The definitive guide to
Business casual
Once upon a time, dressing for the office was a doddle. Now that a more relaxed business casual dress code has taken command of offices across the nation, a suit, shirt and polished shoes won’t cut the mustard any longer. Dry your eyes with a recently retired tie and heed our advice; we promise it is easier than it looks to get the knack of. So… what is business casual, then?
Shop business casualCan you wear jeans for a business casual dress code?
I don’t really have many other trouser options…
@Johnathan whittle
Strictly speaking, jeans are not business casual attire for men, BUT, it really depends on your workplace. Start-ups and smaller companies are less likely to have rigid rules. It is a better idea to choose chinos (our non-iron variety will guarantee you stay smart) or tailored pants. There is no reason to choose a pair that look just like your suit pants – have a play around with color or texture. If you decide that jeans are the only trews for you then choose a darker colored pair, make sure they fit you properly and are free from grubby marks or stains.
What shoes do I wear for business casual? Do I just wear my regular work shoes?
@ Adam Edwards
We hear this question popping up more and more often. While you certainly can wear your business shoes, you have scope to wear a much bigger variety. Black is much less ubiquitous in business casual environments so brown or navy shoes should dominate your collection. You can’t go wrong with loafers or brogues in leather or suede, and anything with a little extra detail or color – like these derby shoes with brogue detailing – will go a long way to making your outfit extra special.
Details make the
Difference
Now that you have graduated our 3-step master class in business casual dressing, we thought we’d add in a few sure fire tips to take away. Think about incorporating them into your dress-down wardrobe as your homework for the day.

double trouble
A navy blazer is a no-brainer, but a double breasted navy blazer will take you to the next level of your sartorial game.
Shop double breasted
roll up
Practical, stylish and entirely appropriate for the office; leave the shirt at home and take your roll neck for a spin instead.
Shop roll neck
chambray, you stay
Denim jeans might be a no-no but a denim chambray shirt, complete with a button-down collar and fetching tie is a yes-yes.
Shop chambray shirts