After all these years of the world dressing business casual, we are still getting puzzled looks and desperate pleas for help from men when it comes to pulling together a business casual look, especially in our Wear Your Power presentations. Keep reading for shopping recommendations too!
Here is the RLS 3 step system to Business Casual Sanity (for men and women!)
1. Create a uniform
2. Buy everything you can with stretch
3. Add personality with color and pattern
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A Shirt in a Color that Flatters You
Color people, color. It makes all the difference. Color can flatter your skin tone, eye and hair color, making you look fresher and brighter. Pattern and color are interesting and make you look more interesting than a plain white shirt. Do you know your best colors? Which ones make you look more or less well-rested? Which ones garner the most compliments? Even men should have a few key colors in their wardrobe.
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Bonobos Tech Button Down Shirt, $118
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Charles Tyrwhitt: $110 each, or 4 for $199
Tie Bar: $55 each, or 3 for $140
J.Crew: Around $70 each, or 3 for $150.
Nordstrom Men’s Shop: $50-$70 each
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A Perfectly Tailored Dress Pant
No wrinkled khakis here, gentlemen. A pressed, tailored dress pant only please. Basic colors to have in your trouser wardrobe are variations on grey, blue, and black. Extra credit for patterned pants you can wear with solid color dress shirts. Dress pants don’t have to feel stiff or formal. You want some stretch in there to keep you comfortable at your desk all day and create a modern, smooth line. The most flattering silhouette is usually the narrowest trouser you can comfortably get away with wearing.
Bonobos Stretch Wool Dress Pants, $198
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Banana Republic Slim Tapered Smart-Weight Performance Suit Pant, $160
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H&M Skinny Fit Suit Pants, $34.99
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A Polished, Comfortable Shoe
If you are wearing black or grey pants, wear black shoes. If you are wearing navy or other blue pants, you can and should wear brown shoes. Our absolute favorite men’s shoe is anything from the Cole Haan Grand line. Buy a pair and then write us a thank you note. You’re welcome. Rockport, Clarks, and Ecco are also great comfort brands that make modern styles. They also make ugly shoes, so please use the below pictures for reference.
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Cole Haan OriginalGrand Wingtip Oxford, $150
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Rockport Style Purpose Plain Toe, $130
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Ecco Kenton Derby Chukka Boot, $219.95 $109.96
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Cole Haan Hamilton Grand Double Monk, $280
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Cole Haan Hamilton Grand Cap Toe Oxford, $280
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Lani Inlander is a personal stylist who has been working with clients who want to feel their best and look put-together every day for 20 years. You can find her in the Washington, D.C. and New York metropolitan areas. Are you looking for professional training to become a personal stylist? Learn how you can train with Lani at The Stylist Studio.
You can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.