Business Casual for Men, Explained (Plus the 22 Pieces You Need)
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Business casual men's dressing gets a lot easier when every piece in your closet works with every other piece. That is the whole idea behind this list of 22 office picks, built around chinos, oxfords, soft knits, and a few good shoes. Buy a handful and you can put together a week of business casual outfits for men without thinking too hard in the morning.
Start with neutral pants in khaki, navy, olive, and charcoal, then add shirts in white and blue. Layer a quarter zip, a cardigan, or an unstructured blazer on top when the office runs cool or the meeting matters. Finish with brown leather shoes, a matching belt, and a bag that holds your laptop.
1. Bonobos The Chino 2.0 in The Khakis
Khaki chinos are the backbone of an office wardrobe, and Bonobos makes one of the best known pairs. The fabric is 92% cotton with 8% spandex, so it stretches in every direction, resists wrinkles, and wicks away sweat. A zip pocket at the hip keeps your keys and cards secure on the commute.
Pair them with the white Taylor Stitch oxford and the Lincoln penny loafers for an easy Monday. Swap in the navy Quince cashmere crewneck when you want something softer. The dark brown Foundation Belt ties the browns together.
2. Gap Modern Slim Khakis in New Classic Navy Blue
Navy chinos read a little sharper than khaki and hide coffee spills better too. Gap cuts these from a smooth stretch twill in a slim fit with a stretch waistband for comfort at your desk. Front slant pockets and back welt pockets keep the look clean and classic.
Wear them with the light blue Everlane oxford and the sand Suitsupply shirt jacket for a relaxed, polished pairing. The white Cole Haan sneakers make it Friday friendly. For a client meeting, layer the grey Quince quarter zip and step into the Allen Edmonds derbies.
3. Everlane The Transit Chino in Olive
Olive is the easiest way to add color to a work wardrobe without looking loud. Everlane's Transit Chino uses a moisture-wicking, breathable stretch fabric made with organic cotton. The straight fit gives you extra room from the waist through the hip, plus zipper side pockets for your phone.
Try them with the white oxford, the charcoal Ojai Jacket, and the Clarks desert boots. Olive also looks great under the navy cashmere crewneck. Keep the belt brown, like the Taylor Stitch Foundation Belt.
4. Bonobos Jetsetter Wool Dress Pant in Charcoal
Some days call for something dressier than chinos, and a charcoal wool trouser handles them without fuss. Bonobos makes this pair from an all-season wool stretch fabric that is 97% wool and 3% spandex. A hook and bar closure, button-through back pockets, and front leg lining give it a proper tailored finish.
Wear them with the Jetsetter dress shirt and the navy rust blazer for presentation days. On calmer days, the grey merino quarter zip over the white oxford looks just as sharp. Dark brown shoes like the Allen Edmonds derbies or the Thursday Chelsea boots finish it well.
5. Frame L'Homme Slim Jean in Baltic
If your office allows denim on Fridays, keep it dark and clean like this Frame pair. The L'Homme Slim tapers subtly through the leg and is cut from premium stretch denim. Classic five-pocket styling means nothing on it looks too casual for work.
Pair the jeans with the white Taylor Stitch oxford and the unstructured Bonobos blazer for a smart Friday look. The Marine Layer sweater polo and white Cole Haan sneakers take it more laid back. Chelsea boots also look great with a dark wash.
6. Taylor Stitch The Jack in White Everyday Oxford
Every work wardrobe needs a white button-down, and the Jack is a great one. It is made from 6 ounce, 100% organic cotton that is washed for a soft, lived-in feel and pre-shrunk. The signature button-down collar stays neat under a sweater or blazer.
Wear it with every pant on this list, from the khaki chinos to the Frame jeans. Layer the navy cashmere crewneck over it and let the collar peek out. Add the Thursday penny loafers and you are done.
7. Everlane The Classic Oxford Shirt in Light Blue
Light blue is the other oxford color every guy should own. Everlane's version is 100% organic cotton in a roomier, relaxed standard fit. It is made to be worn tucked in at the office or untucked on the weekend.
Tuck it into the navy Gap khakis or the charcoal wool trousers with the Foundation Belt. Throw the Banana Republic cardigan on top when the air conditioning kicks in. Desert boots keep it relaxed.
8. Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt in Navy Mini Check
For days when you want a true dress shirt that still moves with you, the Jetsetter is built for it. Its fabric blends 75% cotton, 21% polyester, and 4% Lycra for stretch you can feel when you reach across a conference table. A French placket and collar stays keep it crisp, and it goes right in the washing machine.
The small check looks sharp under the navy rust blazer with the charcoal trousers. Wear it alone with the khaki chinos and the Lincoln loafers for a lighter look. Carry the black Cole Haan Damon Briefcase to finish the outfit.
9. Marine Layer Conrad Sweater Polo in Washed Indigo
Knit polos look more grown up than sporty ones and still feel relaxed. Marine Layer's Conrad is 100% cotton in a slightly open knit that breathes, with a clean Johnny collar. The classic fit leaves room to move without looking baggy.
Pair it with the navy Gap khakis and the white Cole Haan sneakers on a casual day. Under the sand Suitsupply shirt jacket, it reads polished enough for a lunch meeting. Try it with the olive chinos too.
10. Quince Worsted Merino Wool Quarter Zip Sweater in Light Heather Grey
Pull on a merino quarter zip and a plain shirt suddenly looks intentional. Quince knits this one from 100% worsted merino wool at 16 micron and 14 gauge, so it is thin, smooth, and lightweight. Ribbed details at the hem, cuffs, and collar plus a slim fit keep it neat over a collared shirt.
Zip it over the light blue oxford with the charcoal trousers for a clean grey on grey look. It also pairs well with the khaki chinos and the Thursday Chelsea boots. Throw the Ojai Jacket over the top on your way in.
11. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in True Navy
Cashmere in navy looks good with nearly everything on this list, which is why it earns a spot. Quince uses 100% Grade-A Mongolian cashmere in a 12 gauge knit with ribbed details at the neck, hem, and cuffs. Wear it alone or over a collared shirt, and it looks right either way.
Layer it over the white Jack oxford with the olive Everlane chinos and the Clarks desert boots. With the khaki Bonobos chinos and penny loafers, it feels classic and calm. Add the Damon Briefcase and you look ready for anything.
12. Banana Republic Cotton-Cashmere Cardigan in Dark Charcoal Gray
Cardigans are back at the office, and a dark charcoal one works like a soft blazer. Banana Republic blends breathable cotton with cashmere for softness and warmth. The relaxed fit has a dropped shoulder, a V-neck with a button front, and a straight hem.
Wear it open over the light blue oxford with the khaki chinos. It also looks great over the Marine Layer sweater polo with the dark Frame jeans on Friday. Brown penny loafers or desert boots both suit it.
13. Bonobos Jetsetter Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer in Navy Rust Prince of Wales
An unstructured blazer gives you polish without the stiff shoulders of a suit jacket. Bonobos makes this one in 100% wool with an unlined interior, sleeve lining, and binding at the seams for a more casual tailored look. It has a two-button single-breasted front, flap pockets, and a double vent.
Its navy and rust check plays well with the khaki chinos and the light blue oxford. On Fridays, throw it over the Frame jeans and the white Jack oxford. The Allen Edmonds derbies and Foundation Belt finish it.
14. Suitsupply Relaxed Fit Shirt-Jacket in Sand
Shirt jackets sit right between a blazer and an overshirt, which makes them great for business casual. Suitsupply cuts this one from 100% wool, unlined, with natural shoulders and a relaxed fit. Wide notch lapels, a patch chest pocket, and patch pockets keep it easygoing.
Sand looks great with the navy Gap khakis and the Marine Layer sweater polo. Over the navy cashmere crewneck with the charcoal trousers, it turns more formal. Desert boots or white sneakers both work underneath.
15. Taylor Stitch The Ojai Jacket in Organic Charcoal Foundation Twill
Commutes are easier with a light cotton jacket, and so are offices that run cold. Taylor Stitch makes the Ojai from 8 ounce, 100% organic cotton that is washed for a soft, lived-in feel. It has a chest pocket with a pen slot and two lower patch pockets that open from the top and side.
Throw it over the merino quarter zip with the olive chinos for a rugged but tidy look. It also layers well over the white oxford and the dark Frame jeans. Finish with the Chelsea boots.
16. Thursday Boot Company Lincoln Penny Loafer in Rich Mahogany
Penny loafers are the easiest shoe in business casual, since they look right with chinos, trousers, and jeans. Thursday's Lincoln uses hand-finished full-grain leather with a hand-stitched moccasin toe and Blake stitch construction. Leather outsoles and a supple glove leather lining make it feel like a real dress shoe.
Wear them with the khaki chinos and the white oxford for an easy office uniform. They also dress up the dark Frame jeans on Friday. Match them with the dark brown Foundation Belt.
17. Allen Edmonds Julian Derby Shoes in Bittersweet Chocolate
Derbies are a little more relaxed than oxfords, which makes them a smart pick for a business casual office. Allen Edmonds makes the Julian with European calfskin leather or premium suede uppers, a leather lining, and a round toe. Tonal rubber outsoles with a subtle heel wedge add support when you are on your feet.
Pair them with the charcoal wool trousers and the Jetsetter dress shirt for big meetings. They also work with the navy Gap khakis and the grey quarter zip. Brown shoes like these pick up the Foundation Belt nicely.
18. Clarks Desert Boot in Beeswax Leather
Clarks has made the Desert Boot since 1950, and it still fits right in at the office. This pair has a premium beeswax leather upper and the signature natural pebble crepe sole. Traditional stitch-down construction helps it mold to your foot over time.
Desert boots look great with the olive Everlane chinos and the navy cashmere crewneck. They also keep the sand shirt jacket and navy khakis feeling relaxed. Wear them with the Frame jeans on Friday.
19. Thursday Boot Company Cavalier Chelsea Boot in Dark Brown Suede
Chelsea boots slip on in seconds and look sleek under trousers. Thursday's Cavalier uses Dark Brown WeatherSafe suede with flexible elastic goring and Goodyear welt construction. Inside, a glove leather lining and a cork-bed midsole form to your feet as you wear them.
Pair them with the charcoal trousers and the navy cashmere crewneck for a sleek look. With the dark Frame jeans and the Ojai Jacket, they feel more casual. They also look sharp with the khaki chinos.
20. Cole Haan GrandPro Topspin Sneaker in Optic White
Plenty of offices now allow sneakers, as long as they are clean, white, and leather. Cole Haan's GrandPro Topspin is a tennis inspired lace-up with leather uppers and a cushioned GrandFoam footbed. A lightweight EVA midsole and plush heel padding make it comfortable for long days.
Wear them with the navy Gap khakis and the Marine Layer sweater polo. They also keep the Frame jeans and Bonobos blazer from looking too stiff. Keep them clean so they stay office ready.
21. Taylor Stitch The Foundation Belt in Dark Brown
Belts are easy to overlook, but a good one pulls an outfit together. Taylor Stitch cuts the Foundation Belt from a thick slab of vegetable-tanned cowhide. It is finished with a solid antique brass buckle that stands up to daily wear.
Dark brown matches the Lincoln loafers, the Allen Edmonds derbies, and the Chelsea boots. Thread it through the khaki chinos or the charcoal trousers. It also looks right with the Frame jeans.
22. Cole Haan Damon Briefcase in Black
Your bag is part of your outfit, so it should look as put together as you do. Cole Haan's Damon Briefcase has a leather body with a double zip top and a padded sleeve that fits up to a 16 inch laptop. A removable crossbody strap, a trolley pass, and an exterior zip pocket make the commute easier.
Black leather works with the charcoal wool trousers and the Jetsetter dress shirt. It also pairs with the navy cashmere crewneck and the navy Gap khakis. Carry it with the Chelsea boots for a sleek finish.
What counts as business casual for men?
It usually means chinos or dress trousers, a collared shirt or a fine knit, and leather shoes. A blazer is optional, and a tie is rarely needed. Many offices also allow dark jeans and clean leather sneakers, especially on Fridays.
How many pieces do I need to build business casual outfits for men?
You can start with three pairs of pants, three shirts, two knits, and two pairs of shoes. That small set gives you more than a week of different combinations. Add a blazer, a belt, and a work bag as your budget allows.
Can you wear jeans for business casual?
Many offices allow jeans, especially on casual Fridays. Choose a dark, clean wash with no rips, like the Frame L'Homme Slim. Pair them with an oxford shirt, a knit, or a blazer so they still look professional.
