Business Casual

A recent survey of senior level executives at companies with annual revenues of $500 million or more indicated that 56% of these companies maintain a dress policy mandating suits, dress shirts and ties. The same survey, conducted by the Men’s Apparel Alliance, also pointed out that about one in five corporations has reinstituted a formal dress code policy within the past year. On the flip side, that still leaves 44% of us trying to wrestle with the beast called business casual.

Both business managers and human resource professionals have been bemoaning the difficulty of maintaining a business casual dress environment for the past several years. Although the dot.com implosion has basically eliminated the jeans and tee shirt approach to business dressing, many men still struggle with the concept of business casual. This week we will focus on putting together a business casual wardrobe, keeping in mind one basic concept: going to work and playing golf are two entirely different activities, and should be dressed for accordingly.

Let’s begin with 4-5 pairs of dress trousers. 100% wool trousers are most appropriate for a business environment. Gabardine and 120’s merino wool are good year round choices, regardless of climate. If you are uncomfortable in wool, tencel is a synthetic fabric that is a viable alternative. Colors such as gray, navy, brown, tan, olive and black provide a great deal of flexibility in matching shirts, knitwear and sportcoats.

The sportcoat is a mainstay of the business casual wardrobe. Wool and silk/wool fabrications are quite popular. You should select fairly subtle patterns, choose one garment in the gray/black family and another in a shade of green. A navy blazer, of course, is always appropriate.

By being a bit conservative with trousers and sportcoats, you will be free to express yourself in your choice of shirts. Almost any pattern or color woven dress shirt will work in the business casual environment. Don’t be afraid to wear a necktie occasionally to demonstrate your independence. If you are conservative by nature, or undecided, a timeless and classic button down collar pinpoint dress shirt will always be acceptable. Finally, add a pullover or cardigan vest to complete your look.

Fine gauge knits, in a polo, crew, v-neck or mock turtle style, can be an excellent alternative to a woven dress shirt. Merino wool is the ideal fall/winter fabric, while spun silk is a great spring/summer alternative. Our personal favorite at Paul Fredrick is a unique blend of 85% silk and 15% cashmere, which lends itself to year round comfort. Fine gauge cotton is also appropriate throughout the year. We suggest that you leave the golf shirts in the closet during the week.

Finally, round out your business casual wardrobe with a selection of pima cotton tee shirts. They serve as a great layering piece for both dress shirts and knits. Add several pairs of shoes, belts and socks, and you will be ready to take on the business casual monster.