Losing the office uniform has proven harder than it should be.
Dressing for a modern casual office can be surprisingly challenging. In some ways, the old business casual dress code made things easier. You want to dress well, without standing out in a bad way from others who may dress, in your opinion, too casual. How do you look like, “I got ready on purpose,” and not, as Tenacious D says, “It’s gig time, what t-shirt am I gonna wear?” But also not like a time traveler from a 1998 business causal office? This outfit combines tactical choices and clean lines to strike that balance.
Dark Denim Button Up Shirt
The dark denim button up shirt is the backbone of this outfit. Its structured design offers a more refined appearance than a casual t-shirt alone, while still maintaining a casual vibe. Worn open, it doubles as a light jacket in spring, perfect for those in-between days when a heavier layer is too much. In many modern offices, where the norm leans towards t-shirts and polos, the denim shirt strikes the right middle ground. The unique details, like chest pockets, add a rugged touch that pairs well with the chinos.
Light Grey Chinos
The lighter grey chinos are particularly helpful to counter the other dark tones so the outfit doesn’t become too dark and heavy, which would still be a great look, but might be better suited for evening events.
Simple Black Pocket T-Shirt
Under the denim shirt, a simple black crew neck t-shirt adds a casual layer and tricks your casual colleagues into thinking you’re not more dressed up than they are. Mine is an off-the-rack faded black color, and is the darkest of the neutrals in the outfit.
Classic Black Leather-Strap Watch
A classic black leather strap watch is an understated touch of refinement without being flashy. This 3 hand hack watch is inspired by military field watches.
Dark Grey Boots
Sticking to a monochrome palette with varying shades is an easy way to make the outfit feel cohesive and put-together. This approach simplifies the process of looking stylish without relying on bold colors or patterns. It’s an easy method to appear refined and thoughtful in your style.
→ See more outfit and style ideas in our Getup collection.