Show off your personal style while keeping in line with workplace dress codes by opting for the business casual style. You can keep it formal without coming across as too serious and rigid. Here at Love Discount Vouchers, we have put together a handy guide to help you navigate this sometimes difficult-to-achieve style and pick out business casual clothes for men.
In this blog, we will tell you:
- What business casual is
- How you can achieve the business casual look
What Is Business Casual?
As times have changed, so has office attire. Business casual, not to be confused with its more casual counterpart, smart casual, has become a popular choice of style. It combines a formal and casual style to create an outfit that is simultaneously formal enough to be work-appropriate and casual enough to be stylish and comfortable. YouGov asked 1,202 workers what they wear to work and only 8% of male workers stated that they wore full business attire. It would appear that many workers who are not required to wear specific uniforms or gear prefer a more casual approach to their work wear.
Although we are moving away from traditional office wear, looking presentable and professional is still important. Achieving the perfect business casual balance can be difficult but it is not impossible. The key to unlocking this style is walking the line between formal wear, such as suits, shirts and dress shoes, and casual wear such as chinos, blazers and sweaters.
What To Wear To Achieve The Business Casual Look
When shopping for men's business casual clothing, it is important that you consider your work environment and policies, your style and comfort. Forbes points out the importance of finding a balance between dressing for your job and yourself, your comfort and what is trending in your workplace. Here are a few items that you can consider when creating your business casual wardrobe and where you can buy them.Blazers
If wearing a shirt alone is not for you but you don’t want a traditional suit jacket, a blazer is just what you need. You can opt for a blazer made out of wool for a different look and keep a formal style by choosing more neutral or dark colours such as black, navy or grey.
Morton Double-Breasted Blazer
Theory offers a wide range of men’s blazers perfect for the business casual style. A blazer that stands out is the Morton Double-Breasted Blazer in stretch wool. The blazer is suitable for all-day wear since the wool material provides moisture control and does not wrinkle. The double-breasted design with the slim cut gives you both a classic and modern look perfect for the office. The blazer retails for £595 and you can use a Theory discount code to save Theory menswear. You can also discover more of what Theory has to offer from our Theory clothes on sale blog.
Sweatshirts
An alternative to a blazer and suit jacket is a sweatshirt. When worn with a collared shirt, a crew neck or v-neck sweatshirt can be suitable for the office while still being comfortable and casual. A collared sweatshirt can also be worn with a buttoned-up shirt for the same effect.
Flag Patch Fleece Sweatshirt
With Tommy Hilfiger, you find a number of sweatshirts. The Flag Patch Fleece Sweatshirt is a crew neck sweatshirt made from cotton and retails for £70. It is available in black, navy and white, making it suitable for the office and can be paired with any of your shirts.
Shirts
“Don’t let the ‘casual’ in business casual fool you into thinking you can wear any old t-shirt. A shirt is still a must, but luckily, you can play around with it,” says Marylyn Ncube. With this style, you can toss the tie and leave a button or two undone at the top of your shirt. If a traditional stress shirt still feels too formal for you, a polo shirt or a polo neck jumper (depending on the weather) can be worn with your blazer.
Cotton Single Cuff Shirt
You can use a Next discount code to save on their cotton single or double cuff shirt which is £29. This shirt is made from 100% cotton and is available in slim fit or regular fit.
Chinos
A pair of chinos is perfect for the business casual style, especially as jeans may not be considered acceptable. Chinos are known for their versatility, from being worn at the office to a dinner date or a casual day out. Chinos are different from formal trousers as they are typically made from cotton or a cotton blend to give them a lightweight look and feel, and they can be worn for formal and informal occasions. You can also find chinos in an assortment of colours.
Slim Fit Super Lightweight Chinos
For £45 or less when you use a Marks & Spencer discount code, you can get your hands on this pair of chinos from the M&S Collection. Available in Navy, Dark Bronze, Natural Mix and Moss, you will not go wrong with these chinos. Made from cotton, these chinos provide a relaxed style that can also be worn in the office, are easy to care for and will keep you cool throughout the day.
Footwear
Your choice of shoes is important, no matter what you are wearing or what the occasion is. It has been the norm to wear Oxfords or Derbies and many still prefer to wear these. However, men now have more options in the shoe department, especially for the office. Shoes such as Chelsea boots, loafers and even sneakers can be paired with chinos or formal trousers for a business casual look.
Studio Edit Leather Chelsea Boots
George at Asda offers affordably priced footwear such as the Studio Edit Leather Chelsea Boots, which retail for £45. Available in black and brown, these can be worn with your chinos to tie together your business casual look. You can score more deals on footwear with Footwear discount codes.
Start Shopping And Saving On Business Casual Clothes For Men
Keep it professional and comfortable while also saving on business casual clothes for men with Men's Fashion discount codes and Fashion discount codes. You can also add accessories to your outfit with Watches and Jewellery discount codes.
