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A Complete Guide To Styling Business Attire
Whether you’re attending a fancy evening event or dressing for 9 to 5, business attire calls for clothing that delivers an air of refinement and professionalism. While there are varying degrees of business attire, including business casual and business formal, we’ll explore the dress code, look at different types of appropriate clothing and create outfit combinations that speak volumes about sophistication.
Business casual
While the business casual dress code is more flexible and relaxed than traditional business attire, men must maintain a polished, professional and presentable appearance. For men, the business casual dress code typically calls for chinos, a collared shirt and a pair of loafers. Ties are usually not required for this dress code, as it’s somewhat relaxed; however, jeans and shorts are inappropriate.
A Complete Guide To Styling Business Attire
Whether you’re attending a fancy evening event or dressing for 9 to 5, business attire calls for clothing that delivers an air of refinement and professionalism. While there are varying degrees of business attire, including business casual and business formal, we’ll explore the dress code, look at different types of appropriate clothing and create outfit combinations that speak volumes about sophistication.
Business casual
While the business casual dress code is more flexible and relaxed than traditional business attire, men must maintain a polished, professional and presentable appearance. For men, the business casual dress code typically calls for chinos, a collared shirt and a pair of loafers. Ties are usually not required for this dress code, as it’s somewhat relaxed; however, jeans and shorts are inappropriate.
Business smart casual
Business smart casual is a dress code that combines elements of both business attire and casual wear. Business smart casual is often appropriate for professional settings where a strict formal dress code is not required, such as certain offices, networking events or business-related social gatherings. When it comes to creating an ensemble that adheres to this code, you can opt for the following:
Dress shirt — A well-fitted button-down shirt is appropriate for the business smart casual dress code. You can choose a shirt in a solid colour like white or navy blue or opt for a style with subdued checks or stripes. Steer clear of flimsy, low-quality fabrics and invest in a cotton or linen business shirt from Van Heusen.
Business smart casual
Business smart casual is a dress code that combines elements of both business attire and casual wear. Business smart casual is often appropriate for professional settings where a strict formal dress code is not required, such as certain offices, networking events or business-related social gatherings. When it comes to creating an ensemble that adheres to this code, you can opt for the following:
Dress shirt — A well-fitted button-down shirt is appropriate for the business smart casual dress code. You can choose a shirt in a solid colour like white or navy blue or opt for a style with subdued checks or stripes. Steer clear of flimsy, low-quality fabrics and invest in a cotton or linen business shirt from Van Heusen.
Pants — Tailored trousers or chinos in a classic or slim fit work perfectly. Avoid jeans, cargo pants or excessively casual styles, and stick to neutral or dark colourways like navy, grey or black.
Blazer or sports coat —To add a layer of sophistication and nail the business smart casual dress code, invest in a tailored blazer or a sports coat in block colourways like navy, black and charcoal.
Footwear —When it comes to footwear, you can never go wrong with leather lace-up shoes or loafers in a shade that complements your shirt and trousers.
Accessories — Invest in tasteful, understated accessories like a sleek leather belt or wristwatch.
Pants — Tailored trousers or chinos in a classic or slim fit work perfectly. Avoid jeans, cargo pants or excessively casual styles, and stick to neutral or dark colourways like navy, grey or black.
Blazer or sports coat —To add a layer of sophistication and nail the business smart casual dress code, invest in a tailored blazer or a sports coat in block colourways like navy, black and charcoal.
Footwear —When it comes to footwear, you can never go wrong with leather lace-up shoes or loafers in a shade that complements your shirt and trousers.
Accessories — Invest in tasteful, understated accessories like a sleek leather belt or wristwatch.
Business formal
Whether it’s a job interview, charity gala or wedding, formal business attire calls for the sleekest, most sophisticated pieces you own. Men are typically expected to wear the following:
Suit — A well-tailored, single-breasted suit in a classic monochrome shade is ideal for a business formal dress code. Ensure your suit jacket fits seamlessly, double check the shoulder seams align with your shoulders, and that the sleeves reveal a quarter to half an inch of your dress shirt cuff.
Dress shirts — You should always opt for a tailored, well-fitting shirt in a white or light-coloured shade, and ensure the collar fits comfortably around your neck. French cuffs with cufflinks add an elegant touch to formal business attire, taking your evening looks up a notch.
Business formal
Whether it’s a job interview, charity gala or wedding, formal business attire calls for the sleekest, most sophisticated pieces you own. Men are typically expected to wear the following:
Suit — A well-tailored, single-breasted suit in a classic monochrome shade is ideal for a business formal dress code. Ensure your suit jacket fits seamlessly, double check the shoulder seams align with your shoulders, and that the sleeves reveal a quarter to half an inch of your dress shirt cuff.
Dress shirts — You should always opt for a tailored, well-fitting shirt in a white or light-coloured shade, and ensure the collar fits comfortably around your neck. French cuffs with cufflinks add an elegant touch to formal business attire, taking your evening looks up a notch.
Neckwear —Choose a tie colour and pattern that compliments your suit and shirt, and ensure the width of the tie is proportional to the width of your suit lapels. Remember that the tie should reach the middle of your bucket belt.
Dress shoes —Oxfords or Derbys fit perfectly into the formal business dress code. Opt for versatile, easy-to-pair colours like black or dark brown and ensure your shoes are polished, well-maintained and free from visible wear and tear.
Accessories —Ensure the leather belt you select matches your shoes. For an evening event that calls for elevated formal business attire, you can also add a pocket square that coordinates with your tie or shirt.
Neckwear —Choose a tie colour and pattern that compliments your suit and shirt, and ensure the width of the tie is proportional to the width of your suit lapels. Remember that the tie should reach the middle of your bucket belt.
Dress shoes —Oxfords or Derbys fit perfectly into the formal business dress code. Opt for versatile, easy-to-pair colours like black or dark brown and ensure your shoes are polished, well-maintained and free from visible wear and tear.
Accessories —Ensure the leather belt you select matches your shoes. For an evening event that calls for elevated formal business attire, you can also add a pocket square that coordinates with your tie or shirt.
From business casual to business formal, Van Heusen has your attire covered for every dress code
With a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality clothing and accessories that cater to the modern professional, Van Heusen has a huge range of clothing appropriate for business casual, business smart casual and formal business dress codes. From business suits and jackets to sharp, expertly tailored business suits and sleek trousers in a range of fits, explore our range online today to create sleek and sauve combinations that will impress every style-minded man.
From business casual to business formal, Van Heusen has your attire covered for every dress code
With a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality clothing and accessories that cater to the modern professional, Van Heusen has a huge range of clothing appropriate for business casual, business smart casual and formal business dress codes. From business suits and jackets to sharp, expertly tailored business suits and sleek trousers in a range of fits, explore our range online today to create sleek and sauve combinations that will impress every style-minded man.
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