4 tips to find business casual attire that works for you
Claire Dickinson
Business Casual has no REAL definition, well, nothing consistent or coherent, which spans all companies terms of appropriateness. It’s the attire, that mid-point in the corporate world that says “I work hard, but know where all the good happy hour spots are.” It’s the blazer without the tie, the Dockers without the Rockports, the sass without the pretension.
My roommate’s personal style could be defined as business casual, having always felt comfortable in feeling like she could ALWAYS take care of business, if need be. It’s just an example that just because its for work doesn’t mean it’s a wardrobe to scorn.
A business’ dress code is something that must be learned, no two offices are alike. Take the time to observe co workers and what they’re wearing, note their status in the company, and keep in mind, in any situation where you’re an underling …ahem… employee, it’s never bad to be the best (most conservatively) dressed. As all career advisors tell you, “dress for the job you want, not the one you have.”
I think this is one of the more underrated issues perplexing fresh graduates entering the corporate world (given there are still jobs TO get). It poses the question, “I got the job, now how do I dress for it?”
1 The Trusty Sweater
Whether you were expecting or dreading it, the sweater/sweater vest is the all encompassing, versatile, must-have for every working-man’s wardrobe. Using the sweater as a fashion plate, you can mix and match different items while the sweater takes on most of the focus.
Pairing a dark or bright colored sweater with a striped or light colored button down shirt underneath gives that professorial ‘I read books’ kind of vibe. Most (Business Casual as well as others) Women dig this vibe. Just saying.
Knit sweaters, with carefully, not overdone embellishment carry a subtle “I care what I’m wearing” notion.
Commonwealth Utilities adds some hinted flair to the usually blasé gray sweater. The multi-colored lines provoke a masculine yet tailored look. The detail is what makes this sweater so interesting, and a fine example of using the over-shirt-sweater to its fullest advantage. ($220.00)
St. John’s Bay exemplifies the sweater vest; the careful knit cord pattern is not overly femme and reaffirms that professorial gleam. It comes in an array of colors, from neutral tones to a bright red. Very Versatile. ($44)
I really like this brand Merona and desperately wanted to include them in this feature. It’s affordable, looks great and is found almost anywhere, specifically Target and Kohls. This incorporates that sly stripe style with the clean sweater. ($17) At this low price, you can afford to dress right for the job.
2 The All-Purpose Shoe
The thing that makes a shoe really good, and worth it, is its ability to work with many outfits. A shoe should not just be “a work shoe.” A good shoe spans events, looks good with jeans, looks good with dress pants, looks good in the closet.
The Oxfords are really popular right now. Not everyone can pull them off, and not everyone wants too. But what makes them special is that they can easily go from work to play without seemingly forced. Another aspect of the Oxford is that they can tend to make your feet look longer/bigger. Now some men, like this touch of enhance foot size, but if you’re a size 13+, you may give off the impression you could crush small towns with your paws.
Cole Haan makes great shoes. I think I can say that every time I talk about men’s shoes. I really like the color play gray on white on blue is very Spring, very light, and can be worn with a blue suit or blue jeans. They all so come in black, but these gray duds are doing it for me. ($198)
A good Loafer doesn’t have to have a penny adorned on the front; a tassel or look like you went through grandpa’s closet. Ecco reforms the moccasin/loafer into a new, lightweight, leather necessity. It promotes heel and sole comfort, so if you’re on your feet all day THEN going out that night, these shoes will keep you standing. ($140)
3 The Well Fitted Blazer
Personally, there is not much sexier than a well fitted blazer on the back of a man. If on right, it broadens the shoulders, chest and confidence. With a good blazer, you can pull off the nice button down shirt alone (sans tie), with a sweater (vest). Simple works when you have a structured/tailored piece.
The blazer comes in array of textures and colors, rooted in nautical history, a trusty blue blazer will always be a sure-fire. Blazers can be business, or they can be your cool weather jacket, THE OPTIONS ARE ENDLESS.
A first date blazer is golden, wanting to impress without coming off too strong, or that you have the Barney’s floor-plan down pat, pairing a good dark jean and corduroy coat makes this early Spring that much Springy-er.
From Overstock.com “Measurement Guide”:
* The first part of a blazer size is a number; this is your chest measurement or your over-arm measurement minus 7 inches.
* If these two numbers are about the same, you’ll use your chest measurement as your sport coat size. If the measurement over your arms is larger than your chest, use your over-arm measurement (minus 7) as your size.
* The second part of the blazer size is a word or letter; this designates whether the sport coat is short, regular or long, and it may just be the first letter: S, R or L. The letter or word refers to your overall height, but these measurements are flexible.
* Be aware of your overall body proportions and choose the sport coat length that covers your rear end without going any farther. For example, if you’re 5’10″ but you have a long torso, then you may want to shop for a long sport coat.
Short: 5’5″ to 5’7″
Regular: 5’8″ to 5’10″
Long: 5’11″ to 6’2″
Blazer by Theory, exemplifies that classy, clean, no need for a tie, Look. Trim, tailored and modernly classic, this blazer can take you from lunch with friends, to dinner with in-laws. ($495)
Croft and Barrow sticks with the simplicity and class that makes a blazer/sport coat just that. The clean lines and standard colors is a perfect edition to your wardrobe. Seen here with a tie, and buttoned, this jacket can easily go from day to night; unbutton that top button, throw on jeans and Voila! Class. ($150)
4 The Belt
The Man-Belt.
There is nothing attractive about slouched pants in the work place. No one wants to see your boxers/underwear peeking through your white Oxford. There is no situation where you should come into work with a Saggy Bottom.
A belt can dramatically change how a pair of pants fit. A simple cinch of the waist gives the impression to your cohorts that clothes CAN make the man. Looking comfortable and confident in your clothes makes your coworkers, prospects, employers feel more confident in you.
Belts can be cool too. I’d stray from the glaring buckles, bedazzled with sports teams and kitschy one word jokes, and go with the clean black, brown, blue route. The belt doesn’t need to be the stand-out, rather the subtle something that makes you stand-up straight.
Fossil makes really affordable, really good quality goods.. I know them mostly for their watches, but when I saw this belt I literally EEP’d! I will continue to love color blocking and experimenting with color, and this brown leather DURAN belt does just that. Even those small hints of detail (fading color) come across, even if the belt is not the center of attention. ($30)
Hugo Boss is known for Men’s Clothing. They have practically reinvented how men look and care about clothing. This belt is a perfect example of their style and quality. The gorgeous metal against black leather is masculine and really aesthetically pleasing. A good choice for keep pants on, for that moment. ($85)
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In short, most of us, will at some point, or already do, wear Business Casual.
Take it in stride. Love your duds no matter the occasion or style.
The most important thing, in the entire fashion world, is exuding the confidence your clothes allow you to feel. Don’t wear what you think someone else will appreciate.
Trust your gut, because in the end, you’re the one who’s got to wear the clothes.
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