Dress | the-dapper-gentleman

BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS

To see some examples of business casual outfits click

Shirt

The idea of a business casual dress is to keep one looking professional and at the same time be comfortbale in order to perform at work. For this reason, the best top for an outfit is a standard long sleeve button up dress shirt. While most workplaces have come to accept polo shirts or short sleeve collared shirts, it is best to dress up than to dress down. Any color or pattern is acceptable but it is best to avoid extravagant patterns or really bright colors in the workplace.

To go with the long sleeve button up shirt, a sweater, oxford, or sports jacket can accompany it. To remain more formal, choose a sports jacket, either black, blue, or gray. Still keeping your outfit dapper and clean, it is okay to opt for a lighter sweater or oxford jacket to sacrifice a little bit of the professionalism in the outfit but none of the style. A V-neck sweater is best when wearing a tie and oxfords should be modest in style and color.

Pants

The pants of a business casual outfit follow the same root of principle as the shirt. Pants should fit well and keep the wearer comfortable with the pant legs hanging down to the tops of shoes. Pants that bunch up on top of the shoe are too baggy and should be avoided. Pants should be khakis, slacks, dress pants, or corduroy. Colors for the following should be black, brown, khaki, gray, dark blue, or dark green.

Shoes

Shoes for business casual dress should accompany the shirt and pants well. This does not mean perfectly matching color all the time, but if you're wearing a more formal top like a sport coat it is best to pair with a nice black or brown leather shoe. Sometimes straight black cap shoes can appear over dressy, so aavoid unless the outfit calls for them. Go with a brogue, wingtip, or loafer. These choices offer a presentable stylish appearance that will more than satisfy a business casual dress code.

Belts and Watches

It should go without saying, but belts are an absolute must for every outfit. As a safe bet, a belt should be worn for any event, not just business casual. Belts should be solid in color and leather preferably. A rule of thumb is a man's belt should match the shoes that are being worn. Blackpants should generally be accompanies by a black belt, regardless of shoes. Watches should be more of an accent than a staple of an outfir. For this reason, make sure the watch is not too flashy or too big that it hurts the overall look. A safe bet is a medium to large sized silver colored watch.

Necktie

To learn how to tie a necktie, click

here

The necktie is an essential piece of fashion that every man should be an expert on. While the necktie seems like a simple piece of fabric, it is an elaborate combination of quality materials and worksmanship. Although on the decline, the necktie is the staple to every working man's wardrobe that is knotted at the collar and wraps around the wearer's neck under the shirt collar. There is not a significant functionally value for the necktie other than accenting one's outfit. The main parts of the nectie are the front, keeper loop, label, bar tack, rolled edge, and the tip lining.

Front

The front of the tie is the most important part of the necktie for one simple reason; it is the first part to be seen. The front of the tie is traditionally made of silk and the finer the silk, the finer the tie. Other materials such as cotton, wool, nylon, etc. are also used in less expensive ties. The fabric is woven into a specific pattern to the tie makers liking, ranging from solid colors to depicting scenes and characters. The shape of the front of the necktie also varies based on the taste of the wearer. This can vary in width based on one's style and preference. However, the length is based on the height of the gentleman and as a rule should hang down to one's belt.

Keeper Loop

The keeper loop is an essential detail on a tie that keeps the tie and the wearer looking professional. The keeper loop is often made of the same material of the tie and is a thin piece of fabric approximately one inch by one quarter inch. It is stitched on the ends to make, like the name states, a loop on the back of the tie. When the tie is knotted, the keeper loop holds the tail of the tie in place and keeps this end from sticking out behind the wider part of the tie.

Label

The label is a small rectangle of fabric on the reverse side of the tie that establishes who made the tie. The brand label is usually about the same size as the keeper loop, depending on the tie. The label is made of a cheaper material sich as cotton or nylon, however more expensive neckties have a silk label to match the quality of the tie.

Bar Tack

The bar tack is a small stitch on the back of a tie that utilizes a tie tack to hold the tie in place and prevent excessive waving. This, once again, varies in material depending on the tie and is located a few inches below the keeper loop. The loop holds the bar of a tie tack and is tacked to the shirt of the wearer to keep the tie in place and the wearer looking good.

Rolled Edge

The rolled edge is a finish to the bottom reverse side of the tie to enhance the look of the tie. Cheaper ties have a machined stitch that take away from the tie when it is seen. The hand rolled edge is a simple technique that makes for a better looking tie.

Tip Lining

The most underestimated part of the tie is hardly seen, however provides a much needed job. The lining prevents the tie from wrinkling and adds a little more weight to keep the tie sturdy. The tip lining is made of the same material of the tie, but can vary in color or pattern to add to the visual of the tie.

Anchor 2

BUSINESS CASUAL DRESS GALLERY

Button Down with Khakis	Blazer with Button-Down	Sports Coat and Tie Describe your image here. Click me and then "Organize Images" to change my text. I'm a great way to display many images along with text to describe them.
Sweater and Button Down Describe your image here. Click me and then "Organize Images" to change my text. I'm a great way to display many images along with text to describe them. When your visitors click on me I can expand or link to anywhere you choose.	Sweater and Tie	Button Down with Tie Describe your image here. Click me and then "Organize Images" to change my text.