If you’re trying to figure out casual workwear for men, you’ve probably said one of these things before:
“I’m not in a work environment where I have to wear a suit and tie every day, but I still want to look sharp.”
“I’m a software engineer, and we have a ‘look’ — jeans, t-shirt, sweater, and sneakers, but I want a more elevated, functional style. Something that would say, ‘Yes, I’m a software engineer but hella stylish and can be director one day.”
We’ve heard these common challenges from our male clients. They have a tough time figuring out what to wear to work, especially in a “no-dress code” environment.
These days, many people work in casual offices, BUT they still want to present themselves well. They want others to know they’re serious about their job, even if they’re not wearing suits.
(After all, our society is very visual. People make judgments and life-long impressions about you in the first seven seconds of meeting you!)
Dress Smart in Men’s Casual Workwear
Is it by wearing only that tech company hoodie you got instead of a raise at your first job? Or a slouchy old college T-shirt? No, that’ll give the impression that you don’t care.
Then does that mean you have to wear trousers and button-ups? Do you have to go to the other extreme and risk looking like you’re trying too hard?
You don’t have to do any of that. Instead, focus on elevated casual pieces. AKA, quality “staples.” These will keep comfort and style at the center of your wardrobe. Keep reading to discover the four elevated essentials you need regardless of your style.
(Not sure what your style is? Take our men’s style quiz to find out!)
Top 4 Men’s Office Workwear Essentials
1. Jeans
Product by Mr. P, shop here.
This may surprise some of you, but jeans are at the top of our list for men’s casual workwear. Why? Because while it’s a go-to in many guy’s off-the-clock wardrobes, it’s actually easy to make look more sophisticated.
Choosing denim in darker washes or neutral tones is a quick way to get a more elevated look.
(In general, we recommend focusing on core colors in your wardrobe. AKA: black, navy blue, white, and grey. It’s the first step of our NLW Style System that takes the stress out of getting dressed.)
We also recommend going for a slim or straight fit. Skinny jeans feel too dated, and overly tight clothes are as much a no-go as baggy pants.
Stylist tip: Try a pair like these white jeans from Mr. Porter as the perfect middle ground between trousers and sweats. They look structured, but they’re surprisingly flexible. This way, you won’t look like you just rolled out of bed, but you’re still comfortable.
2. Polo Shirt
Product by Theory, shop here.
We know we were ragging on your favorite old college tee at the beginning. Sorry, but those shirts belong at Goodwill, not your casual workwear. Men’s polos, however, are a different story. A modern, high-quality one is perfect for the office.
Thanks to the collar, this is a step above a T-shirt without being as dressed up as a button-down. This polo from Theory has a more contemporary fit and style. Check out the no-button collar and the relaxed, but not sloppy, fit.
Add this piece to your rotation and wear it with anything from jeans to chinos to linen pants. With any of these combos, you will definitely look professional and effortless.
3. Slip On Sneakers
Product by Todd Snyder, shop here.
Shoes often get missed in men’s style advice, but no outfit is complete without a great pair of kicks. For men’s smart casual workwear, we recommend minimal, low-profile sneakers. Read that again: low profile. Minimal. We are not recommending over-the-top techy sneakers that many a Silicon Valley bro has tried to make happen.
We like something like these beige slip-ons from Todd Snyder. They’re comfortable, easy, and effortlessly cool. The no-lace-up style not only makes them easy to put on in the morning, but they almost look like loafers.
We love these with jeans or cropped trousers for the weekend. You can even wear these with shorts on a Summer vacation.
The key to these shoes, and all the items we recommend, is to prioritize minimalism and versatility. That way, you can pair them with more outfits for years to come.
4. Jacket
Product by Vince, shop here.
Rounding out our must-haves for casual workwear, men, we recommend a layer. You don’t have to do it if you live in a hot climate. But if your office tends to crank the AC or you live in cooler weather, a jacket is another essential.
Think of it as your more put-together alternative to a hoodie. It’ll keep you warm while looking trend-aware and polished. We also like jackets, like this bomber style from Vince, as an alternative to a blazer. You get the same visual interest and framing effect without overdoing it.
And there you have it, our round-up of men’s casual workwear essentials. The bottom line is to invest in quality and versatility and not sacrifice comfort or looking great. All of these pieces are casual enough for a lax work environment. Yet, they’re also fashionable enough to wear outside of the nine-to-five.
Are you ready to take your casual workwear to the next level?
Now that you have these building blocks, apply them to our men’s styling services. We’ll help you find your personal brand, teach you how to shop and organize your closet, and systematize your wardrobe. Say goodbye to not knowing what to wear!
