Dappered | How to Dress Business Casual with Style – 10 Tips for Men

[Dappered | How to Dress Business Casual with Style – 10 Tips for Men]() --------------------------------------------------------------- - [How to Dress Business Casual with Style – 10 Tips for Men](#1) - [Steal Alert: Amazon Goodthreads Merino Blend Bomber Sweaters for $6 – $9.99](#2) - [Style Scenario: All tech wear for the super hot weather](#3) - [Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2020](#4) [How to Dress Business Casual with Style – 10 Tips for Men](r/Dappered/~3/3PR-E8aHm4k/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 05 Aug 2020 03:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. With the rise of [more casual offices]( as well as the drastic increase in Work From Home (aka WFH), more and more people are dropping into the (somewhat dreaded) Business Casual level of workplace dress… even if that just means for the daily zoom call. But that doesn’t mean you have to look like [every sitcom dad from the 1990s](. Here are 10 ways to make Business Casual look, y’know, actually kinda good. Because enclothed cognition is real. Look good, do great. Now who microwaved fish again?? #1. Trim up your fit Number one with a bullet. Even though fits have gotten much slimmer in the last decade ([to a bad extreme in many cases]()… the business casual workplace is still littered with oversized dress shirts and bulky khakis. Clothes should ride close to your frame, without constricting it. They should skim but not cling and not billow out. Look, with movement clothes will untuck, wrinkle, and bunch. [AND THAT’S OKAY](! Don’t shrink wrap yourself. But look for trim fit clothes that fit and feel great, and strongly consider [developing a relationship with a tailor](. #2. Carry a briefcase that walks the line between casual and dressed up - [Gustin Made in the USA Deluxe Briefcase – $349]( - [Filson Made in the USA Original Brief in Cinder Gray – $199](//www.sierra.com/filson-original-briefcase-125x16x4~p~12wnx/?filterString=s~filson%2F) ($300ish) - [Boarding Pass NYC Flight Brief – $215]( - [WP Standard Zip Top Briefcase – $319]( You want a work bag that hits the middle ground. Somewhere between a casual, frumpy messenger bag, and an overly starchy hard sided attache. Look for something made from leather or canvas, with a bit of structure but not razor edged. You want to be taken seriously. You don’t want to look like the guy delivering lunch from an electric scooter. Even if you are the guy who often delivers lunch… maybe from an electric scooter. Because, c’mon. Everyone loves lunch. #3. Tweak the “usual” khaki/blue/brown business casual color scheme - [Outfit 1: casual layers, nothing over $100]( - [Outfit 2: Working from Home, Smart Casual Enclothed Cognition]( - [Outfit 3: Warm Weather Smart CasualÂ]( - [Outfit 4: Fall Business casual, blues and grays]( Everyone wears khakis, blue and/or white button ups, and brown shoes. Mix that up! Instead of khaki chinos, go with green, deep brown, olive, or gray. Especially gray. WEAR MORE GRAY. Bounce contrast around, like instead of a lighter shirt, go with [something more saturated]( under a lighter sweater or sportcoat. Or, go with a brightened up version of the standard office wear ([try an aqua OCBD](). Brighten up your footwear with lighter shades of cognac, or tan suede. You’re not wearing purple pants with black “going out” club shirts (don’t wear those… ever). Just take the norm, and tweak it a bit. #4. Wear some unexpected footwear - [TBNY Positano Double Monk Strap Shoe – $236.90]( (during the UPCOMING Nordy anniv. sale) - [Astorflex Evoflex – $130]( - [Banana Republic Nyle Suede Lace-Up Oxford – $100ish]( - [Allen Edmonds Liverpool Chelsea – $495]( - [Spier and Mackay Tobacco Brown Suede Wingtip – $248]( - [Cole Haan Grand Monk Straps – $90.99]( It’s starting to look like a basic smooth leather “dress” blucher from Johnston & Murphy or Cole Haan is issued to every corporate worker bee when they get their key card. Try something different. Go for suede! Or monk straps! Or a contemporary sneaker-chukka hybrid! You’ve got options. #5. Wear CLASSIC Brogues - [Allen Edmonds Strands – $236.90]( ($395) (during the UPCOMING Nordy anniv. sale) - [Mercanti Fiorentini Medallion Cap Toe Oxfords – $136]( - [Grant Stone LWB Crimson Chromexcel – $298]( - [Johnston & Murphy Conard Cap Toe Oxford – $149]( - [J. Crew Ludlow Semi-Brogues – $298]( often on sale [for less]( - [Aston Grey Wingtip Blucher – $89.99]( - [Banana Republic Hadley Italian Leather Wingtip – $100ish]( So perhaps not unexpected, since it doesn’t get more classic than a brogue, but those perforated details and pinked (serrated) edges give this style of shoe all the eye-catching characteristics the blah-bluchers everyone else is wearing don’t have. If wearing something more modern/unexpected is too risky? Wear a brogue. It’s the original flashy (but not too flashy) footwear. #6. Wear a sportcoat/blazer/unconstructed jacket - Target tweed sportcoat (shown above, sold out) - [Spier and Mackay Washed Cotton Sportcoats – $149]( ($198) - [Bonobos Unconstructed Italian Wool Sportcoats – $400]( - [Target Goodfellow & Co Knit Blazer – $50]( - [Suitsupply Havana Fit Blazer – $399]( - [Target Goodfellow & Co. Seersucker]( or [Tech Cotton Blazer – $49.99]( There are [so many reasons to wear a sportcoat]( or [modern blazer](. They clean up your frame. They make you look slimmer and stronger. And they’ve got pockets to put stuff in. Keep it soft in terms of construction and breathable in terms of fabric (wool or lightweight cotton) and you can wear these with everything from a dress shirt to a casual button down [to over a t-shirt](. Yes really. #7. Throw a little retro in there - [Orient 2nd Gen. Bambino Ver. 2 Automatic Watch – $109]( - [Banana Republic Glenn Sunglasses – $78]( - [Todd Snyder Italian Silk Cotton Polo Sweater – $248](//www.toddsnyder.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/grey-stripped-button-through-sweater-polo-grey) (Good grief that’s pricey!) - [EXPRESS Piped Moisture Wicking Polo – $50](//www.express.com/clothing/men/piped-moisture-wicking-performance-polo/pro/05047580/color/Pure%20White/e/regular/) (often on sale) - [Kent Wang Keyhole Sunglasses – $55]( - [Target Goodfellow & Co Striped Sweater Polos – $19.99]( A watch with classic design elements. [A trim polo worn with some sharp wool slacks](. Clubmaster style sunglasses or frames if you wear a prescription. Items with classic menswear design elements are somehow looking great right now, along side more modern bits and bobs. Throw a little, uh, throwback, into your look. #8. Own the details (accessories, pocket squares, watches, belts) - [TheTieBar Pocket Squares – $10+](//www.thetiebar.com/pocket-squares) - [Allen Edmonds Merino Blend Patterned Socks – $9.97]( ($19.50) - [Warby Parker Eyewear – $95+]( Last things on, first things noticed. Pocket squares, socks, [your watch](… it’s often the little stuff that can help you stand out. Hopefully in a good way. #9. Get into cardigans - [LL Bean Cable-knit Shawl-collar Cardigan – $109]( ($149) - [Amazon Goodthreads Merino Cardigan – $40]( - J. Crew Factory textured shawl collar cardigan (sold out) - [Uniqlo Airism UV protection cardigan in Navy – $9.90]( FINAL ($29.90) - [J. Crew Cotton Cable-Knit Shawl Cardigan – $26.32]( FINAL ($138) sold out, [naturally]( Get over the grandpa/Mr. Rogers stigma. They can either be warm and cozy (think cable knit, shawl collar styles), or they can be sharp and contemporary ([trim fitting]( merino cardigans). Either way, they clean up your lines since your shirt isn’t wrinkling at your sides, and they’re a defacto “sportcoat” style-layer, without the extra formality jackets bring with them. #10. Casual Fridays = Sneaker Fridays! - [Made in Italy Good Man Brand Pebble Leather Sneaker – $129.90]( ($198) (during the UPCOMING Nordy anniv. sale) - [Nike Killshot – $90]( - [adidas Stan Smith Upgraded Leather – $90]( - [Nike Zoom Freak 1 – $120](//www.nike.com/t/zoom-freak-1-basketball-shoe-tmk8Hw/BQ5422-100) - [Nisolo Men’s Leather Low Top Sneaker – $150](//nisolo.com/products/mens-leather-low-top-sneaker-tobacco) - [Huckberry Exclusive USA Made Resoleable Victory Sportswear Runners – $220]( currently sold out - [adidas Ultra Boost 20 – $180]( - [Nike Air Tailwind 79 – $90]( Casual Fridays are only going to get more casual now that people are barely wearing pants… [or deodorant](. Plus, we’re living in a new, golden age of sneakers. So lobby your Boss for sneaker Fridays. A day to show off your classic court kicks, your just released basketball sneakers, or for the big-time sneakerheads, your weird designer stuff. Any other tips for WFH / Business casual looks that are still stylish? Send those tips into joe@dappered.com. Items shown at the very top of the post are: [Brooks Brothers Wool/Cotton Knit Sportcoat (sold out)](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Regent-Fit-Mini-Brokenbone-Sport-Coat/MM00720,default,pd.html), [Mizzen & Main Check Button Down – $53.50]( ($125), [Lululemon ABC Pant – $128](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fsearch%3FNtt%3Dwarpstreme%2520men%2527s%2520pants), [Smartwool Socks – sold out in navy]( [Banana Republic Suede Double Monks (sold out)](. ff/Dappered?a=3PR-E8aHm4k:p7xEZSaQSAc:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=3PR-E8aHm4k:p7xEZSaQSAc:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=3PR-E8aHm4k:p7xEZSaQSAc:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Steal Alert: Amazon Goodthreads Merino Blend Bomber Sweaters for $6 – $9.99](r/Dappered/~3/Wp9h88qhTEs/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 04 Aug 2020 06:14 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. [Amazon Goodthreads 50% merino wool / 50% acrylic bomber sweater – $6 – $9.99]( ($30 – $45) Well that’s just nuts. Shades of [the merino sweatshirt deal]( from a few weeks back. This time, it’s a zip up style cardigan, without any of the norm-core Dad vibes that come with a half-zip mock neck. Instead, you get the full zip (so it’s easier to take off without messing up your hair), a hoodie-style pocket up front, and no hood behind your neck but instead a bomber style collar. [Eight colors to choose from](. Tons of sizes. Looks like they’re all (or almost all) in the six dollar (six!) to $9.99 range at post time. Four more colors. Total of eight to pick from. This might be a one-day deal? So it could end today, Tuesday 8/4/20. Not sure. These things could be worn with just about anything as an easy, breathable, lightweight but strong layer. [Athleisure](? Sure. Smart casual, over an OCBD or henley with some jeans and work boots? Absolutely. Business casual with trim chinos and a dress shirt and knit tie? 100%. Don’t expect them to be super thick or bulky. Quite the opposite in fact. Which is what a lot of us prefer. And… I mean… six bucks. Six. “Oh but my size and color is ten!” OKAY TEN THEN!!! Ships fast and free with Prime. Free returns too. Big thanks to Aaron S. for the tip. That’s all. Carry on. ff/Dappered?a=Wp9h88qhTEs:9dHZmKZP6R0:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=Wp9h88qhTEs:9dHZmKZP6R0:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=Wp9h88qhTEs:9dHZmKZP6R0:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Style Scenario: All tech wear for the super hot weather](r/Dappered/~3/8YV8xpZhwQo/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 04 Aug 2020 02:00 PM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. What are you going to wear? Sometimes it’s good to look at a few suggestions then add your own tweaks and ideas. That’s what these are for. [Some of us don’t like summer](. Some of us used to HATE summer, before we realized that all cotton or mostly cotton clothes are kinda a terrible idea in extreme weather (both hot AND cold). Here’s one way outfit assembled to survive the hot, sticky weather, by leaning on tech wear engineered to breathe, wick, and dry fast. [Style Scenario 080420 All Tech Wear for the Heat] The Polo: [Lululemon Evolution Polo in Tonka Stripe – $88](1100l8fEx/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fshop.lululemon.com%2Fp%2Fmen-ss-tops%2FEvolution-Polo%2F_%2Fprod6020330%3Fcolor%3D45303). Expensive. Really expensive. But the fit and fabric are terrific. Totally understand if $88 seems absurd for a polo. (Because it is.) Cheaper options [would be this Old Navy Go-Dry polo](, or heck… ditch the stripes and [wear the well loved Target All in Motion golf polo in ice blue](. Polo shown at the very top of the post is a sold out Bonobos golf polo. The Watch: [Seiko 5 Sports Automatic Silicone Strap Watch – $225](. If there was ever a time of year for a rubber or silicone strap watch, it’s now. Plus, it’s a diver (or at least dive style) so you can just simply scrub it up with a little bit of dish soap and water when you get home. Just make sure the crown is in and secured. The Sunglasses: [Goodr Lightweight Non Slip Running Sunglasses – $25](. Lightweight, non slip frames to stay on sweaty noses, and they actually look like timeless wayfarers! Except for the logo. But, for $25 I think we can all put up with that. If they would have made the logo less… goofy… they probably could charged quite a bit more. The Pants: [Banana Republic Core Temp Chino in Gray Stone – $50ish](. When it’s miserably hot, lean on the tried and true. A cotton base, but enough engineering to them that they honestly do keep you cool and reasonably comfortable, even in extreme summer weather. [More tech chino options can be found here](. The Water Bottle: [Nalgene BPA Free 32 oz Tritan Wide Mouth Water Bottle – $11](. Stay hydrated my friends. Dirt cheap, and a constant companion for yours truly, aka the Sentient Tumbleweed aka [King Daddy Chukka]( aka [Big Bag o’ Buttons]( aka [Cougar bait Nate](. The Shoes: [Made in Italy GREATS Royal Knit in white / gum – $119](. Knit uppers AND they’re white with a gum sole? Get outta here. Made in Italy too. Run’s 1/2 a size large. The Socks:[Darn Tough No Show Tab Ultra Light Cushion Sock – $19](. Been leaning on these for years. They aren’t true no-shows, but that’s fine. They don’t crawl down under your heel like others do. That, and the wool fabric is cushioning, cooling, and yes… tough. The Belt: [Amazon Maikun D-ring Navy Belt – $10](. Because we’re in butt + lower back sweat season. And “Wet Leather” would be a great band name, but it honestly has no place in menswear. ff/Dappered?a=8YV8xpZhwQo:Wmvvs_2_HQg:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=8YV8xpZhwQo:Wmvvs_2_HQg:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=8YV8xpZhwQo:Wmvvs_2_HQg:gIN9vFwOqvQ [Most Wanted Affordable Style – August 2020](r/Dappered/~3/A5iBelLCSNg/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email) Posted: 04 Aug 2020 08:00 AM PDT Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head [here]( to learn more. Whether you’re looking for gift ideas or a quick upgrade for yourself, expect these to come around about once a month. You’ll find new arrivals and old favorites, especially good deals, or maybe something pricey to keep an eye on for future sales. Got a tip on something that deserves to end up in the monthly Most Wanted? Send those in to joe@dappered.com [Made in Italy GREATS Royale Knit Sneakers – $120]( Everybody sweating? Probably. These can help with that. Get your feet some air. Made in Italy. Breathable knit upper made from seven “upcycled” plastic water bottles. Footbed is nice and cushioned, and even has anti-microbial properties. And somebody get [our guy Ryan]( on the horn. They’re Vegan too! Word is these things run a ½ size large, so order one half size smaller than your normal size. UPDATE: Saks off 5th [has a bunch of GREATS on sale for under $100]( including [knits for $70](. Is it possible that [these]( are the same as the gray pair on Huckberry? They look kinda… blue on the Saks off 5th site? Big thanks to our man Adam for the tip here. He’s currently working on a review of a leather pair. [Banana Republic Don’t-Sweat-It Button Up Polo – $35ish]( Currently sold out because it’s been pretty popular. This thing has led to an extensive discussion between myself and Brandon D., aka [everyone’s]( [favorite]( [trouser]( [reviewer]( & [Cousin Eddie impersonator](. It’s either totally awesome and looks just like something the Rat Pack woulda worn pool side at the Sands, or, it looks like something Charlie Sheen would have worn on Two and a Half Men. So far, [jury’s]( out. Got one before they sold out. Might do a style poll upon arrival. Stay tuned. But if it leans Sheen, then this is one time when [#winning]( is losing. [Brooks Brothers Golden Fleece Merino Wool Trench – $177.99](//www.brooksbrothers.com/Golden-Fleece%C2%AE-Merino-Wool-Trench-Coat/ML00676,default,pd.html?dwvar_ML00676_Color=GYLT&contentpos=50) w/ BC1818 ($698) //www.brooksbrothers.com/Golden-Fleece%C2%AE-Merino-Wool-Trench-Coat/ML00676,default,pd.html?dwvar_ML00676_Color=GYLT&contentpos=50 It is NOT jacket season. But next month is September. And many of us have our fingers crossed that with September, fall starts to show up. And with fall comes weather. And with weather? We’re back in outerwear. And there might not be a better bang for the buck, finer piece of do-anything, timeless mac on the market right now. From the high end Brooks Brothers “Golden Fleece” line which has hit mega blowout prices in their clearance section. Shell is made from merino wool, sourced from the famous Vitale Barberis Canonico mill. This is not a winter jacket. This is a trench (or more accurately, a mac) made for cool fall days, stormy spring days, and a bunch of weather or cooler to colder temps in between. It’s like a super, super, super nice version [of this old thing](. [TheTieBar 5 Packs of Adjustable Ear Loop Cotton Masks – $30](//www.thetiebar.com/product/MSK-5175-0009) //www.thetiebar.com/product/MSK-5175-0009 “Bro, masks are so dumb. You look like you’re wearing panties on your face.” “Perhaps I am.” “What?” “Your Mom says hi.” “WHAT?” [Nodus Duality Automatic in Silver Sky – $700]( An investment. But good gracious does Nodus know what they’re doing. Assembled in Los Angeles. Miyota 9015 Japanese automatic movement. Double-dome box sapphire crystal. Water resistant to 300m. And that additional crown which operates the interior bezel gives this thing all sorts of slick sport-watch vibes. New Silver Sky color, along with the black and white options, have landed and are being assembled. Should ship in the next week or two? Want more most wanted? [Click here]( for the top 5 most wanted lists from previous months. ff/Dappered?a=A5iBelLCSNg:UPALb-YLU9o:yIl2AUoC8zA ff/Dappered?a=A5iBelLCSNg:UPALb-YLU9o:qj6IDK7rITs ff/Dappered?a=A5iBelLCSNg:UPALb-YLU9o:gIN9vFwOqvQ You are subscribed to email updates from [Dappered Style Mail](). To stop receiving these emails, you may [unsubscribe now](. Email delivery powered by Google Google, 1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043, United States