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It’s easy to get stuck in a “rinse and repeat” pattern at work. You grab the same shirt and pants from your rotation and call it a day. But as a leader, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. So how do you do that with casual workwear? Men’s business casual doesn’t have to be complicated.
As stylists, we’ve dressed men of all different fields, ages, and sizes. We’ve perfected a simple way to dress timelessly without the headache. Here’s how you can dress casually as a leader and still look put together.
What is a casual dress code anyway?
A casual dress code is relaxed. Instead of suits and ties, or slacks and button-downs, there’s room for weekend-friendly looks. You can incorporate jeans or T-shirts with true business go-tos like trousers depending on your office.
We see a casual CEO dress code, particularly in Silicon Valley, artistic fields, or other non-traditional work environments. Here, you don’t have to wear the same clothes your dad did when he headed off on his commute. Instead, you can mix “off-the-clock” wear with classic work staples.
So what does this smart casual workwear look like? Here’s our Men’s department take.
4 Staples for Your Men’s Casual Workwear Wardrobe (That Look Good Off The Clock Too)
If you’re building out your men’s casual workwear closet, there are four pieces you need. Seriously. We know it might sound too good to be true, but after years of styling men, we’ve found that these easy, timeless pieces never go out of style.
With these basic building blocks, you can create endless outfits that look good wherever you go.
1. Polo Shirts
Product from Bloomingdale’s, Sandro
Pablo Slim Fit Knit Polo Shirt, shop here.
Are polos business casual? Or are they just frat boy fodder?
So many guys never have Polos in their wardrobe, and we get it. They’ve had a bad reputation as being only acceptable when you’re in college or on the putting green. But they’re the ideal way to toe the line between formal and casual.
Polos get points for looking polished thanks to the collar and buttons. However, they stop short of looking stuffy thanks to being knits instead of button-ups.
The key is to get the right fit. Make sure they fit you across the board to avoid looking like you’re wearing your “Big’s” shirt.
They have just the right touch of formality. Think of them as the “big brother” to a T-shirt. They’re still flexible and comfortable but dressed up enough to not be sloppy. If you want something “more grown up”, this is for you.
2. Drawstring Pants
Product from Bloomingdale’s, AG Wells Linen Relaxed Fit Drawstring Pants, shop here.
It’s no secret that in the last few years, dress codes have changed. Gone are the days of requisite suits and ties, or even button-downs and slacks. Post Covid-19, so many offices have loosened their dress codes.
That’s where drawstring pants come in. To be clear, we’re not talking about sweats or athletic wear. We still wouldn’t recommend running pants as casual workwear for men. However, you can get away with a pair of pants with an elastic waistband as long as the material feels more dressed up.
With a linen pant like the AG pants pictured above, you get the best of comfort and style.
These work especially well for warm weather. If you’re building a men’s summer capsule wardrobe, count these in. The color and fit make them timeless enough to wear year after year.
3. Tailored Outerwear
Product from Mr. Porter, OFFICINE GÉNÉRALE
Bernard Padded Shell Bomber Jacket, shop here.
If you’re new to Next Level Wardrobe, you should know that we love layering. It’s the perfect way to add personality, depth, and utility to your outfit. Especially, if you have a more casual dress code but still want to look put together. A lot of the time, business casual or business formal outfits depend on the formality of blazers.
After all, a blazer says business. But if you still want to look put together without one, structured, layering pieces like a jacket or coat achieve the same effect.
Try something modern and chic like this bomber from Officine Generale. It’ll frame your outfit without looking like you’re trying too hard. Plus, it’s absolutely one of our men’s casual workwear essentials for CEOs this fall. It keeps you warm and comfortable without sacrificing style.
4. Versatile Shoes
Product from Bloomingdale’s, Vince
Men’s Fulton Low Top Lace Up Sneakers, shop here.
Last on our list of casual workwear for men are versatile shoes. It’s easy to focus on your shirt and pants and forget about shoes. But accessories and shoes are the finishing touches to any outfit. They can make or break a look.
That’s why we recommend having a versatile pair of white sneakers. For smart casual or true casual, you can’t go wrong these days with a good sneaker. We like these low tops from Vince because they’re subtle. They don’t distract from your overall look. Instead, they add a cool, modern touch.
You can wear these at the office or to your dinner date afterward. They pull double duty effortlessly, so you don’t have to spend money on a bunch of dress shoes you’ll never wear.
Outfit Inspiration for a Casual Dress Code
Got your essentials? Good. Now we’ll show you how to put these casual workwear pieces from the men’s department together.
1. The Tech Bro
Tech bros, ditch the vest and free tech hoodie—it’s time to level up your style with a more refined approach. Opt for a tailored black coat that adds structure to your look, paired with dark jeans for a sleek, monochromatic vibe. The fitted turtleneck underneath adds warmth without bulk, making it perfect for layering.
This ensemble is perfect for the office or travel, offering a subtle, confident style that speaks volumes without needing to shout.
2. The CEO
You’re a new kind of CEO. You want to feel comfortable and casual but still command respect. For that, try something like this gray-scale ensemble from Stoffa. Gray is an underrated color. It’s just as professional as black and navy but more approachable.
Wear it with a long-sleeve button-down shirt over a simple Tee for a relaxed yet put-together look. Why does this work? Thanks to the mixture of textures and subtle color play, this outfit stands out without trying too hard.
Perfect for casual days out, this ensemble shows how to experiment with layers and tones to create a look that’s both stylish and uniquely yours.
3. The Creative
Many casual men’s workwear dress codes come from creative offices these days. Whether you’re a designer at a West Coast Ad agency or a director at an art theater, you can show a little more personality with your workwear.
That’s where something like this casual menswear outfit comes in. Notice how it plays with color between the olive-drab pants and the denim blue jacket. These colors brighten up the outfit and make it feel more casual, while still being easy to mix and match.
Another detail that helps these outfits feel more casual is the silhouette. Say goodbye to fitted jeans and tucked-in tops. Here, the wider silhouette is more fashion-forward without being unapproachable.
Whatever your office dress code, Next Level Wardrobe is here to help. We’ll work with you to create a seamless casual workwear collection of men’s clothing that makes you feel confident daily. All you have to do is apply for our men’s styling services. From there, we’ll handle all the shopping, styling, and outfit building for you.
