Three tips for getting the best business casual look

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More and more companies are allowing a casual business wear look in the office. Half of senior business managers say that their workers are dressing more casually, even in just the past five years. And while that’s good news for some, for others it can actually make it more difficult to decide what to wear.

Business dress rules may have changed, but human nature has not. Studies show that most of us make our first impression of a person in the first 7-17 seconds, and 55% of our evaluation depends on physical appearance.

Your casual business dress could be crucial to the career impressions you’re making; because not only does our look inform people’s first impressions of us, but 47% of senior managers interviewed in 2016 said they thought their employees were looking too casual.


How do you take advantage of casual dress freedoms, but still look professional and make a good impression? How do you make sure your boss is pleased without looking pretentious by dressing more formally than others? Here are a few key tips to bear in mind:

Your Casual Business Wear Must Fit

This is absolutely rule #1; and it’s also the mistake that people most often make. Nothing makes you look more slovenly than improperly fitting clothes, and too tight is just as bad as too baggy.

Shirt cuffs, for example, should be slightly looser than your watch, and should come to within two centimeters of your wrist bone. This rule does not change from formal to informal dress codes. If you choose to wear a jacket, make sure that two centimeters of your shirt’s collar appears above that the of the jacket. This is true of a casual sport coat as well as a formal suit.

Because getting the right fit is so essential, don’t be afraid to get tailored clothing. Bespoke and made to measure clothing will always look better than things bought off the rack.

Don’t Skimp on Your Casual Business Wear

The freedom to go business casual instead of business formal doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be saving a lot of money. You still need to invest in quality pieces.

You may not be buying designer suits, but you will still want some high end dress shirts and men’s tailoring services for all your shirts, slacks, and coats. If you invest in a few pieces of good, custom tailored clothing in the casual business wear style, you can mix and match and always look your best with a minimal outlay.

Your Casual Business Wear Should Include Good Peripherals

Don’t invest in made to measure clothing and then neglect your shoes, watch, ties, and socks! The icing is just as important as the cake.

You may not need to wear a tie at all, for example, but remember that even casual ties elevate your outfit. A knit tie or a bowtie can make for a good, professional casual look.

A dress watch paired with casual business wear communicates class and professionalism, as do nice cuff links, quality socks, and well-fitting shoes.

To sum up, pay attention to your whole outfit; don’t be afraid to pay for good quality, bespoke pieces; and–most of all–don’t ever wear what doesn’t fit well. Look into men’s custom tailors in your area and make sure you’re making the best possible impression you can. More like this article.

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