Thoughts On This Business Casual Look

[AlwaysDressed]

Wore this to work one day on a whim. People seemed to love the look. This is way more casual than I usually go. I'd love to get your thoughts on this look. I also thought it might be inspiration for anyone looking for a way to keep the style factor up when dressing down.

Steve Madden Leather Jacket, Brooks Brothers V-neck Sweater Vest, Ralph Lauren blue and white check button down shirt, Ralph Lauren Khaki Dress Slacks, Ralph Lauren Square Snakeskin Aviators.

Comments welcome.

 

[Incman]

I like the whole look minus the sunglasses.

 

[Bradford]

Looks very sharp. I've done a similar look on a number of Fridays myself but I like your leather jacket better than the one I currently have.

Also, there's nothing wrong with a pair of aviators.

What type of shoes did you pair this with?

 

[usctrojans31]

I agree with the above poster...like the look, dislike the sunglasses. The sunglasses scream bouncer, not business.

Also - how many times a day do people say that you look like Barry Bonds? I'll guess at least 4.

 

[rjmaiorano]

I like it. Cool jacket. I like the specs, just maybe not for business.

 

[MadisonAve]

Are you in the army?
i wouldn't show to an office wearing that jacket and khakis.
but it's nice overall.

 

[cahlersmeyer]

I like the look minus the glasses, you look like you'd be in Top Gun with them on

 

[borderline]

OK, but the jacket and glasses are coming off when you get to work, right? Then it's just khakis, shirt, v-neck sweater. Which is fine, and looks great, but is hardly inspirational.

 

[AlwaysDressed]

These are the shoes I wore with this outfit.

 

[AlwaysDressed]

Thanks for the reply. Actually, no one has ever told me that I look like Barry Bonds. I get Lovie Smith and Tony Guinn a lot though.

 

[AlwaysDressed]

Yeah, you're right the Jacket and Glasses do come off when I get to work...but that day I kept the jacket on for about 10 minutes after I arrived while getting coffee, making small talk etc. And don't forget that there is also a lunch hour where me and about 4 of my co-workers walk up to the West Village in uptown Dallas as well. So I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the jacket and sunglasses as irrelevant once you get to work. Every person has their own unique situation and mine is one where I get a little more mileage out of what I wear on a daily basis.

 

[Bradford]

Originally Posted by AlwaysDressed

These are the shoes I wore with this outfit.

Very nice! I need to pick up a pair like that.

As for the idea that once he takes off the jacket and sunglasses it's JUST khakis, shirt, v-neck sweater, that's ridiculous.

First of all, he's wearing a khaki colored pair of dress slacks, they're not khakis like Dockers or even Bill's.

Secondly, apparently you guys all must work with people who dress much better than anywhere I've ever been. Have you even looked at what most people consider business casual?

Wearing a dress shirt, v-neck sweater, dress slacks and sharp looking suede shoes puts him well above the average guy who's in a golf shirt, dockers and some crappy looking Ecco shoes.

 

[AlwaysDressed]

You asked if I'm in the Army...The answer is no, but I'm not quite sure what you're getting at there. I assume you're saying the jacket looks Military-ish. I think that's why I personally liked this look because of its military/aviator feel. After all, Ralph Lauren himself uses military apparel as inspiration for lots of the pieces in his line so I think its pretty accepted to wear a military inspired look. But hey, that's why I posted this thread...to get other peoples perspectives on what they think. Thanks for the reply.

 

[CruzAzul]

Looking really good. Have you tried flat-front trousers? Those pleats are adding some visual bulk and age.

 

[porcelain monkey]

Looks good, but not that much different than many business casual looks I see - khakis, blue shirt and sweater. As you say I guess it's the jacket (which I like) that sets it apart. What do you usually wear?

I second the notion of flat front pants.