When it comes to business casual outfits for men, we’re in an era where, in most workplaces, individuality takes precedence over uniformity. Of course, every company has its own set of standards it’d behoove you to take note of, but generally, we’re living in a time where dress codes have fallen out of favor and you’re free to present yourself in any way you please.
It’s as good of an opportunity as ever to distinguish yourself from your swagless co-workers by building a work wardrobe that speaks to the now. Dressing for the office during the fairest months presents a challenge in that you’re trying to do more with less, and hoping and praying you don’t sweat through your shirt.
It should come to no surprise that summer calls for looser fits and lighter fabrics. Easy colors and easy formulas. So below, we’ve pulled together five foolproof business casual outfits to help you nail your 9-to-5 this summer and beyond. Go forth and steal these ideas—HR will be none the wiser.
The Easy Monday Look
Mondays are never easy, and that is forever unfortunate, but you can find a little recourse in the care-free feel of linen. To make material work for your 9-to-5, prioritize linen blends, which offer ease and breathability of the fabric with a touch more structure. And when it comes to summer office footwear, don’t overlook the boat shoe, especially an elevated riff that’d make JFK Jr. blush.
The Power Lunch Look
If you’re doing business over lunch, it’s an opportunity to look your best. Nowadays there’s no shame in showing up to a power lunch in a fully suited getup, but there’s something to the modern, high-low harmony of a blazer and jean that says, “The reason I’m high on the pecking order is because I figured out a healthy work-life balance.” You could wear sneakers here, but if there’s any element worth carrying over from the boozy lunches of yesteryear, it’s a handsome pair of loafers.
The Work-To-Happy-Hour Look
If you know you’re headed out post-work, versatility is the most important criterion of dress. Consider where you’re going, and aim accordingly. Forever a classic summer duo, a button-up and thank top works for pretty much any occasion. Keep the ensemble buttoned up during the workday, and unbutton that bad boy all the way down once it’s time to check out—or don’t. It’ll look killer either way.
The Mid-Week Blues Look
If you’re the perpetually busy type, the last thing on your mind is churning out a week’s worth of pattern combinations. The simple fix? Ditch ’em entirely and go fully tonal instead. Blue, of course, is the classic choice. But regardless of what color you choose, avoid wearing the exact same shade head to toe. Keep everything in the same color family, and contrast textures and tones strategically.
The Freakin’ Weekend Look
Just because the weekend beckons doesn’t mean you should turn up at the office in full-blown sweats. Sure, you can lean a little heavier into the casual side of the “business-casual” equation by wearing some slyly comfy elastic waist pants and a pair of Birks—but anchor both with a seersucker button-up. Fridays are all about balance, and keeping your co-workers on their toes.
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