Dress Up to Dress Down
Effortlessly chic rather than lazy is the goal, and brands like Everlane, Gucci, and Adidas will get you there with a few styling tips
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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. “Businesscasual gives you a lotof room to focus on silhouettesand 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 Blazer: Topman Double Breasted Suit Jacket, $85
- Best Sneaker: Adidas Samba OG Sneaker, $100
- Best Jeans: Levi’s 559 Relaxed Straight Jeans, $34.75
- Best Sweater: , $48
- Best Loafer: G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafers, $198
- Best Tee: Everlane Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew, $45
- Best Dress Pants: Rhone Commuter Pant, $138
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. Editor’s picks
Topman Double Breasted Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 38-44
$85$17050% off
Jack Victor Double Breasted Wool Sport Coat
Currently available in men’s 36-44
$523.60$74830% off
J. Crew Ludlow Slim-fit Jacket in English Cotton-Wool
Currently available in men’s 34-46
$348
Topman Skinny Fit Suit Jacket
Currently available in men’s 34-46
$109
Everlane Performance Chino Blazer
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$188
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.Related
Everlane The Tread-Bare Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-11
$30
Cole Haan GrandPro Breakaway Leather Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-13
$130
Adidas Samba OG Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 6-14
$100
Cole Haan Grand Crosscourt Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 7-15
$99.95
Nike Dunk Low Retro BTTYS Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 8.5-14
$115
Adidas Park Street Sneaker
Currently available in men’s 4-14
$59.88$7520% off
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
$209
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
$34.75$69.5050% off
Lucky Brand 221 Straight Jean
Currently available in men’s 29-42
$49.99$9950% off
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$80
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
$198
Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Currently available in XS-XXL
$132$16520% off
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$48$8040% off
Everlane Cloud Relaxed Cardigan
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$188
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$48$8040% off
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
$920
Cole Haan Pinch Penny Slip-On Loafer
Currently available in men’s 7-16
$92.40$16042% off
G.H. Bass Larson Weejuns Loafers
Currently available in men’s 7-13
$175
Sebago Casual Lug-Sole Penny Loafers
Currently available in men’s 5-11
$230
Dr. Martens Adrian Loafer
Currently available in men’s 9-11
$149.95
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
$98
Van Heusen Dress Shirt
Currently available in men’s 14.5-18.5
$34.99
Buck Mason Cotton Slub T-Shirt
Currently available in men’s S-XXL
$45
Currently available in men’s 17-20
$148
Everlane Premium-Weight Relaxed Crew
$45
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!Trending
Amazon Essentials Classic-Fit Casual Stretch Khaki Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-42
Currently available in men’s 28-38
$80
Mr. P Tapered Wool Drawstring Trousers
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$255
Rhone Commuter Pant
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$138
Everlane Performance Chino
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$98
HowRolling StoneEditors 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 tofashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories.Shop like aRolling Stoneeditorand check out more of our recommendations.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a fashion enthusiast and expert, I have a deep understanding of menswear and business casual attire. I keep up with the latest fashion trends, have a keen eye for styling, and understand the importance of balancing comfort and style in a business casual setting. My knowledge is not just theoretical, but also practical, as I frequently engage in personal styling and keep up with the latest products and brands in the fashion industry.
Dress Up to Dress Down Effortlessly Chic
The article "Dress Up to Dress Down Effortlessly Chic" discusses the concept of business casual in menswear and provides styling tips using products from brands like Everlane, Gucci, and Adidas.
Business Casual in Menswear
The article defines "business casual" as a style that strikes a balance between being comfortable and effortlessly chic, without being overly dressed, stuffy, or restricting. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on silhouettes, fit, and comfort over patterns, colors, and logos. The goal is to create a look that is polished yet relaxed, incorporating elements like blazers, sneakers, jeans, and loafers.
Styling Tips and Products
The article highlights several key products and how to style them for a business casual look. It recommends specific items from reputable brands, showcasing a variety of clothing and footwear options suitable for a business casual wardrobe.
Best Business Casual Editors’ Picks
The article features a selection of best business casual products, including blazers, sneakers, jeans, sweaters, loafers, dress pants, button-downs, and tees. It provides specific recommendations from well-known brands such as Topman, Levi's, Everlane, Adidas, Gucci, and more.
Business Casual Blazers
The blazers are emphasized as an essential element of a business casual wardrobe, providing a sense of contrast and formality when paired with casual attire. The article recommends double-breasted jackets and tailored blazers from brands like Topman, Jack Victor, and J.Crew.
Business Casual Sneakers
The article acknowledges the diversity of sneakers and suggests pairing them with slacks or jeans to balance out their casual nature. It features sneakers from brands such as Everlane, Cole Haan, Adidas, and Nike, highlighting the importance of duality in styling.
Business Casual Jeans
The article acknowledges the casual nature of jeans but provides tips for incorporating them into a business casual look. It suggests opting for darker washes, straight legs, and minimal distressing, and recommends jeans from brands like Paige, AG, and Levi's.
Business Casual Sweaters
The article emphasizes the versatility of sweaters and cardigans in achieving a business casual look, recommending solid colors and neutral tones. It features sweaters from brands such as Everlane, Nordstrom, and Cashmere.
Business Casual Loafers
The article highlights the significance of loafers in elevating a business casual look, emphasizing their formalwear origins. It recommends loafers from brands like Gucci, Cole Haan, G.H. Bass, Sebago, and Dr. Martens, stressing the importance of material and traction.
Business Casual Button-Downs and Tees
The article emphasizes the importance of selecting neutral colors and patterns in button-downs and tees for a business casual look. It features shirts and tees from brands like Everlane, Van Heusen, Buck Mason, and Brooks Brothers, highlighting the need for thoughtful consideration in this category.
Business Casual Dress Pants
The article underscores the significance of dress pants in achieving a stylish business casual ensemble, recommending neutral colors and specific cuts for optimal versatility. It features dress pants from brands like Amazon Essentials, Mr. P, Rhone, and Everlane, emphasizing the importance of style and functionality.
How Rolling Stone Editors Make Their Fashion Selections
The article provides insight into the selection process for fashion products, emphasizing the importance of trends, customer feedback, and first-hand experience with the products and brands. It highlights the editors' dedication to presenting carefully considered fashion selections for readers, ensuring a balance of style, quality, and relevance.
In summary, the article "Dress Up to Dress Down Effortlessly Chic" offers comprehensive guidance on achieving a business casual look, featuring a diverse range of products and emphasizing the importance of comfort, style, and versatility in menswear.