A few days ago we tried to outline what’s truly fashionable as business casual attire for women. Today we would like to give a few tips to those who may ask themselves whether is an attire made by, e.g., a polo shirt, nice jeans, and dress shoes considered business casual for men.
It happens to most candidates having an upcoming interview and being told by email “We’re very casual here, so there’s no need for full-out business attire! Business casual is fine”, to start searching worried in their wardrobe for the parts of it that can truly be considered as business casual for men.
Let’s analyse one by one some key aspects of business casual for men:
- Shirts in business casual for men should have collars, such as long-sleeve button down shirts. Always tuck the shirt in and pair the shirt with an appropriate belt. For business casual, the tie is optional. White button-down shirts are the most formal, but all manner of solid colour shirts are acceptable. If you really want some pattern, choose the most “formal” ones, like Twill, herringbone, and broadcloth. Oxford, plaid, and poplin are still perfectly acceptable, while Hawaiian and other irregular patterns are definitely too casual.
Choose shirts (and pants) in “formal” fabric: Cotton is king, wool is acceptable, if itchy. Silk, rayon, and linen are frowned upon. Avoid: Sports shirts, sweatshirts, sport team jackets.
- Sweaters in business casual for men are truly appropriate if paired with your shirt: V-neck sweaters work best if wearing a collar. Turtlenecks should truly be just worn in combination with a blazer for a sleek look and a little bit of novelty.
Color mix and match guide for men jacket and pants. Suitable and appropriate color match variations for various events, formal, business, casual and other.
- Pants in business casual for men should always extend to the top of your shoe, or slightly longer. Choose styles such as pressed khakis, dress pants, trousers and corduroy pants. Pleated pants and dark colours are more formal, conservative choices. Avoid pants in loud colours such as red, yellow, and purple. Camouflage is not allowed, neither are white pants — they feel a little too informal for even business casual unless it is a summer evening party. Stick with black, brown, grey, khaki, dark blue and dark green pants. You can dress down a suit coat wearing khakis instead of suit pants. Avoid: Shorts and capris, Jeans, skinny-trousers.
- Belts and Shoes in business casual for men should be actually formal leather ones and match in colour – don’t also forget the dress socks. Stick to black, brown, or grey shoes. Oxfords, lace-ups, and loafers are all standards. Avoid: Sneakers, athletic socks, sandals, flip-flops or other open-toed shoes.
As a simple rule in the case of last minute doubt, remember that If you want to be on the safe side, overdressing is less frowned upon than underdressing for an interview. You can always take the jacket or tie off at the last second if you see the employees and they’re much more casual than you expected. Actually, you can never get dinged for over dressing and you get ONE chance to make a first impression. Miss the mark as far as what passes for “business casual for men” attire and you’ve blown your one and only “first Impression” for that interview …and maybe a shot at the job, since attire is actually the first thing that speaks even before you open your mouth!
