Business attire has become more casual recently, perhaps due in part to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s well-publicised fondness of Adidas flip-flops. However, if you are a man, you still need to be careful that your smart-casual attire doesn’t tip too far from the smart into the casual. If that initially seems like a tricky balance to strike, that’s why we want to help you strike it just right.

A matter of getting things precisely right

The men’s online magazine D’Marge has acknowledged that “the notion of a refined yet comfortable office dress code is dangerously ambiguous, without some concrete perimeters.” However, you probably already know what kind of thing you should be avoiding – like poorly-fitting shirts, samey blazers and, as Madness have often fondly sung about, baggy trousers.

You might have already noticed a consistent theme in our advice: the need to get the right fit. D’Marge declares: “The golden rule, in every tailored sense of men’s style, is purchase clothing that fits you properly.” Whether clothes fit too tightly or too loosely, a poor fit is a poor fit.

Back to basics

In much the same way that you shouldn’t start building a house without making sure that its foundations are strong, you shouldn’t think hard about the fancy stuff before the more basic elements that you can easily mix and match. With these parts of your attire, you can customise the look from day to day, allowing for clothing that stays formal without boring your workmates.

You could come to especially appreciate such ready flexibility on mornings, when time is tight and you would rather relax with a warm coffee than fret about, clothing-wise, what goes well with what. So, each jacket you choose should sit squarely and snugly on your shoulders and stop just beneath your bottom. Also, get your shirt’s fit correct; ensure this first in the shoulders. Then, look at the space between your collar and neck; two fingers should fit comfortably there.

Trouser a good pair of trousers

Suit jackets have become less common in offices over recent years – and, for that reason, the modern man needs to pay especially strong attention to his trousers. It’s wise to invest in work trousers that are not only in classic colours, like black and navy, but also slim without being skinny.

That advice still leaves a lot of room for freedom in which trousers you choose. For a great choice of suitable trousers, we advise perusing the range on offer at Dickies Life. This online-based clothing store offers work pants in various styles – including combat, industrial, khaki, and flannel lined styles.

A vital word about accessories

Once you’ve nailed the fundamental parts of your business attire, how should you accessorise? Put simply, in a rather minimal way. It could surprise you how much the mantra “less is more” works well here. While you could bring a leather folio with you, for example, you could go completely without a tie as you pursue the “smart casual” look.