Building a Basic Business Casual Wardrobe [Guide]

It’s your first day at a new job. But you open your closet and see only one business-appropriate outfit you can wear. It’s the same outfit you wore to the job interview. That’s when it hits you: you need to ditch the “casual Friday” look and build up your business casual wardrobe. Here are some men’s fashion tips to help you create a basic business casual wardrobe from scratch.

Focus on the Versatile Items First

If you’re just starting a new job, then your budget is a problem. How do you stretch your dollar without looking like you went on a thrift shop spending spree? You do it by buying quality items that offer you the most versatility and are durable enough to wear day after day. These include:

  • A comfortable pair of Khaki pants (like our Sunny Stretch with a modern fit). These can be worn at the office with a blazer to build a suit or with a simple button-down any day of the week.
  • Colors and patterns can be versatile, too, such as this Navy Gingham pattern. You can wear it under a V-neck sweater or even a blazer.

Those two items alone can be mixed and matched with other items in your wardrobe and worn multiple times every week—which is why it’s worth investing in clothes made with quality construction and attention to detail.

Start Simple and Build Outward

When you build up a new business casual wardrobe, it’s tempting to add a lot of accessories and accoutrements to your shopping cart. But until you figure out what looks best, it’s best to focus on the big-ticket items. That means pants, shirts, and blazers or suit jackets, of course—and you saw two examples in the previous tip. But don’t forget about shoes, either.

A proper pair of brown oxford dress shoes might just be the most versatile business-ready pair you can buy. It’s even possible you can wear these darn near every day and get away with it. After you get used to your new business casual wardrobe, then you’ll be better able to pick out the small accessories that will shake things up.

Fit, Fit, Fit

The same pair of pants will look twice as good on you if you get the fit right. It doesn’t cost any extra money (aside from a one-time investment in a tailor, if needed) to get properly fitting clothes: it usually just requires a little bit of extra attention.

To help you get the perfect fit, Vintage 1946 offers complimentary hemming. After all, if you’re going to wear these clothes on a day-in, day-out basis, then it only makes sense that they be as comfortable as possible.

 

Create a Great Business Casual Wardrobe Today!

Take the time to know your measurements and learn what clothes fit best on you. Then shop through our collections of men’s business casual clothes to find the best options that will give you the most use. Chances are, you don’t have to break the bank to acquire a new wardrobe with plenty of versatility, style and durability.