Definition of Business Attire for Men

With the more casual business environment of the twenty-first century, the business suit has declined as standard office attire. However, the matched two or three piece suit in black, gray, or dark blue consisting of a jacket, slacks and optional vest, with a white or light solid colored cuffed shirt and conservative tie is still considered proper for many business environments. It is also considered proper interview attire for nearly all types of work, with the possible exception of the most creative fields.

Executive level men are nearly always expected to wear a suit with a button down shirt and tie when they are in the office. This is also the case for business-related functions outside the office, such as conferences and meetings with clients, as well as business related social functions. Younger executives may venture outside the traditional confines of gray, blue and black suits and business separates in favor of patterns, as well as patterned shirts and ties. A well-tailored coat with coordinated slacks and tie may also be acceptable for younger executives.

Sport coats and jackets with tailored slacks or khakis are usually acceptable office wear for middle and entry level men. This may also be the case for business-related social occasions such as an office party or golf outing. In the latter case, the jacket would be removed during play and a more casual shirt may replace the cuffed button down long sleeved shirt. A tie is optional with less formal business attire, and many men skip wearing one.

In the late twentieth century, the concept of business casual began to spread throughout office settings in the United States in an attempt to boost employee camaraderie and morale. However, no clear guidelines exist for business casual and some employees took the idea to mean they could wear whatever they wanted, including very casual clothing more often seen at the beach or on vacation. More recently, business casual attire for men has come to be defined by clothing such as khaki pants or neat, dark colored jeans with a button down or high quality polo-type shirt.

In addition to the clothing of business attire, men should be aware of the accessories they choose. Shoes should match or coordinate with the outfit and be neatly shined. Lace up shoes or slip on leather shoes are acceptable. Open toe shoes are almost never acceptable office attire, even in a business casual environment. This also applies to canvas sneakers and deck shoes unless the occasion is very informal and held outdoors. Men may be able to wear a stud earring if it is not too gaudy. However, men's jewelry should be understated, with not too many pieces worn at once. A wristwatch or pocket watch, class ring and/or wedding ring, and a single neck chain (worn beneath the shirt with the shirt buttoned) are the maximum amount of jewelry most men should wear to work.