What Business Casual Means
Business casual is the most common office dress code. It sits between business formal (suit and tie) and smart casual. Since remote and hybrid work became normal, many offices have relaxed it, so the safest move is to check what colleagues wear in your first week and dress at their level or one step above.
The Core Pieces
Shirts: oxford button-downs and poplin shirts in white, light blue, pale pink or subtle stripes and checks; polo shirts in plain colours. Knitwear: merino crew necks, V-necks, quarter-zips and cardigans over a shirt. Trousers: chinos in navy, grey, stone and olive, and wool trousers. Jackets: navy or grey blazer, or a sport coat. Shoes: loafers, derbies, brogues, Chelsea boots and, in relaxed offices, plain leather sneakers.
Ties are optional. Match your belt to your shoes.
Read more: Smart Casual for Men, Explained
5 Business Casual Outfits
1. Light blue oxford shirt, navy chinos, brown loafers. 2. White shirt, grey merino V-neck, charcoal wool trousers, black derbies. 3. Navy blazer, striped shirt, stone chinos, brown suede Chelsea boots. 4. Navy quarter-zip over a white shirt, grey trousers, brown brogues. 5. Plain navy polo, olive chinos, white leather sneakers for a relaxed Friday.
What to Skip
T-shirts on their own, hoodies, sportswear, shorts, ripped or light-wash jeans, flip-flops and running shoes. For the more relaxed dress code, see smart casual for men; for fit, see how a suit should fit.
In Ollie Stylist, the Clean classic and Preppy styles in Choose for me build office-ready outfits on a model set to your build, with links to buy each piece.
Read more: How Should a Suit Fit? A Simple Checklist