The Simple and Lean Wardrobe: Business Casual
How do you utilize only a few items of clothing to maximize the number of total outfits you can wear? I adventure to answer that question with a few recommendations that can go a long way. Here’s the simple and lean Wardrobe.
It honestly took me a while, but I’ve been learning that the less is more mentality pays off. After moving to a new place in the beginning of summer, I started a purge of clothes I never wear. Either donating them to a local men’s shelter or dropping them off at a Goodwill. I also started a new job that had a much more relaxed office dress code. Business casual, with a little more emphasis on casual.
One major hang-up for me is that business casual feels more like a spectrum, rather than the rigid guideline for what to actually wear. There are the written rules and the unwritten rules, and those vary for every job or situation your working in. So how do we navigate this wild, wild west of staying professional, not being too over the top and avoiding being just straight up casual?
We keep it simple. Basics that aren’t so basic. Trust me, it’s not too complicated.
The goal with the following items is that if you have one or a few of each, you have endless options. Check what I picked out, along with some tips to consider when looking for yourself.
The Foundation Pieces
Let’s start with the bottom half…
Chinos
Navy, grey and dark brown are your go-to colors. They match with nearly anything. I prefer a slim or tapered fit, but if you have tree trunk legs it’s best to go with a straight fit.
2. Fulton Rapid Movement Skinny
Quick Tip: Both of these options are currently 40–50%. If you’ve missed the sale. Gap or Old Navy both have under $50 options.
Jeans
My next recommendation is a pair of dark rinse jeans. Jeans have always been the tell-tale sign of business casual. The key here is finding the right brand that works for you. Each one has size and style variations that are never consistent. I’ve yet to move to investment level jeans with brands like APC Denim, but I’ve heard great things if you ready to spend.
Quick Tip: Don’t wash your jeans too often. Like wine or scotch, they get better with age.
On to the top half!
Oxford Shirt:
It’s the perfect staple button-down shirt. With a more casual material and simple muted colors, it can mix and match with any fit.
Quick Tip: Unbutton every button (Collar, sleeve, and front) before washing. This will prevent the unfortunate “curling” of the material which happens when the shirt is tumbled and pulled in the dryer while buttoned.
Crewneck Sweater
The crewneck sweater works great over a button-down or over a T-shirt. Not only does it look great, but it’s the perfect layering piece for the winter months.
2. Mack Weldon Ace Crewneck Sweatshirt
3. Abercrombie & Fitch Merino-Blend Crewneck Sweater
Quick Tip: Don’t sleep on the A&F. They hired a new creative style director and have been slowly releasing some quality products. Don’t @ me.
The RIGHT T-shirt:
Now if you really want to push the boundary on casual, and if your company culture allows it, you can rock the T-shirt. Be careful. I’m not talking just any old Hanes shirt. You need to think a nicer material, proper fit and nothing too loud. Stick with solids, moderate stripes and very simple logos. Long-sleeve is your better option, but you can get away with some short-sleeve options.
2. Mack Weldon Pima Long Sleeve T-Shirt
3. You Company Shirt - It started with the tech industry, but more often than not a company will be pretty okay with you wearing a t-shirt that represents them. My current company uses the Canvas brand for any of our T-shirts. They’re soft and hold there shape well. Preferably figure out which top layer would look best for you. If you’re in a warm climate, then there’s a lot more flexibility in with incorporating the T-shirt into your business casual wardrobe.
Quick Tip: Don’t wear a v-neck. Just please don’t.
The Top Layer
It’s getting cold out, you’ve got to have the right piece to throw on top.
The Blazer
In jest of the very name of this site, sometimes the blazer is absolutely necessary. It’s a timeless piece. Wear it with your Oxford, crewneck sweater or a T-Shirt and it all looks good. Go for a slim fit in navy or grey/charcoal.
Not So Quick Tip: Slim shoulders/chest? Go for a structured shoulder style. It’ll give you the width you’ve always wanted in your chest. Broad Shoulders? Go for the unstructured style. It’s more comfortable. Your shoulders are already doing the work. Regardless of shoulder type, go for a slim, tapered or Italian cut. Most straight cut blazers are to cover a gut, and a billowy blazer has never done well for anyone.
Bomber Jacket
I’m loving the resurgence of the bomber jacket. It’s slowly becoming the jacket of choice for many guys, and also a replacement for the sometimes rigid blazer. Personal preference for the office is a more relaxed sweater material.
The Reversible Luxury-Touch Bomber gives you two color options in one jacket and also gives you the slim fit and tall option if needed. I’d grab it on sale before it’s gone.
Check out a more cost-effective option with the Lambswool Bomber from J. Crew Factory.
Buttons versus zippers is a personal preference decision. Neither option dresses it up or down.
Quick Tip: Make sure it’s not too puffy of a jacket. It just becomes impractical at that point to wear around the office.
The Final Touch
Shoes
I listed a few references in a previous article. So definitely check the first few links at the top of my last article. They cover all price points.
One option those links don’t reference is a company called New Republic Man. Great options, for great prices. They reward frequent buyers with some solid seasonal deals as well.
Quick Tip: A medium weight wool sock will work great for all of these shoes.
What to avoid
White shoes were a big hit this summer and fall, but even with the utmost care, there’s a slim chance they make it through winter. Be realistic and go for the darker colors for sneakers or wear a good pair of boots. Wait until spring to bring out the white shoes again.
Speaking of boots, make sure you don’t get a big clunky pair. You know what I’m talking about. They make your pants bunch up around the ankle and definitely take away from the business side of business casual.
Not protecting your shoes…
Let’s Wrap this Up
If you couldn’t tell there’s a solid theme going on. Simple pieces, nothing too loud in regards to patterns and a predominantly slim or fitted style.
So let’s recap what we covered. We have the slim or tapered chinos, dark-wash jeans, oxford button-down, crew neck sweater, the RIGHT t-shirt, bomber jacket and blazer. Seven total pieces. Simple, straightforward and modern. That’s the goal of what you can pull off with them. Mix and match them reasonably and you’re all set. Lean and simple, it’s the way to go.
