Business Casual Street Wear and How to Rock It with Confidence

Listen Up, It's Leesh!
DIVINE Magazine Detroit
6 min readDec 18, 2023

In today’s ever-evolving fashion landscape, there is a growing trend that blurs the lines between boardrooms and city streets — business casual streetwear. This unique style combines the professionalism of business attire with the comfort and creativity of streetwear. But how do you define your personal style in this emerging fashion trend?

Regarding business casual streetwear, the key is to strike a balance between professionalism and self-expression. Start by assessing your personal style preferences and understanding the dress code requirements of your workplace. Are you more inclined towards a minimalist and sleek look, or do you prefer bold and vibrant colors? Once you have a clear vision of your style, it’s time to curate a wardrobe that reflects your unique personality.

Investing in quality basics is a great starting point for building your business casual streetwear wardrobe. Opt for tailored trousers, blazers, and button-up shirts in neutral colors like black, gray, or navy. These timeless pieces can be easily mixed and matched with streetwear-inspired elements to create a stylish and professional look. Add elements such as sneakers, graphic t-shirts, or statement accessories to add a touch of urban flair to your outfit.

Incorporating Streetwear Elements into Your Work Wardrobe

Now that you have defined your personal style, it’s time to incorporate streetwear elements into your work wardrobe. One of the easiest ways to do this is by adding sneakers to your outfit. Swap your formal dress shoes for clean, minimalist sneakers that complement your business attire. Not only will they add a modern twist to your look, but they will also provide the comfort needed for a long day at the office.

Another way to infuse streetwear into your work wardrobe is by experimenting with layers. Instead of a traditional suit jacket, consider wearing a bomber jacket or a denim jacket over your shirt and tie. Layering not only adds depth and texture to your outfit but also allows you to showcase your personal style in a subtle yet impactful way.

Accessories are crucial in completing any outfit, and business casual streetwear is no exception. Opt for statement accessories like a bold watch, a chunky chain necklace, or a stylish backpack to elevate your look. These small details can make a significant impact and show that you are well-versed in the art of fashion.

Tips for Styling Business Casual Streetwear for Different Occasions

Business casual streetwear offers endless possibilities for styling, no matter the occasion. Whether attending a client meeting, a networking event, or a casual Friday at the office, here are some tips to help you rock this trend confidently.

For client meetings or formal events, aim for a more polished and sophisticated look. Pair a tailored blazer with cropped trousers and a crisp button-up shirt. Add a pair of sleek leather sneakers and accessorize with a classic watch and a leather briefcase. This ensemble exudes professionalism while incorporating streetwear elements in a subtle manner.

For networking events or more casual settings, you have more room to experiment and showcase your personal style. Combine a graphic t-shirt with a blazer, jeans, and statement sneakers. Play with color and pattern to create a visually interesting and eye-catching outfit. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different elements to create a unique look that reflects your personality.

On casual Fridays, embrace the laid-back nature of the day while still maintaining a professional appearance. Opt for dark-wash jeans or chinos paired with a relaxed-fit blazer and a button-up shirt. Complete the look with clean white sneakers and a casual backpack. This ensemble strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style, allowing you to transition seamlessly from the office to weekend activities.

Brands and Designers Leading the Business Casual Streetwear Trend

As the business casual streetwear trend continues to gain popularity, numerous brands and designers have embraced this fashion phenomenon. Here are a few notable names that are at the forefront of this trend:

  1. Off-White: Founded by Virgil Abloh, Off-White is renowned for its distinctive streetwear aesthetic combined with high-end craftsmanship. Their collection of tailored blazers, graphic t-shirts, and statement accessories perfectly embodies the business casual streetwear vibe.
  2. Burberry: Known for their iconic trench coats and classic British style, Burberry has also ventured into the realm of business casual streetwear. Their collection features sleek, tailored pieces, contemporary prints, and modern silhouettes, making them a go-to brand for those looking to elevate their work wardrobe.
  3. Alexander Wang: Alexander Wang effortlessly blends streetwear and high fashion, creating a unique and edgy aesthetic. His collections often feature oversized blazers, deconstructed shirts, and sporty elements, making his brand a favorite among fashion-forward professionals.
  4. Nike: While primarily known for their athletic footwear, Nike has successfully expanded into the streetwear market. Their collaborations with designers and influencers have resulted in a range of stylish and comfortable sneakers that can be seamlessly incorporated into business casual streetwear.

Fashion Influencers and Celebrities Rocking Business Casual Streetwear

Fashion influencers and celebrities have played a significant role in popularizing the business casual streetwear trend. Their ability to effortlessly mix high-end pieces with streetwear elements has inspired countless individuals to embrace this fashion movement. Here are a few notable figures who are rocking business casual streetwear with confidence:

  1. Pharrell Williams: Known for his eclectic style, Pharrell Williams is often seen sporting a mix of tailored pieces with bold streetwear elements. His ability to combine unexpected pieces and push fashion boundaries has made him a true style icon.
  2. Olivia Palermo: Olivia Palermo masters combining high-end pieces with streetwear-inspired elements. Her ability to create elegant and polished looks while incorporating sneakers or leather jackets showcases her fashion prowess.
  3. A$AP Rocky: A$AP Rocky has become synonymous with the marriage of streetwear and high fashion. His bold and fearless approach to style has made him a trendsetter in the business casual streetwear scene.
  4. Chiara Ferragni: As one of the most influential fashion bloggers, Chiara Ferragni has a knack for effortlessly blending business attire with streetwear. Her ability to mix tailored pieces with trendy sneakers or graphic t-shirts has made her a go-to source of inspiration for those who embrace this fashion trend.

Conclusion: Embracing the Versatility and Self-Expression of Business Casual Streetwear

In conclusion, the rise of business casual streetwear has revolutionized how professionals dress. This fashion trend allows individuals to express their personal style while maintaining a professional appearance. By defining your personal style, incorporating streetwear elements into your work wardrobe, and following the tips and inspiration provided by brands, designers, influencers, and celebrities, you can confidently rock this trend in any setting.

Embrace the versatility and self-expression that business casual streetwear offers. It’s time to blur the lines between boardrooms and city streets and showcase your unique style with confidence.

CTA: Explore our collection of business casual streetwear essentials and elevate your work wardrobe with style and self-expression.

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