.
If you want to make this outfit look extra casual, try wearing it your dress shirt without a tie and rolling up the sleeves a bit. This will give a professional look, while still looking casual and classy.
Pair this outfit with a nice watch and a clean pair of dress shoes, and you will look great. If you’re just getting used to a business casual look and want a safe bet, this is the perfect outfit!
Get This Outfit:
5. Dress Shirt, Sweater and Plaid Pants
Wearing a dress shirt under a sweater is a classic business casual look that makes a statement. By layering your dress shirt with a sweater, it will show that you have a good sense of style and know how to dress business casual.
Pairing this look with a pair of slim fit plaid pants or chinos will have you looking the best dressed in the office. This is a great outfit for guys who are slimmer, as the sweater will created the illusion that you are bigger than you really are.
To finish off this outfit, you are going to want to wear some nice leather dress shoes and accessorize the outfit by wearing a leather strap watch.
This smart casual look is perfect for the office, an important meeting or a job interview.
Tip: Don’t forget about hygiene! Be sure to shower, do your hair, wear deodorant and brush your teeth.
Get This Outfit:
What To Wear for Business Casual
If you’re wondering what professional attire is allowed to be worn for business casual outfits, this is the list for you. Here are 15 pieces of clothing that are worth adding to your wardrobe if you plan on dressing business casual regularly.
1. Polo Shirt
When it comes to business casual shirts, you can’t go wrong with a polo shirt. The polo shirts from Polo Ralph Lauren and Lacoste are the best value, as the quality is very good and these brands can often be found on sale.
If you have work environment that allows you to dress business casual, pick up a few different colored polo shirts. If you want to have your own unique personal style, get some polo shirts with bright colors instead of the typical neutral colors that everyone wears.
Recommended: Polo Shirt (see different colors on Amazon)
2. Button-Up Shirts
Button-up shirts are super versatile and great for business attire. There are many different styles of button-up shirts that are allowed in the workplace, which can give you many different outfits.
Whether it’s a traditional button-up shirt, a button-up with a patern, a short sleeve button-up shirt or even Hawaiian shirts, these are all acceptable in the workplace.
Recommended: Dress Shirt (see different styles on Amazon)
3. Turtleneck
Although it isn’t my favorite look, turtleneck sweaters and shirts have become very popular among Gen Z and Millennials. Turtlenecks look nice with some men’s business casual outfits.
Wearing a turtleneck under a blazer or sweater is a popular style that can be worn around the office.
Recommended: Turtleneck
4. Sweaters
There are a few different styles of sweaters that are perfect for the business casual outfits. Crewnecks, knit sweaters, half zip sweaters and cardigans all look really good.
If you’re looking for something versatile that can be worn with multiple different outfits, check out the Knit Sweater.
Recommended: Knit Sweater (see over 4,500 positive reviews on Amazon)
5. Blazer
If you like the look of a sports jacket, then you’re going to want a good blazer. Wearing a blazer that has a pattern or a unique look is a great way to develop your own personal style.
Recommended: Blazer
6. Jackets
If you live in a climate where you will have to wear a jacket for part of the year, there’s no reason not to find one that is stylish. A bomber jacket, trench coat, sherpa jacket or corduroy jackets all look good with business casual outfits.
Currently, the Levis Sherpa Jacket is very popular for young men and goes great with office attire.
Recommended: Levis Sherpa Jacket (see different colors on Amazon)
Related: 12 Best Fall Shoes for Men (Shoes, Sneakers, Boots)
7. Jeans
Whether it’s for business casual outfits or just for wearing out on casual occasions, everyone needs a good pair of jeans. Having a clean pair of black jeans is perfect for wearing to the office or out on the weekends with your friends.
Recommended: Jeans
8. Chinos
Chinos are a typical business casual work pant. The great thing about chinos, is that they come in many different colors and they are very comfortable pants.
If you have to go into work dressed nicely regularly, grab yourself a few different colors of Chinos.
Recommended: Chinos (see over 800 positive reviews on Amazon)
9. Plaid Pants
Plaid Pants are popular and trendy pants for men. These pants look really classy and they go well with many business casual outfits.
If you’re wearing plaid pants, be prepared to get a lot of compliments and many people asking where they can get themselves a pair.
Recommended: Plaid Pants
10. Dress Pants
Whether if it’s for a business casual outfit or just do add to your wardrobe, every guy needs a pair of dress pants. A pair of black or navy blue dress pants is a wardrobe essential that you will wear at some point.
Recommended: Dress Pants (see different colors on Amazon)
11. Belt
If you don’t already have a nice looking belt, now is the time to get one. As a guy, if you tuck in your shirt, then you need a professional looking belt.
I would go with either a black, brown or reversible leather belt, as it will go great with multiple different outfits.
Tip: Always match your belt color with the color of your shoes. For example, if you’re wearing a brown belt, wear brown dress shoes.
Recommended: Belt
12. Leather Sneakers
Black or white sneakers made of leather can be worn with business casual outfits. As someone who always likes to be comfortable, a good pair of leather sneakers is a must.
Leather sneakers look super slick and they are more comfortable to wear all day long than dress shoes.
Tip: General rule, when wearing dress shoes, always wear dress socks. Wearing normal socks with dress shoes will be uncomfortable and will look terrible.
Recommended: Leather Sneakers (see different colors on Amazon)
13. Loafers
If you like the look of loafers, then get yourself a pair. Loafers look really good with dress pants and business casual outfits.
Wearing a pair of loafers is a great way to show off your own personal style.
Recommended: Loafers
14. Dress Shoes
If you are working in the business world, then you are going to need a pair of dress shoes. I’ve always found the Calvin Klein Dress Shoes to be stylish, comfortable and a really good value.
If you’re looking for a pair of dress shoes, check out the Calvin Klein Dress Shoes.
Recommended: Calvin Klein Dress Shoes (see price on Amazon)
15. Accessories
If you plan on dressing business casual, it’s a good idea to accessorize your outfit. Wearing a watch, bracelet, necklace or a ring are a great ways to level up your fit.
If you’re looking for an affordable watch, check these stylish watches from Fossil.
Recommended: Fossil Watch (see style & price on Amazon here)
What Not To Wear For Business Casual
Knowing what not to wear for business casual, is as important as knowing what to wear. Here are 12 things to never wear when you are dressing business casual.
1. Graphic T-Shirt
It’s no secret that graphic tees are very popular among young men. As much as it would be cool to be able to wear graphic t-shirts all the time, unfortunately you can’t wear graphic tees with business casual outfits.
2. Hoodies
If you like wearing hoodies, I have some bad news for you. Hoodies do not go well with business casual outfits.
Instead, try wearing a warm sweater or a jacket as it will look more professional.
3. Sweatpants
In a perfect world, sweatpants would be allowed to be worn in the office. However, in reality wearing sweatpants in a professional setting looks extremely unprofessional.
Save your sweatpants for when you’re lounging around your house and wear some jeans or chinos!
4. Joggers
Joggers have become very popular and they are becoming more and more acceptable in professional environments. As of now, joggers aren’t acceptable in most workplaces, however I can see that changing in the next few years.
Lululemon makes some very nice looking joggers that have a nice and classy look. I’ve worn those joggers on nice occasions and to fancy restaurants and I’ve never had a problem.
Related: Are Joggers In Style? How They’ve Changed & Evolved
5. Cargo Pants
Cargo pants have become extremely popular in streetwear culture over the last year. If you want to wear cargo pants to work, you probably won’t be working in an office setting.
Wearing cargo pants in a professional setting is a bad idea and will not look good at all.
6. Ripped Jeans
Although they may be popular, wearing ripped jeans in a professional setting is not a good idea. Instead, try wearing a pair of jeans without rips as it will look a lot more proper.
Related: Tapered Jeans Vs Straight Jeans – Complete Guide
7. Shorts
Shorts in the workspace is a controversial one, as some offices may allow it on hot days. As a young guy, I suggest sticking with pants just to play it safe, unless you know for sure.
If you do want some nicer dress shorts, check out these out:
Recommended: Goodthread Slim Fit Stretch Shorts
8. Running Shoes
In the last few years, office attire has become a lot more relaxed and people have started wearing more and more running shoes in professional setting. As a young guy, I recommend sticking with nice leather shoes, loafers or dress shoes as it look more professional.
9. Flip Flops
It’s no secret that flip flops are extremely comfortable, however there is absolutely no room for flip flops in business casual outfits! Save the flip flops for when you’re at the beach or not in a professional setting.
10. Dirty Shoes
If you show up to work with dirty shoes, you will look sloppy and unprofessional. Take the few minutes once in a while to wipe down your shoes with some warm water.
If you want to prolong the life of your shoe and have them looking new for longer, try using a shoe cleaner.
Recommended: Jason Markk Shoe Cleaner
11. Accessories
If you are dressing business casual, there are a few accessories that you should avoid wearing. Avoid overly flashy jewelry, big watches, thick chains and too many bracelets.
When it comes to accessorizing your outfits, keep it simple. Stick with a watch that isn’t overly flashy and you will look great.
12. Tie/Bowtie
Ties and bowties are really not popular among young men in the workplace. Nowadays, most people don’t wear a tie or a bowtie unless they really have to.
When you are dressing business casual, feel free to not wear a tie or a bowtie. Leaving a few buttons open at the top looks better, and it’s a lot more comfortable.
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Final Thoughts on Business Casual Outfits for Young Men
For many young guys, dressing business casual is a real challenge. Luckily, this list tell you everything you need to know about dressing business casual.
Business casual outfits are always evolving and styles are becoming more and more casual. The good thing about styles becoming more casual, is that we will be able to dress more comfortably.
Good luck!
Do you wear ties on nice occasions or do you keep your top buttons open? Please let me know in the comments below.