The terms “business casual” and “business professional” are often used interchangeably, with many men assuming they refer to the same style. There’s no denying the fact that both styles share some similarities in terms of looks and function. However, business casual and business professional are two unique styles with their own characteristics. To learn more about about the nuances between business casual and business professional, keep reading.

Business Professional

Business Professional lives up to its namesake by featuring a more formal and professional look. It’s often worn by office workers, many of whom are required to wear it as part of their company’s dress code.

There’s no single right way to create a business professional look, although most revolve around a suit (trousers with matching jacket or coat), along with a necktie, wristwatch and matching footwear. Of course, you should also pay attention to your grooming habits, as this will influence your business professional appearance. Ideally, you should maintain a clean, shaven face, with your hair properly styled.

Business Casual

On the other side of the fence is business casual. Unlike its business professional counterpart, this style is not 100% formal. Rather, it maintains a delicate balance between formal and casual. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you can wear jeans and a t-shirt. When dressing in business casual, you need to embrace at least some formal elements in your outfit. Jeans, for instance, are perfectly fine when paired with a button-up shirt and blazer.

Many companies are jumping on board with business casual, as it creates a clean appearance without the overbearing characteristics of business professional.

Here are some tips on how to create a business casual look:

• Don’t go overboard with your shoes. Boots and even some non-formal shoes are perfectly acceptable for business casual.
• Always press or iron your clothes before heading out the door. Just because it has the word “casual” in it doesn’t mean it’s okay to wear wrinkled clothes in a business casual outfit.
• Choose dark colors. While there’s no rule stating that you must wear dark colors in business casual attire, this is a great all-around choice due its natural formal look.
• Wear a blazer. One of the easiest ways to turn an everyday casual outfit into a business casual outfit is to wear a blazer.
• Tuck in your shirt. When your shirt is left untucked, it’s next-to-impossible to create a business casual look, so always tuck your shirt into your pants’ waistline.

References:

http://ung.edu/career-services/tips-by-topic/interviewing/business-professional-vs-business-casual.php

Plaid button-up shirts are the perfect choice for men who want a slightly dressy, but not too dressy, look. The blend of multiple colors in a plaid design is naturally appealing. And best of all, it’s easy to match with other garments. However, there are a few things you should about plaid button-up shirts and how to wear them.

Go Cotton

Men’s plaid button-up shirts are made in many different fabrics and materials, each of which has its own unique characteristics. With that said, you really can’t go wrong with a 100% cotton shirt. All-cotton shirts are soft, comfortable, and look great. You can even choose a pique cotton shirt for a higher level of visual appeal.

Collar Stays

Do you have trouble keeping your shirt collars up? It’s not uncommon for shirt collars to curl and bend, especially after they’ve been washed and dried several times. Granted, you can always iron them back out, but a simple way to prevent this phenomenon from happening in the first place is to choose a shirt with build-in collar stays. Inspect the shirt collar to see if it has built-in metal strips, known as collar stays. The presence of these strips will help your shirt collar retain its original shape; thus, protecting it from curling.

Check the Fit

Like denim jeans, plaid button-up shirts are designed in a variety of different “fits.” You can usually check the fit by looking at the tag, typically found in the collar. Standard/traditional fits are somewhat baggy, whereas slim-fit shirts live up their namesake by featuring a slimmer design. So, which fit is right for you? Most men will agree that slim-fit shirts are a better choice, as they compliment your body while creating a cleaner and more sophisticated look.

Color Combination

The color combination used in a plaid button-up shirt is arguably the single most important element to consider. Red and brown is an excellent combination that’s particularly beneficial for men who wear brown boots or shoes. The subtle hints of brown in the shirt will correspond with your shoes, offering a cohesive appearance. Of course, there are countless other color combinations from which to choose. Dark blue and light blue is a subtle yet excellent choice. Or you can choose something like dark green and blue. Regardless, make sure the colors match each other and flow cohesively with the rest of your outfit.

References:

https://www.bustle.com/articles/36922-how-to-wear-a-plaid-shirt-13-styling-options-from-full-on-prep-to-cool-and-grungy

https://theidleman.com/manual/advice/how-to-wear-a-flannel-shirt-for-men/

Not every man has a knack for fashion, and that’s okay. If you struggle to choose stylish, color-coordinated clothes in the morning, keep reading for some essential men’s fashion tips.

Embrace the Solid-Color Shirt

Graphic t-shirts featuring funny phrases and brand logos are slowly being phased out in favor of solid-colored shirts. A solid black or white t-shirt is an excellent choice, as it’s simple, clean and matches with a variety of other garments. With that said, you should only wear a solid-color shirt if it’s wrinkle-free. Don’t make the mistake of trying to sport a wrinkled shirt, as this will likely hurt your efforts to create a stylish look.

Go Simple

Sometimes the best looks are the simple ones. There’s no rule stating that you must wear a full suit, complete with a necktie, tiebar, cufflinks and other accessories. As long as it’s not a formal occasion, perhaps you can go for a business casual look by wearing denim jeans, a button-up shirt, and a blazer. Business casual is the perfect choice for men who are always on the go.

Don’t Forget the Belt

If there’s one accessory that you don’t want to leave home without, it’s the belt. A belt is unique in the sense that it serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. It keeps your pants around your waist (where they should be), while also adding color and style to your outfit. But you’ll want to choose the right belt to match your outfit. A good rule of thumb is to choose a belt in the same color as your shoes.

Layer Your Look

With the cold weather fast approaching, there’s no better time than the present to sport a layered look. So, how exactly do you create a layered look? Basically, this involves wearing two or more layers. Sounds simple enough, right? Perhaps you can wear a solid-colored shirt as your “base” layered, followed by a button-up shirt and then a coat. Layered looks are perfect for the fall and winter season. They create a deeper appearance while giving you more control of your comfort. If you get hot, simply take off an outer layer.

Avoid Baggy Jeans

Unless you’re in high school — and you probably aren’t — it’s best to skip the baggy jeans. Instead, choose a pair of jeans that compliments your body. For most men, this would include straight-leg jeans, which live up to their namesake by running straight through the thighs and legs.

References:

http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/upgrade-your-style-25-easy-tips-for-men-20131101

The vest has been around for over a century, offering a clean and formal look for men. Unfortunately, though, many men are hesitant to wear one, fearing it will hurt their appearance. As with most garments, there’s a right way and a wrong way to wear a vest. So if you’re thinking about sporting one, keep reading for some essential tips on how to wear it — the right way!

Finding the Right Fit

The first step towards sporting a fashionable vest is to choose the right fit. No two men have the same body shape or size, which is why it’s important to choose the right sized vest.

When shopping for a vest, pay close attention to the shoulders. The shoulders of the vest should sit flat, without any “poofing” of bunching. If there’s excess fabric in the shoulders, try a smaller size. Wearing an oversized vest is a recipe for fashion disaster, so don’t make this mistake. In addition to the shoulders, you should also check the chest/torso. The vest should contour to the shape of your body, while still allowing you to freely move your arms up and down.

What About the Buttons?

Some vests have three buttons, while others have four, five or even six buttons. Assuming your vest has a minimum of three buttons, a good rule of thumb is to leave the bottom button unfastened. This is the same rule that applies to formal suit coats and jackets.

When to Wear a Vest

Not all occasions are suitable for a vest, so it’s important to know when to wear one. Weddings are a great time to wear a vest. If you’ve been invited to attend a friend or family member’s wedding, perhaps you should wear a vest with a suit. While there’s no rule stating that you must wear one, doing so adds a new dynamic to your outfit while enhancing your look in the process.

Rules to Follow When Wearing a Vest

• Make sure your vest matches your suit.
• Don’t make the mistake of choosing a vest color that clashes with your necktie and/or shoes.
• Pair your vest with a suit jacket or coat for a bolder look.
• Wear a long-sleeved, button-up dress shirt under your vest
• For a more formal look, choose a vest with lapels.
• Press your vest before wearing it.
• Keep your necktie tucked all the way into your vest.

References:

http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/mans-guide-vests/