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What exactly is “business casual” in menswear? The term is loose enough to constitute anything from sneakers and jeans, but pointed enough you know a blazer better be in the mix. Yet, for many, it’s still challenging to identify precisely what business casual looks like and even more difficult to do it well.
First, to strip down the term’s complexities, let’s cover what it’s not: Overly dressed, stuffy, and restricting might as well be villains to the business casual look. If you’re about to put on something without room for ease or motion, you’ve already destroyed the concept. First and foremost, comfort takes precedence above all.
Next, think about duality and shape. “Business casual gives you a lot of room to focus on silhouettes and fit rather than patterns, colors, and logos that people get too caught up in,” stylist Matt Rossi tells Rolling Stone. For example, if your look’s main staple is a blazer, find something nicely tailored that accentuates shape, but bring it down to earth with jeans and sneakers. Or, if you want to wear loafers, pair them with an oversized graphic tee (french tucked) and pleated trousers to bring in that idea of duality.
Below, we’ve outlined some of our favorite products and how to style them for a business casual look that’s comfortable and effortlessly chic rather than lazy. This guide was built with you in mind, combed by our editors who scoured the internet for business casual attire most loved by customers and experts. We’ve made sure only to include highly-rated products from reputable brands we love and shop from ourselves for the office and beyond.
Best Business Casual Editors’ Picks
Best Business Casual Blazers
Blazers are your ultimate, not-so-secret weapon here. In any context, they can pull even the sloppiest looks together — Yes, even sweats (my frequent go-to look during New York winters). While your first reaction might be to look for something that naturally imbues a more casual design, I want to challenge the notion with sharply tailored pieces that are opposite and feel more formal.
Although this seems counterintuitive to the objective here, what it does is provide contrast between your otherwise casual style. Look for double-breasted jackets inspired by menswear from the 50s and 60s, which brands like “Oscar de la Renta, Prada, and Balmain still reference,” Rossi notes, and pair them with jeans and a hoodie. Editor’s tip: go one to two sizes up for an unrestricted feel.
Topman Double Breasted Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 38-44
Jack Victor Double Breasted Wool Sport Coat
Currently available in men’s 36-44
J. Crew Ludlow Slim-fit Jacket in English Cotton-Wool
Currently available in men’s 34-46
Topman Skinny Fit Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 34-46
Everlane Performance Chino Blazer
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Best Business Casual Sneakers
This is where things can be a little tricky because not all sneakers are created equal. While some of your kicks might be rare finds or hard-to-get collectibles, that doesn’t mean those outside of sneaker culture will comprehend them as such. Here is where duality comes in. Pair your sneakers with slacks to balance out the casual nature of them. Or, if jeans are a must, wear a button-down or blazer on top for contrast.
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-11
Cole Haan GrandPro Breakaway Leather Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-13
Adidas Samba OG Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 6-14
Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-15
Nike Dunk Low Retro BTTYS Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 8.5-14
Adidas Park Street Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-14
Best Business Casual Jeans
There is no escaping; jeans will always be casual. Even when designed with the highest standards and quality or tailored to perfection, they will always appear too casual in a formal setting. Their history of utilitarian use has stamped them as such; however, that makes them perfect for a business casual look.
If you’re considering donning a pair of denim pants, opt for darker washes, straight legs, and little to no distressing so as not to make them look worn. Pair them with cardigans or button-ups for a polished look or a blazer, which is a surefire way to pull off any pair of jeans.
Paige Lennox Transcend Slim Fit Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-40
AG Everett Slim Straight Leg Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-42
Levi’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans
Currently available in men’s 29-42
Lucky Brand 221 Straight Jean
Currently available in men’s 29-42
Abercrombie & Fitch Loose Jean
Currently available in men’s 28-40
Best Business Casual Sweaters
Quiet luxury has died down, but its popularity gave rise to early preppy trends like polos and slacks. This is perfect when discussing business casual because cardigans and sweaters reign supreme for prep.
Don’t be quick to jump for something too brightly colored or patterned, however. There’s a delicate balance when it comes to sweaters and cardigans when discussing the topic of business casual. Solid colors are a great place to start if you’re not sure what to buy, elevating to patterns or textures only when designed in neutral tones like blue, tan, grey, or black.
Everlane Felted Merino Shawl Collar Cardigan
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Currently available in XS-XXL
Abercrombie & Fitch Turtleneck Sweater
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Everlane Cloud Relaxed Cardigan
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Abercrombie & Fitch Floral Sweater Polo
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Best Business Casual Loafers
Luckily, loafers do most of the work regarding business casual, so you don’t have to. They’re shoes designed for formalwear, meaning that even your most casual pair of pants can feel elevated with the right loafer. Shop from a variety of materials like suedes and polished leather.
However, a word of caution. If you live an active life where moving about is deemed a necessity in your day-to-day, look for loafers with a bit of traction. You’ll thank us later.
Gucci Jordaan Horsebit Loafer
Currently available in men’s 6-15
Cole Haan Pinch Penny Slip-On Loafer
Currently available in men’s 7-16
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafers
Currently available in men’s 7-13
Sebago Casual Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
Currently available in men’s 5-11
Dr. Martens Adrian Loafer
Currently available in men’s 9-11
Best Business Casual Button-Downs and Tees
Don’t be fooled into going too casual with a button-down or tee. Like cardigans, this is a category that needs much consideration and thought before attempting a business casual look.
Opt for neutral colors that seem universally accepted in business attire: shades of blue, grey, tans, or black. If picking out a pattern, stick to standards like pinstripes or a small print. Going with something flashy or brightly colored here might sometimes work, but from a general standpoint, it’s better to stick with what is universally accepted.
Everlane The Heavyweight Overshirt
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
Van Heusen Dress Shirt
Currently available in men’s 14.5-18.5
Buck Mason Cotton Slub T-Shirt
Currently available in men’s S-XXL
Brooks Brothers Big & Tall Striped Dress Shirt
Currently available in men’s 17-20
Everlane Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew
Best Business Casual Dress Pants
Dress pants are your bread and butter for unrivaled style. “I think pretty much every fashion house has put out a double pleated wide-leg trouser for the last few decades so there is no going out of style there,” says Rossi. Today, they come in unique styles and newer, not-so-formal silhouettes. Like the blazer, they are key in forming any business casual look and can quickly transform something as simple as the white tee into a fit worthy of both the office and your general life.
Look for neutral colors, specifically browns and blacks, which will go with most of your wardrobe, and cuts like straight or athletic. These will give you more room for movement with some stretch. Finally, always go for pleated pants. Always!
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Casual Stretch Khaki Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-42
Abercrombie & Fitch Pleated Trouser
Currently available in men’s 28-38
Mr. P Tapered Wool Drawstring Trousers
Currently available in men’s 28-40
Rhone Commuter Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-40
Everlane Performance Chino
Currently available in men’s 28-40
How Rolling Stone Editors Make Their Fashion Selections
Style is incredibly subjective. That is why we take care in choosing the clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry that we present to our readers. While we review trends to showcase fashion-forward selections, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind.
Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes to fashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories. Shop like a Rolling Stone editor and check out more of our recommendations.
