A Men's Business Casual Minimalist Wardrobe Constitutes These 4 Basic Elements

When it comes to the men’s business casual minimalist wardrobe in the workplace, no one wants to stand in the gap. No one offers any consistent guide that would remove the frustration men feel when attempting to build a business casual wardrobe. Most men justify their business casual appearance based on the industry they work in or simply judging the appearance of the guy in the office he perceives is the best dressed. Either way is questionable. So, if you are looking for some guidance, you’ve come to the right place.

What is business casual? Business casual constitutes four basic elements:

A tailored jacket or blazer, pocket square, dress shirt and tie, coordinating trouser and monk strap or tassel loafer.
Knits and Pocket Squares – The knits replace the dress shirt and the pocket square replaces the tie. I recommend solid color polos, crewnecks and turtlenecks—preferably long-sleeve. (Short sleeve are certainly appropriate.)
Casual Shirts – Solid color, jacquard or micro print with a spread collar.
Shoes – Single or double monk strap shoes as well as a tassel loafer replace the classic loafer. Loafers belong with office casual. A lace up shoe would work as well when wearing a tie.

Here are four ways to wear the navy blazer as part of your men’s business casual minimalist wardrobe:

Navy Blazer and Gray Trouser

Look 1

Look 2

Navy Blazer and Camel Trouser

Look 1

Look 2

Here are four ways to wear the gray blazer for business casual with confidence:

Gray Blazer and Silver Gray Trouser

Look 1

Look 2

Gray Blazer and Black Trouser

Look 1

Look 2

Alternative – Adding a gray solid suit will further round out your business casual wardrobe, especially since it can be dressed down as such. Dressing down a suit only works when accompanied by sophisticated solid-colored knits in merino wool or high-quality blends. Attempting to dress down a suit with a printed button-down shirt shows a lack of style and sophistication, and a solid dress shirt—regardless of the quality—looks like your imagination only went as far as taking off your tie.

Because it’s important to always present yourself as capable of stepping into a leadership role when called on, a long sleeve knit will always be seen as more authoritative.

If you decide to build and combine both the minimalist business wardrobe and minimalist business casual wardrobe, you’ll cover all aspects of your business and social responsibilities such as weddings, funerals, graduations, etc.