Business casual offers the perfect blend for casual and formal elements, all in a single cohesive look. Many companies are now embracing this dress code, encouraging employees to follow it. But how exactly do you achieve a business casual look?

Chinos

There are several different pants that are suitable for use with business casual attire, although one of the most popular is the chino. Not to be confused with traditional khakis, chinos are made of a lighter, softer type of cotton, making them ideal for the warm summer weather. It’s generally best to avoid wearing formal suit trousers for business casual and instead stick with chinos.

If chinos aren’t your style, you can always wear jeans instead — yes, jeans are suitable for use with business casual. The trick to successfully pulling off jeans with this look is to choose the right color and fit. A pair of indigo-colored straight-leg jeans are an excellent choice. The darker color is more formal, while straight-leg eliminates excess fabric that could otherwise hurt your appearance.

Watch the Shoes

Your shoes will also affect whether or not you achieve a genuine business casual look. Formal shoes like oxfords should be avoided. For business casual, err on the side of caution by wearing casual or semi-casual shoes. Assuming they are clean and match the rest of your outfit, you can even wear sneakers with this look. One of the great things about business casual is the sheer freedom it offers to choose the clothes that YOU want to wear.

Layer it Up

Business casual offers the perfect opportunity to create a layered look. For instance, you can wear an undershirt over a button-up dress shirt, and then layer a leather jacket on top. Creating layers is a fun way to break up your appearance.

Accessorize

Accessories can make or break a business casual outfit. According to an article published by MensHealth, a simple accessory that greatly enhance a business casual look is a wristwatch. So, consider wearing a wristwatch with either a metal or leather wristband, depending on your choice of clothes (e.g. if you are wearing brown leather shoes, wear a wristwatch with a similar brown leather band).

Color Matters

Don’t underestimate the importance of color coordinating when creating a business casual look. Certain colors, such as all-black and black with pinstripes, look overly formal. This isn’t necessary bad, but it doesn’t align with the delicate formal-casual balance associated with this style.

References:

http://www.menshealth.com/style/make-a-better-impression-with-business-casual

https://gentlemansbox.com/mens-business-casual/

Can’t seem to keep your dress shirt tucked in? Whether you are attending a job interview, a meeting, wedding or just a social outing with your friends, you’ll want to keep your dress shirt tucked in at all times. When it sneaks its way up and out from your waist, it creates a messy, unflattering appearance. Unfortunately, though, not all dress shirts will stay tucked, as many have a tendency to “untuck” themselves. So, how do you prevent this from happening with your dress shirt?

Wear a Belt

I know this probably sounds like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning that you should wear a belt if you are having trouble keeping your dress shirt tucked in. A belt will hold both your pants and shirt in place, preventing them from moving around. With that said, however, this alone isn’t a fool-proof way to keep your dress shirt tucked in. You’ll want to combine it with at least one of the following techniques for better results.

The Military Tuck

In addition to wearing a belt, you may also want to consider using the military tuck for your dress shirt. What in the world is the military tuck and how can it keep your dress shirt in place? Pioneered by the U.S. military (hence the name), this special folding/tucking method is designed to reduce wrinkles while holding the fabric in place. To perform the military tuck, put your dress shirt and pants on, and then tuck the front of your shirt in the front of your pants. Next, pinch a small portion of your shirt’s fabric by both the seams on the side, and then tuck the duck tail of your shirt into your pants. Now button up your pants and drag then drag your thumbs towards the back of the duck tails, tucking in any remaining fabric under the newly created fold. Rinse and repeat until there’s no visible excess fabric and you’re good to go!

Have Your Dress Shirt Tailored

Of course, the most effective solution to keeping your dress shirt tucked in is to have it professionally tailored. A professional tailor can bring either the sides or front “in” on your dress shirt, creating a closer fit for your respective size. In doing so, the shirt should stay closer to your body without rising and untucking itself from your waistline. Most tailors can “dart” a dress shirt for as little as $10-$20 bucks, which is a small price to pay for a perfect fit.

References:

http://lifehacker.com/5994069/use-a-military-tuck-to-keep-dress-shirts-from-billowing-at-the-waist

Just because it’s almost summer doesn’t necessarily mean that you should stash your jackets in storage until next year. A good jacket is an essential component of a man’s wardrobe, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits. It adds another layer to your outfit, while also protecting you from rain and the elements. So, what are some stylish, trending jackets?

Blazer

If there’s one jacket that shouldn’t be overlooked, it’s the blazer. Not to be confused with a sports coat or suit jacket, this versatile choice of outwear can be worn for all occasions, both formal and casual. Blazers are dressier than sports coasts but more casual than suit jackets. So regardless of the occasion, you can count on a blazer offering the perfect blend of casual and formal style. You can even wear it with jeans for a truly modern appearance that’s sure to turn heads.

Windbreaker

Another essential jacket for men is the windbreaker. Typically made of a lightweight synthetic material, it’s ideal for warm weather. Best of all, however, windbreakers are often made of waterproof, or at least water-resistant, materials. If there’s rain in the forecast for your area, you may want to grab a windbreaker instead of different jacket that may not hold up so well under moisture.

Military Jacket

Military-style jackets have become increasingly popular in recent years. Featuring multiple jackets, both at the bottom and chest area, it’s the perfect choice for on-the-go men who are looking for a functional, stylish type of outwear. You can find military jackets available in a wide variety of colors, ranging from traditional colors like black and brown to more modern colors like gray, taupe, forest green, navy and more.

Leather Bomber Jacket

Of course, you really can’t go wrong with a bomber jacket made of 100% genuine leather. Leather bomber jackets first appeared during World War I, during which the Air Force gave them pilots and crewmembers to keep them warm. While leather bomber jackets are rarely used for this purpose today, they’ve become an iconic garment in the world of fashion. If you’re going to buy a bomber jacket, though, make sure it’s made of genuine leather and not “faux” leather. Genuine leather is softer, more durable, and looks better. You can expect to pay a bit more for a genuine leather bomber jacket as opposed to a faux leather jacket, but most people will agree that it’s well worth the investment.

References:

http://www.mensfitness.com/styleandgrooming/fashion/9-fall-jackets-for-in-between-weather

Khakis are a staple garment that should be included in every man’s wardrobe. They offer the perfect balance of casual and formal attire, offering an unmatched level of versatility. Whether you are attending a job interview or going out for lunch for friends, you can’t go wrong with a pair of stylish khakis.

Khakis vs Chinos: What’s the Difference?

It’s a common assumption that khakis and chinos are the same, but this isn’t necessarily true. While they certainly share some similarities in terms of style, design and construction, there are nuances between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked. Chinos, for instance, are traditionally more formal, with the stitching hidden instead of exposed. Furthermore, chinos are traditionally made of 100% lightweight cotton or cotton-blends, whereas khakis are made with a thicker, heavier types of cotton. These are just a few of the subtle differences between khakis and chinos, so keep this in mind when shopping for either of these pants.

Pleats or No Pleats?

That is the question — and if you asked ten different men which style they prefer, you would probably get an equal mix of answers. Some men prefer pleated khakis, whereas others prefer non-pleated. Generally speaking, though, it’s best to choose pleated khakis for occasions when you’ll be seated for long periods of time, such as office work, attending a wedding (as a guest), etc. The pleated front will prevent your khakis from bunching up at the front. On the other hand, however, non-pleated khakis are the better choice if you’ll be standing.

The Color

“Khaki” isn’t the only color in which men’s khakis are made. You can find them in just about any color under the sun, including white, beige, navy and even black. With that said, it’s usually best to stick with either khaki or a variation thereof for most occasions. Darker khaki tones are a great choice for formal events and occasions, whereas lighter khaki tones are better suited for casual occasions.

The Fit

Pay close attention to the “fit” of the khakis. Much like jeans are available in a wide range of fit styles, so are khakis. Slim-fit, for instance, is an excellent choice for tall, slim men, as they run straight and narrow through the leg without tapering open at the bottom. If you’ll be moving around and staying physically active, however, you may want khakis constructed in a loose or relaxed fit. This will give you a greater range of mobility and movement when compared to slim-fit and straight-leg.

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khaki