Ever wondered if wearing casual attire has any impact on your work productivity? The answer is yes! Your choice of dress does have an impact on your productivity levels. According to studies, a staggering 61% of employees are more productive when the dress code is relaxed [1]. From the 1920s to the 1970s, offices required their employees to wear formal attire. However, modern business casual is a recent phenomenon that became commonplace in the 80s and 90s, when people began adopting the relaxed yet subtle attire and realised that they could do without their dark suits, ties, and Oxford shoes.
Another survey revealed that 1 in 3 workers would rather have a casual dress code than an extra $5,000 in pay [2]. When people wear casual attire, they are more comfortable and relaxed which in turn boosts their workflow and determination, upping their productivity levels.
What Is Modern Business Casual?
Modern business casual attire makes you feel comfier and appear urbane when wearing business attire but allows a few simple modifications. Business casual attire is a standard dress code for a huge number of offices. There is no universal definition of business casual, and the term can vary between particular workplaces. There is no need to be excessively formal by wearing a suit.
However, one must aim for a refined appearance, and you can attain that by merging traditional apparel with contemporary and comfortable pieces.
The following casual menswear items are essential for your wardrobe.
Unstructured Jacket
An unstructured jacket denotes a relaxed, softer dressing while still preserving an aura of formality. It has no chest canvassing or shoulder padding. The unstructured jacket resembles a shirt; however, it is cut like a jacket and contains pockets, lapels, and vents. Consequently, it is extremely lightweight and comfortable to wear, which will give you the feel of a cardigan – which makes it a fitting choice for modern business casual attire.
Oxford Shirt
An Oxford shirt is made from the Oxford fabric. They are multipurpose and can be used on various occasions. It is one of the key pieces of modern casual business attire, and you can wear it with jeans, trousers and a jacket. Being versatile, durable, and comfortable is an essential piece of business casual attire.
Sport Coat
A sports coat is ideal for the business casual work environment and doesn’t have to match the trousers’ colour or pattern. They are made from linen or cotton and sport patch pockets and soft shoulders with less padding. They are soft, relaxed, durable, and can be worn on many occasions.
Polo Shirt
Polo Shirt is a quintessential piece of modern business casual attire. It is a close-fitting knit shirt with short or long sleeves sporting a turnover collar or banded neck. It gained popularity in the 80s and the 90s and became a preferred choice of office employees for its cosy feel and relaxed, sporty appearance. It is available in various fabric materials. If you like a more sublime fashionable look, we recommend you to go for the knitted polo, which tastefully blends comfort with class.
Chelsea Boots
Chelsea Boots gained traction during the 50s and the 60s in the upscale Chelsea area of London, from where they got their name. They were popularised by The Beatles, Jean Shrimpton, and The Rolling Stone. These boots are close-fitting ankle boots with flexible elastic side panels. Typically leather or suede Chelsea boots have been worn with business casual attire. They offer a trendy, fashionable look and pair well with jeans and jackets.
V-Neck Sweaters
V-neck sweaters pair well with business casual attire, revealing the layer below. You can wear a button-down dress shirt below and add a tie if you want to. Try choosing plain colours and simple patterns for your V-neck sweater. V-neck sweaters are soft and lightweight, and they will make you look stylish and comfortable at the workplace.
We hope our ideas have given you a robust understanding of the modern business casual dress code. Choosing proper workwear is imperative as it makes us feel comfy in tandem with looking fashionable!
