— Dressing guide · Updated June 2026
Business casual attire
Business casual is the most ambiguous dress code there is — it means professional but not full suit-and-tie, and every workplace draws the line slightly differently. The safe interpretation: collared shirts, chinos or smart trousers, knitwear, loafers — polished, neat, and a clear step up from weekend clothes.
The rule
Professional but not a full suit. Collared shirts, chinos/smart trousers, knitwear, leather shoes.
For men
- ·Chinos or smart trousers + a collared shirt or fine knit; a blazer optional.
- ·Loafers, Derbies or clean minimal leather shoes.
- ·No tie required; keep it crisp and well-fitted.
For women
- ·Tailored trousers or a skirt + a blouse or knit; a blazer optional.
- ·Smart flats, loafers or low heels.
- ·Polished but comfortable; nothing too casual or too formal.
Do
- Keep it neat, fitted and put-together.
- Default to chinos + collar + leather shoes.
- Read your specific workplace's norms.
Don't
- Don't wear jeans, trainers, t-shirts or shorts (unless your office truly allows it).
- Don't wear a full formal suit and tie.
- Don't go wrinkled or sloppy.
Getting Business casual attire right
Business casual is professional minus the full suit, and the trap is that everyone's office draws the line differently — so read the room on day one and match the most senior person you'll deal with. The reliable core: collared shirts or fine knits, chinos or smart trousers, leather shoes, an optional unstructured blazer that lifts everything instantly. It is the most useful code to build a capsule around because the pieces double as smart-casual and back-fill a suit when needed.
The most common mistake
Defaulting to too-casual because 'casual' is in the name. Trainers, hoodies and distressed denim usually cross the line; the word doing the work is business. When unsure, add the blazer — you can always take it off.
Nothing on this list is a one-event purchase: every piece bought for Business casual attire re-earns its cost inside a capsule wardrobe, showing up at the next occasion in a different combination. If you're unsure how a piece will actually look on you, the AI try-on settles it on your own photo before you buy.
Put the outfit together
Build a capsule you can pull this look from, or try a piece on your own photo first.
Frequently asked questions
Business casual attire?
Business casual is the most ambiguous dress code there is — it means professional but not full suit-and-tie, and every workplace draws the line slightly differently. The safe interpretation: collared shirts, chinos or smart trousers, knitwear, loafers — polished, neat, and a clear step up from weekend clothes. The rule of thumb: Professional but not a full suit. Collared shirts, chinos/smart trousers, knitwear, leather shoes.
What should men wear?
Chinos or smart trousers + a collared shirt or fine knit; a blazer optional. Loafers, Derbies or clean minimal leather shoes. No tie required; keep it crisp and well-fitted.
What should women wear?
Tailored trousers or a skirt + a blouse or knit; a blazer optional. Smart flats, loafers or low heels. Polished but comfortable; nothing too casual or too formal.
What should you avoid?
Don't wear jeans, trainers, t-shirts or shorts (unless your office truly allows it). Don't wear a full formal suit and tie. Don't go wrinkled or sloppy.
What's the most common mistake?
Defaulting to too-casual because 'casual' is in the name. Trainers, hoodies and distressed denim usually cross the line; the word doing the work is business. When unsure, add the blazer — you can always take it off.