So, you’ve landed your first job and now you’re staring into your closet like, “Hmm, do I really have to ditch the hoodies?” While you may need to forego the hoodies and graphic tees for now, there’s still ways to dress fashionably and comfortably with men’s casual work outfits.
Now some work environments may require a suit and tie and there’s most likely no way around that. But for offices that have a more casual dress code, you may feel a little confused about that thin line between casual clothing and professional wear. We’ll go through acceptable and stylish men’s casual work outfits you can wear that will keep you up to code while keeping comfort in mind.
Men’s Casual Work Outfits Ideas
The Classic Business Casual
Shirt: A crisp white button-down shirt is a timeless choice for any occasion. Go for a slim-fit style for a flattering, modern silhouette.
Pants: Navy chinos strike the perfect balance between casual and professional. Look for a tailored fit to ensure a polished appearance and try ankle-length hemming to add a bit of a modern twist.
Shoes: Complete the look with a pair of brown leather loafers. The versatile hue pairs seamlessly with both dark and light trousers.
Accessories: Add a touch of professionalism to a more dressed down look with a leather belt and high quality work bag or brief case.
Amazon Picks:
- Calvin Klein Men’s Dress Shirt boasts a blend of cotton and stretch fabric for all-day comfort. Its classic design makes it a wardrobe staple.
- Dockers Men’s Slim Fit Workday Pants offer a contemporary twist on traditional chinos. Crafted from durable cotton twill, these pants are designed to withstand the demands of the workday.
- Clarks Men’s Tilden Free Slip-On Loafer exudes refinement with its sleek silhouette and premium leather construction. The Ortholite footbed provides superior cushioning for long-lasting wear.
Laid Back Blues and Browns
Shirt: Add a bit of color to your day with a light blue chambray shirt. You can wear it alone or thrown on a cardigan or sports blazer to dress up the look.
Pants: Try light or charcoal gray trousers for a professional but less intense look. The neutral hue pairs effortlessly with a variety of shirt colors.
Shoes: Add some flare to your outfit with a pair of moccasin loafers or dark suede desert boots in colder seasons. The earthy tone adds a touch of rugged charm to your ensemble.
Accessories: Finish off your look with a casual, leather messenger bag and a stylish scarf for colder weather.
Amazon Picks:
- Goodthreads Men’s Slim-Fit Long-Sleeve Chambray Shirt offers a modern take on a classic staple. Crafted from soft cotton, it provides comfort without compromising style.
- Lee Men’s Performance Series Extreme Comfort Pants combine style and functionality. The moisture-wicking fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day.
- Clarks Men’s Bushacre 2 Desert Boots feature a suede upper and a durable rubber sole for traction and stability. The timeless design transitions seamlessly from the office to after-hours engagements.
Casual Summer Cool
Shirt: Enjoy the warmer weather with a patterned, collared short-sleeve shirt. Go for simple, subtle prints of geometric shapes and patterns or bold motifs to suit your style.
Pants: Keep it casual yet still work-friendly with slim-fit khaki trousers. The lightweight fabric is perfect for warmer days in the office.
Shoes: Complete your casual work outfit with a pair of white canvas sneakers for a laid-back vibe. The versatile footwear effortlessly balances comfort and style.
Accessories: Add a bit of convenient style of a trendy cross-body bag and a pair of Rayban sunglasses.
Amazon Picks:
- Amazon Essentials Men’s Slim-Fit Short-Sleeve Print Shirt offers a range of stylish patterns to elevate your wardrobe. Made from lightweight cotton, it’s perfect for year-round wear.
- Haggar Men’s Cool 18 Hidden Expandable-Waist Plain-Front Pants delivers comfort and style in equal measure. The innovative fabric wicks away moisture and resists wrinkles for a polished appearance all day long.
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneakers are a timeless classic. With their iconic silhouette and durable canvas construction, they add a touch of effortless cool to any outfit.
Modern Minimalism
Shirt: Channel your inner Steve Jobs and wear a fitted black turtleneck or sweater for a contemporary twist on traditional office attire. A great alternative for those who aren’t a fan of button down shirts. Keep a fitted sports blazer around if you need to jump into a meeting.
Pants: Keep it simple with slim-fit black or grey trousers or dark jeans that are flattering to your shape. The monochromatic ensemble creates a sleek and modern aesthetic.
Shoes: Complete your outfit with black leather oxford shoes for a refined finishing touch to an otherwise simple outfit.
Accessories: Add a touch of style with a black leather belt, messenger bag, and a modest but eye-catching watch.
Amazon Picks:
- Poriff Men’s Casual Turtleneck Slim Fit is crafted from high quality, lightweight, breathable material, while still being a thermal sweater to keep you warm. Stylish and functional.
- Haggar Men’s Premium No Iron Khaki Slim Fit Flat Front Casual Pant offers a modern silhouette with a no-iron finish for effortless maintenance.
- Bruno Marc Men’s Oxford Dress Shoes feature a classic lace-up design and a cushioned insole for all-day comfort.
Casual Friday Vibes
Shirt: Prepare for the weekend with a simple linen button-down shirt or simple cashmere sweater. The breathable fabric keeps you cool and comfortable and will be suitable for after work drinks.
Pants: You can never go wrong with a pair of dark, fitted jeans. So long as they’re clean, in good condition, and in a darker shade, they should be acceptable for a professional casual work environment and will match with a variety of tops.
Shoes: Complete your ensemble with casual loafers or a clean pair of dark sneakers or boots, the key point being clean and in good condition shoes if they’re more on the casual side.
Accessories: Throw on a lightweight, stylish jacket, like a bomber jacket, on colder days and hold all your essentials in a chic messenger or cross-body bag.
Amazon Picks:
- H2H Mens Casual Slim Fit Pullover Sweater offers a relaxed fit and a soft, breathable fabric blend for ultimate comfort.
- Wrangler Authentics Comfort Flex Waist Relaxed Fit Jeans combine style and comfort with a relaxed fit through the seat and thigh and natural waist for a comfortable fit for all day wear.
- Cole Haan Men’s 2.Zerogrand Laser Wing Oxford mix comfort and style with its sneaker/Oxford hybrid, perfect for comfort seekers who don’t want to look too casual.
10 Things Not To Wear To Work
While every work environment is different on what is generally acceptable work wear, here’s a list of definite things you should generally avoid wearing to work to maintain a professional and polished appearance:
1. Athletic Wear: Avoid wearing gym shorts, sweatpants, or athletic T-shirts to the office, as they are too casual for a professional environment.
2. Graphic T-shirts: Shirts with large logos, slogans, or graphic prints can appear juvenile and unprofessional. Opt for plain or subtly patterned shirts instead.
3. Ripped or Distressed Jeans: While jeans may be acceptable in some workplaces, ripped or overly distressed jeans are typically too casual for most professional settings.
4. Flip-flops or Sandals: Open-toed shoes like flip-flops or sandals are generally not appropriate for the office. Opt for closed-toe shoes like loafers, Oxfords, or dress shoes instead.
5. Tank Tops: Sleeveless shirts, including tank tops, are best reserved for leisure activities, not the workplace.
6. Shorts: Unless you work in a very casual environment, shorts are typically not appropriate for the office. Stick to trousers or chinos for a more polished look.
7. Hoodies: While hoodies can be comfortable, they are too casual for most workplaces. Opt for a blazer or sweater for a more polished appearance.
8. Excessive Jewelry: While accessories can add personality to your outfit, wearing too much jewelry, such as multiple rings or oversized necklaces, can be distracting in a professional setting. Keep it simple and understated.
9. Baggy or Ill-Fitting Clothing: Clothing that is too big or too small can appear sloppy and unprofessional. Make sure your clothes fit well and are tailored to your body shape.
10. Strong Fragrances: Avoid wearing overpowering colognes or aftershaves to the office, as they can be distracting or offensive to coworkers. Opt for subtle scents or skip fragrance altogether.
By avoiding these items and opting for more polished and professional attire, you can ensure that you make a positive impression in the workplace.
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