Dress Casual Know-How

Formal dress has its rules: You wear a suit, you add a tie.  And just hanging out at home lets you wear what’s most comfortable, but what about all those events in life that fall somewhere in between?  You know, when you’re heading to a café or a dinner party.  So what are the rules then?  Funny you should ask.

Start with pants

Cotton twill pants or Jeans are perfect for weekend wear.  And microfibre pants offer unmatched comfort and versatility as they are informal enough for Sundays with the family, yet traditional enough to wear in almost any business casual office environment.  Wool slacks are ideal for meeting with clients, upscale nights on the town, or any event that is a bit more formal.

Selecting shirts

Try pairing a fine gauge, golf knit shirt with cotton twill trousers.  The same knit shirt paired with microfibre pants adds a touch of formality.  A camp collar, v-neck or Merino wool sweater matched with the same microfibre pants creates a look of casual confidence for the office.  Take it up a notch with a mock or cotton/silk crew matched with microfibre or wool slacks.  Finally, any number of fashion-coloured point collar sport shirts, worn without a tie, will create the perfect dress casual look when paired with tailored pants.

Sport coats

Every man’s dress casual wardrobe will benefit from a sport coat or sport coat alternative.  This classic sport jacket is now available in stylish lamb’s wools and corduroy’s, as well as the familiar navy.  Also consider microsuede sport coats.  They’re a comfortable option that is wrinkle resistant and travels exceptionally well.

Two- or three-button sport coat models, as well as a shirt jacket, are stylish alternatives.  Worn with wool slacks and a silk high V-neck shirt, these jackets offer the perfect balance of contemporary fashion and casual good looks.