What would you wear for "business casual"?

[68stang]

I am a Marketing Manager in a corporate office and in my early-mid 20's. I have a decent wardrobe of Jcrew Bowery Pants, AE lace ups, Cole Haan loafers, OCBD's, etc...

My company decided to switch from 80% casual (jeans), 15% professional (tie), 5% business casual to about 50% business casual, 30% casual, 20% professional attire.

I am on a budget (like most of you) and I want a sharp business casual look. I currently have a few navy blazers, grey, burgandy, and chocolate v-neck sweaters, etc... I try to throw in some green, striped, purple, and other bright socks to have some fun. I live in Dallas.

What are you wearing for business casual? Any tips? I am new to posting here and tried to search "business casual" with no real luck. Thanks!

Here are links to some of the shoes I am working with... (sorry for the blurry pics. It makes the shoes look dirty)

I usually wear the following for casual...or Sperry Chukka, Sebago, etc...

 

[ajmanouk]

Just out of curiosity...are you referring to only the shoes? Because any of those three pairs in my books can be dressed to fit business casual.

 

[68stang]

Originally Posted by ajmanouk

Just out of curiosity...are you referring to only the shoes? Because any of those three pairs in my books can be dressed to fit business casual.

I am actually referring to anything...shirts, shoes, sport coat, blazer, etc...

I just figured if I posted pics of the shoes maybe it would give something to use as a point of reference for what I wear.

 

[Mudhiker]

Please get some shoe trees for those wingtips.

 

[68stang]

I know I am afraid they have gone too long without them. I just recently opened my eyes to shoe trees.

So what is everyone wearing as business casual? I know you are not in baggy golf polos and pleated dockers...

 

[Thanks SF (a new me)]

OP, use the search function for "Business Casual" as there so many threads that you may find useful. I'll even throw you a few with no charge...Enjoy btw, while picking up your trees, please shine those shoes. They look...you know what. http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...usiness+Casual http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...usiness+Casual http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...usiness+Casual http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?t=177395 http://www.styleforum.net/archive/in...89382-p-4.html

 

[68stang]

Thanks I must have been doing something wrong in search.

The AE split toes were actually just shined you just can't tell with my blurry pictures. The wingtips have been worn about 15 times since being shined. The loafers are fairly new. Next time I will work on some better pics so I don't look like a slob.

 

[UrbanAesthetics]

The reason you haven't gotten much luck with researching " Business Casual" is because of how loose that term is. Business casual, in my opinion, is combining elements of tailored looks with casual outfits as well. Still stay in the realm of of button up shirts, but get a bit more comfortable with softer fabrics. Same goes for your trousers. Try wearing chinos or really tailored denim. As far as footwear, you can always switch things up and wear every shoe you own, but maintain the casual vibe throughout the rest of your outfit. Just make sure your not as conservative, and have a little fun now that you can wear "business casual" attire...Hope this helped!
http://urbanaesthetics.tumblr.com/

 

[MadAboutPlaid]

You have the basics already. I work in a business casual office, as well. I hate wrinkles so I don't wear cotton pants. Pick up some nice wool pants in greys, blues, and maybe browns. Then go get some nice long-sleeve shirts. You need a few solid blues, but have fun with the texture. I also like colors - you can't go wrong with gingham plaids.

I'm probably going to get flamed for this one - but you have Dillard's in Dallas, right? Head there during one of their sales and grab a few shirts. They mark stuff down so low it's unbelievable. As your income grows, so can the cost of your clothes.

 

[68stang]

Thanks for the tips! Any recommendations on nice trim wool slacks? I used to work at a men's boutique and have some off brand made in Italy flat fronts but they have a fuller leg thN I would like. Even taking them in isn't ideal because they started so full. I love j crew for a low/mid cost store and have their sweaters, shirts, shorts, chino's etc... But I find their wool slacks overpriced for the quality. Any others that are decent for $100 or less possibly on sale? Maybe I should check Penguin, Nordstrom (my girlfriend is a Nordstrom department Manager), BR, etc... I have avoided slacks because I had enough to get me by a few days at a time but now it could be weeks...

 

[HalfCanvas]

Originally Posted by 68stang

Thanks for the tips! Any recommendations on nice trim wool slacks? I used to work at a men's boutique and have some off brand made in Italy flat fronts but they have a fuller leg thN I would like. Even taking them in isn't ideal because they started so full. I love j crew for a low/mid cost store and have their sweaters, shirts, shorts, chino's etc... But I find their wool slacks overpriced for the quality. Any others that are decent for $100 or less possibly on sale? Maybe I should check Penguin, Nordstrom (my girlfriend is a Nordstrom department Manager), BR, etc... I have avoided slacks because I had enough to get me by a few days at a time but now it could be weeks...

Howardyount.com Seriously amazing fit, and the price/quality ratio is superb. Honestly, it will be worth it for you to spend an extra $40 to get the Yount pants.