Article: Men’s business attire: the dress guide for the busy businessman
Men’s business attire: the dress guide for the busy businessman
Businessmen with busy schedules who need to follow different dress codes throughout the week have a lot to gain from building a well-thought-out wardrobe. To make life easier for men on the go, our men’s fashion experts at Ernest have put together this practical guide to creating stylish, versatile business outfits without the headache.
Business formal, business professional, business casual: men’s office dress codes at a glance
By definition, a formal business outfit for men consists of a suit, a dress shirt, a tie, and nice shoes. That said, this dress code varies depending on the circumstances. The following table outlines the main men’s office outfits.
| Dress code | Key pieces | Office context |
|---|---|---|
| Business formal |
|
Client meeting |
| Business professional |
|
Regular office day |
| Business casual |
|
Friday (casual Friday) |
The essential pieces of an effective office wardrobe
The solid-colour suit
The suit in a solid colour is the top choice for the office. Adapt it to the situation, for example by wearing it with a tie to meet a client, and with a lightweight sweater for a follow-up meeting with your colleagues.
The sport jacket
The sport jacket lets you create stylish yet relaxed professional outfits for men for the office. Wear it with dress pants, chinos, or high-quality jeans.
Learn more about the different types of men’s jackets to avoid fashion faux pas.
For men on the go, our team also recommends the black shirt jacket or the burgundy one from Anthony of London. This garment is a clever compromise for a look that is both professional and relaxed. 
Dress pants
Dress pants are an essential office staple. Make sure they are perfectly fitted for an impeccable appearance, and opt for basic colours such as grey and navy.
Read our blog post to learn more about how pants should fit, including the break.
Chinos
Chinos are comfortable, versatile office pants. They work for everyday wear and for more or less formal meetings. Opt for beige or navy for a polished look.
The dress shirt
The dress shirt is a must for a sharp office outfit. If you’re a busy businessman, look for wrinkle-free men’s shirts (no ironing required).
Slim (classic), modern, or fitted? Find the right shirt fit for the office.
The lightweight sweater
A lightweight sweater is an excellent choice for a stylish, non-pretentious men’s office outfit. Wear it with chinos for a trendy look.
Shoes
Men’s shoes are accessories you shouldn’t overlook for office work. Choose leather shoes in a neutral colour, such as brown, and always keep them perfectly clean.
A week of outfits with just a few pieces
For businessmen who don’t have time to put together 1,001 business outfits, our experts have prepared these look suggestions from Monday to Friday, from the most formal (e.g., a meeting with an important client) to the most casual (e.g., casual Friday). Wondering what to wear to the office? Get inspired by these combinations.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Very formal | Formal | Semi-formal | Business casual | Casual |
|
|
|
|
|
Habits of the busy man
If you’re a very busy businessman, you have a lot to gain from adopting these good habits for putting together office outfits in no time every morning:
- Build up a selection of no-iron shirts;
- Rely on a neutral colour palette of interchangeable pieces;
- Take advantage of the in-store tailoring service for a perfect fit;
- Shop and order online to benefit from home delivery;
- Choose your clothes wisely by referring to the size guide;
- Return or exchange in store or by mail (if needed).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between men’s business attire and men’s evening wear?
Business attire is a suit worn with a shirt and a tie, suited to the office and professional occasions. Evening wear is more formal: it generally means a tuxedo, worn with a white shirt and a bow tie.
See how to master the dressy-chic style for special events.
Can you wear chinos to the office?
Yes, a man can absolutely wear well-cut chinos to the office, as long as they match the rest of the outfit. They are a perfect fit for business casual.
Can you wear jeans with a jacket to the office?
Yes, in some cases a man can wear jeans with a jacket to the office, but this relaxed style is only suitable for informal situations. It is ideal, for example, for Fridays, if the employer’s internal policy allows casual dress.
Is a tie still necessary at the office?
Although the tie is still associated with office wear, it is not mandatory. It is mainly worn for formal occasions, such as a client meeting.
Does a no-iron shirt stay neat all day under normal wear?
No-iron shirts are treated to limit wrinkles during washing and wear. They therefore look neater than a regular shirt, without needing an iron.
Putting together your office wardrobe at Ernest
To build your office wardrobe at Ernest, visit us in-store and get valuable advice from our stylists. In the meantime, shop our collections of suits, sport jackets, dress shirts, dress pants, chinos, sweaters, and shoes. You’ll find everything you need to dress stylishly at the office for any occasion, Monday to Friday!
Sarah Madejchuk - Marketing & Communications Director
"At Ernest, every blog article is the result of a collective effort driven by a passion for men’s style. Our team—made up of specialists in writing, art direction, and styling—creates content that reflects the essence of our brand: thoughtful, accessible, and always relevant style."
"We believe that every man deserves to feel confident and comfortable in his own skin, and our blog’s mission is to accompany him through life’s key moments—from everyday life to special occasions. This platform reflects our family-oriented approach, our sense of closeness, and our commitment to sustainable, authentic style."
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS:
Nina Say: E-commerce Coordinator
Mauricio Gomez: Senior Graphic Designer
Audrey Morin: Creative Content Designer
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