Category - Men's clothing
What 'Business Casual' Looks Like in 2025 Could Totally Transform Your Office Wardrobe (in the Best Way)
The term “business casual” might feel like a relic from a bygone corporate era, but it’s still very much the norm in most workplaces—albeit with some modern twists. And while it doesn’t have to mean defaulting to basic blazers and dress shirts, the challenge lies in the dress code's ambiguity: What’s considered appropriate can vary depending on your office culture. Which is why we've set you up with a guide to men's business casual looks right now, with pointed recommendations to level up in the year ahead.
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What Is Business Casual for Men? A Delicate Art
With “formal” on an invite, the rules are clear—a tuxedo or dark suit and tie. Semi-formal? We’ve covered that, too. But business casual attire? That’s where it can get murky, shaped by workplace norms, the casualization of menswear, and an embrace of individuality in style (which we’re all for). At its heart, though, business casual still calls for a certain level of polish. As always, we’re here to inform, decode the nuances, provide stylish recommendations, and make dressing for business casual in 2025 a breeze—because once you know the basics, it’s easier than ever to look professional and like you're truly thriving in the new year.
Think of business casual as the middle ground between business attire and smart casual. If you’re already familiar with smart casual (and if not, check out our guide), it’s about blending somewhat refined yet approachable pieces—ideal for creative workplaces or social settings where you want to appear put-together without being overly formal.
On the other hand, business attire is strictly professional: a two-piece suit, dress shirt, tie, and leather dress shoes.
Business casual lands somewhere in between—a step below business attire but a notch above smart casual—a tried-and-true aesthetic for most workplaces or any occasion where you want to look serious. It retains elements of formality, like a blazer or dress slacks, while dialing down formality. And while traditional notions may paint business casual as conservative or stuffy, it doesn’t have to be—you can still bring a tailored edge and look cool. Before we dive into tips for mastering business casual in 2025, it’s essential to understand your workplace, as your environment will shape your wardrobe. So, take notes, fellas—let’s get started.
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What Does Business Casual Attire Mean for Your Job?
Between remote and hybrid work and the overall style zeitgeist, few workplaces require strict business attire. Stroll down Wall Street, and you’ll see finance guys pairing dress shirts with chinos or mixing suit separates. (And yes, the Patagonia vest has left its mark, but we’ll save that for another day.) Over in tech, hoodies and jeans have practically become the unofficial uniform. For creative workplaces that fall somewhere in between, smart casual tends to hit the sweet spot.
Still, nothing conveys professionalism quite like tailoring, and nothing strikes the perfect balance of business and personal style quite like business casual. Start by looking around your workplace: Are folks sticking to suits, or is a casual bomber jacket about as formal as it gets? Are jeans a daily go-to, or do most lean toward pressed chinos and crisp dress shirts? Observing what others wear will help you navigate expectations and fine-tune your business casual game.
If you’re in a suits-and-ties environment, business casual likely means an unstructured blazer, a dress shirt, and dressier wool slacks or chinos. In a more laid-back office, it could translate to a crisp suede bomber jacket, a knit polo, and khakis with derby shoes. Ultimately, business casual is all about adapting to the vibe—read the room (or the office) and you're on your way to success.
That said, there are a few tried-and-true business casual elements to ensure you strike the right balance and look the part.
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The Overarching Business Casual Code
First, tailoring should always be part of the equation. Business casual is typically anchored by a great blazer—whether it’s a relaxed suit or an unlined double-breasted blazer, this forms the foundation of the look. Pair it with at least one other tailored item, like a dress shirt or khakis, for a cohesive ensemble. What you wear underneath—be it turtleneck, knit polo, or even a solid T-shirt—depends on your workplace vibe and personal style. That said, a blazer is practically nonnegotiable for business casual unless your office leans very casual or creative. If you’re opting for a full suit, consider swapping the traditional collared shirt for a knit polo or merino crew neck to loosen things up.
The underpinnings are where you can experiment, depending on your workplace's formality. A button-up or button-down shirt (yes, there's a difference) is always a safe bet. Crewneck sweaters, knit polos, turtlenecks, or even dressier solid T-shirts also work. When it comes to dress shirt colors, light blue or white are classic, but don't hesitate to experiment with texture, like Oxford cloth, or subtle patterns.
For pants, you can’t go wrong with wool dress trousers, chinos, or even needle cords. While crisp dark blue jeans can occasionally pass for business casual—especially when paired with a dress shirt and blazer—chinos or wool flannel trousers convey a more polished and intentional look. Steer clear of anything distressed; business casual should always retain a distinguished touch, keeping the "business" in "business casual."
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Dos and Don'ts of Business Casual Attire
DO: Follow the Rule of Twos.
We really should trademark this: Anchor your look by keeping two components of your outfit more tailored and professional and you can get a bit relaxed with the rest. As long as these lean “business"-y, from the blazer to shirt to pants or shoes, you can afford to dial the rest down. Of course, all of this depends on how casual your workplace is to begin with.
For instance:
- If you’re wearing a full suit, feel free to opt for a more casual underpinning like a crewneck or turtleneck sweater or knit polo.
- If you’re pairing a blazer with a dress shirt, crisp dark blue jeans can work but keep your shoes dressier.
- If you’re wearing a blazer and a solid crewneck T-shirt or knit, balance it out with tailored wool trousers or chinos and leather dress shoes.
- If your look includes a dress shirt, wool flannel trousers, and dress shoes, you can swap the blazer for a structured suede jacket or felted chore jacket—especially in a more casual office.
DO: Make sure everything is steamed or pressed.
Wrinkles are never acceptable in business casual. Invest in a steamer for 2025, gents, if you don’t already have one.
DO: stick to neutrals and earth tones.
Navy, black, gray, and earth tones are always safe ground. Depending on your workplace, you can inject subtle color, but avoid anything too bright or loud.
DO pay attention to shoes.
Derbies, loafers, or sleek leather styles work best. Suede lace-ups or bucks strike a great balance of dressy and casual. Streamlined sneakers in leather or suede can work in creative-leaning workplaces—just ensure the rest of your outfit is tailored. Avoid athletic sneakers at all costs.
DON'T wear anything with obvious logos.
Business casual isn’t the time for graphic T-shirts or visible branding. Save the oversized Champion symbol for later.
DON'T athleisure.
While some might lobby for joggers paired with a blazer and dress shirt as a good look (and it can be), joggers, even tailored ones, are better reserved for weekend wear. Also, no moto leather jackets here.
DON'T wear anything too tight, or too baggy.
Properly tailored pieces with a bit of give are key to the wonderful yin and yang of business casual. If the shoulders fit well, you can experiment with slightly relaxed or voluminous blazers.
DON'T go too formal.
Skip the tie and sheeny suits. Relax and embrace the casual aspect of business casual.
Best Business Casual Staples to Build Your Wardrobe Around
Business casual opens up a giant range of things you can wear, adapting to your style and workplace vibe. Below are some key foundational pieces that can help you build a versatile business casual wardrobe. While this list isn’t exhaustive, investing in a few items will make navigating business casual in 2025 that much easier. And feel free mix and match to keep things fresh and personal.
Unstructured Blazer
Few garments are as versatile, instantly elegant, and effortlessly polished as an unlined or quarter-lined blazer. The key is to avoid the overly structured look of a suit jacket that seems separated from its matching trousers. That’s where the unstructured blazer or sport coat with minimal padding soars—it molds to your body like a casual jacket and pairs with everything from wool flannel trousers, chinos, and jeans to knit polos or dress shirts. Look for textured fabrics or weaves with a bit of scrunch to add depth and character, steering clear of overly sleek, matte finishes. Bonus points if it’s double-breasted.
Todd Snyder Knit Sport Coat in Navy

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Dress Shirt
Keep it simple and opt for a 100 percent cotton dress shirt in white or light blue with a spread collar—not too pointy or cutaway, though that’s really up to personal preference. The goal is simplicity and versatility, so the shirt complements any business casual look. And, of course, make sure it’s ironed or pressed—though you already knew that.
Bonobos Jetsetter Stretch Dress Shirt

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Oxford Shirt
With its button-down collar and durable weave, an Oxford shirt is a versatile must-have in 2025. It works with everything from blazers to suede jackets. Choose classic white or light blue or light pink or subtle patterns for some personality in your business casual look. The Oxford in all its iterations has never gone out, but it's never felt more right.
Taylor Stitch The Jack

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Turtleneck Sweater
A turtleneck sweater is a staple that works with any business casual look, often acting as a stylish alternative to a dress shirt. Its inherent elegance and understated sophistication make it a versatile choice for, well, anything. Stick to fine merino wool or cashmere for an immaculate vibe (cable-knit varieties, while cozy, can feel too casual and rugged for work settings).
Buck Mason California Cashmere Turtleneck

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Chinos
A well-fitted pair of chinos in a breathable, comfortable cotton is essential for straight-to-the-point, uppercase Business Casual. They pair effortlessly with everything from blazers to casual tees; just be sure they're streamlined and sophisticated, not too heavy-duty like the military chinos and khakis of yore.
J.Crew 484 Slim-Fit Stretch Chino Pant

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Wool Flannel Pants
The unsung hero of winter trousers, wool flannel adds a delightful zing of character to business casual attire. These aren't shiny dress slacks—they’re tailored, have texture, and pair well with suede derbies, loafers, or even leather sneakers.
Buck Mason Italian Wool Flannel Graduate Pant

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Merino Crew Neck
A fine merino crewneck sweater is an essential garment regardless, but make it work for business casual by layering it under a suit or blazer with wool flannel trousers. Keep it fine knit.
Banana Republic Italian Merino Crewneck Sweater

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Crisp Blue Jeans
A pair of crisp, dark blue jeans is not only a wardrobe essential but can be worn for, let's say, casual-forward business casual occasions. No distressing, no rips, easy on the stretch with a straight leg, not too skinny nor voluminous. A timeless silhouette.
Mott & Bow Straight Wooster Jeans

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Derby Shoes
With an open lacing, a more rounded toe, and a robust silhouette, derbies add polish and character to any outfit—whether you're wearing jeans, chinos, cords, or tailoring. Keep them nice and clean and buffed for business casual.
Beckett Simonon Dunham Derbies

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Leather Loafers
Leather loafers are perpetually in style, versatile, and pair beautifully with everything from tailored wool trousers to blue jeans. Pick a rounder toe and heftier sole for an easier elegance (and foot support!).
Thursday Boot Co. Lincoln

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Knit Polo
An excellent knit polo has become a stylish staple in any wardrobe, country club membership very much not necessary. It will pair beautifully with a suit or a blazer, adding a slight air of retro refinement to your business casual look. Essential to keeping your keeping business casual game scoring at the highest levels.
Todd Snyder Beechwood Organic Cotton Polo

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