We’re all accustomed to different workplace dress codes. Sometimes, it’s casual, business dress or even business casual. The term “business casual” has been a widely adopted dress code in many workplaces in recent decades. However, there’s another type of dress that’s becoming more commonplace today: business professional attire. 

Business professional can be said to be the strictest dress code at work and is common in the business world. Granted, it’s not a term you’ll run into everyday - yet. If you’re trying to find out what it all means, and how you should dress at the office, this guide has everything you need to make a great impression while looking sharp in business attire. For more outfit inspiration, check out our articles on how to dress like a man, how to dress more masculine, and what to wear for headshots.

 

What Does a Business Professional Mean?

Business professional is just another one of many dress codes for the workplace. Business casual attire isn't strict in the items you can choose to wear. We have a whole guide on business casual vs business professional here. However, business professional is a lot more straightforward. In short, you must wear a suit, dress shirt, tie, dress pants (also known as slacks) and dress shoes - never any polo shirts or t-shirts.

If you work in government, law or in upper levels of management, chances are you’ll need to dress in business professional most days as the name implies it is a more professional dress code. It's also the most common dress code for a job interview. We also have separate guides on semi-formal vs formal attire for men and how should a suit jacket fit.

 

Dress Shirts for Business Professional

As part of the definition of business professional, you have to wear a dress shirt (both button down shirts and button up shirts work) with your suit. These slim fit dress shirts are our favorite. However, not all dress shirts are the same, and that can make it hard to decide which is appropriate. 

Depending on your office environment, different colors of dress shirts are more acceptable than others. Light colors are a good bet, but when in doubt, white or classic light blue are perfect, making them ideal for a job interview or court appearance.

Very subtle stripes on dress shirts like these are also sometimes acceptable, as long as your office environment and the colors of your suit and tie allow it. 

When it comes to the cuffs, you can choose either barrel or double french cuff style. No matter what you choose, both are completely acceptable for business professional dress codes. With barrel cuffs, the difference is in the cuff links, or lack thereof. 

With double barrel french cuffs, you’ll use cuff links. If you like attention to detail, or want to bring out your favorite cuff links, this is an ideal dress shirt style. 

 

 

Professional Accessories for Men

Accessories are your chance to show off your personal style, no matter what the particular dress code at your office is. When it comes to professional business attire, there are still some rules you need to follow. That said, picking the right professional accessories allows you to add a little flash to your style, and show that you’re into details. 

Some accessories are more or less necessary. Some are optional, but you need to know what you have at your disposal first. 

 

 

Dress socks

While you may not think of them as an accessory, dress socks definitely are for any business casual or professional dress code & outfit. The golden rule is that they should always match with your suit, and the rest of what you’re wearing, of course. 

Dress socks can be a seamless extension of your outfit, or a pop of color or personality. The important thing to keep in mind is that they should coordinate with the rest of your outfit, not be a distraction. Fun dress socks also add a pop of color to your outfit.

 

 

Pocket Square

Here’s the thing about pocket squares: they’re almost always optional. However, a good pocket square can elevate any business professional attire. Pocket squares are timeless, and always add points for class. Here's our guide on the popular pocket square folds.

If you’re the type to tire of suits or your regular professional wear, pocket squares are a great solution. As long as it matches and compliments the rest of your outfit, you’re in great shape.

Much like dress socks, they’re a way to add personality to any suit, and add interesting details that get noticed (in a good way).

 

Dress Shoes

Dress shoes are a crucial element of any business professional attire & dress code and are the only business professional shoes that are acceptable. In most cases, you’ll want to go with classic leather. Keep your professional shoes well shined, and stay away from worn, frayed old pairs. When you think of the traditional dress shoe style, you’re likely thinking of Oxfords. 

In some cases, you may hear them called Balmoral style shoes. Either way, they’re an essential part of your business professional wardrobe. Here's our list of best dress shoes to consider adding to your wardrobe.

When you pick out your dress shoes, stick to classic, neutral colors. As you might assume, black and brown are the most common colors. If in doubt, pick either, as long as it matches with your suit. Remember, it’s typically a faux pas to mix brown with black.

If your suit is black, go with black shoes. If it’s a charcoal grey or navy blue suit, feel free to choose whichever you think flows best with your outfit. 

 

 

Belt

A belt is good insurance, but it’s also part of your overall look. If you ever have your suit jacket unbuttoned, make sure you pay more careful attention. Like with shoes, the rule is  that you shouldn’t typically mix brown with black. A classic leather belt with a metal, usually silver or bronze, buckle is the best choice. 

Flat style belts are the most common, although it isn’t that unusual to see a braided or woven style. However, not all business professional dress codes are as friendly to textured belts, so check before you hit the office wearing one. Because your dress shirt should be tucked in, it’s inevitable that at some point your belt may show. With that in mind, don’t skip this detail. Make sure you're also wearing the right belt size.

 

 

Tie

Men's ties are, as we mentioned, an absolute must for business professional attire. However, ties are also an important accessory, and a way to show some of your personal style. When it comes to ties, the knot is important, but so is the color, and pattern if you so choose and how it matches with your shirt or suit. For example, a dark red patterned tie can be great with a navy blue suit.

Business professional ties shouldn’t be distracting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play with a bit of color either. In many business situations, a black tie isn’t the top choice, even if it matches with nearly anything. Here's a guide on whether you should wear a tie to a job interview.

Because black is associated with formal or serious occasions like formal or black tie or white tie attire, it’s best to leave it for another day. Blue and red ties are always a good choice, and if you like solid colors, so are varying shades of grey, especially charcoal. Here's a separate full guide on semi-formal attire.

That said, your tie can completely change the way your suit or button down shirts look, so it’s a good way to experiment with a little flash here and there. Here are our picks for the best men's ties.

 

Tips to Achieve a Business Professional Look

Keep Your Wardrobe Looking Sharp

Professional attire should look clean pressed, wrinkle free, and streamlined - does someone look professional if their button down shirt is wrinkled? The trick is knowing how to store your clothes so you have minimal to do. Anything you wear for professional attire, like your suit (jacket and pants included) and dress shirt, should be on a hanger. Casual clothes like knits, personal wear, or sweat go in drawers. 

 

Streamline Your Professional Attire

You don’t need to have a whole shop in your closet to look great everyday. Of course, you do want extra options in case something is at the dry cleaners, but you don’t need too many. 

Let your accessories do most of the ‘talking’ and make sure you have a few reliable suits to do the rest. This also helps you keep an image of someone who’s consistent, and reliable.

 

 

Keep Accessories in Balance

Accessories are your way to add a ‘pop’ to your outfit, and show a little personal style. Don’t let your accessories overtake your outfit. A couple pieces should be enough to add the accent you need to dress better as a guy. With these, you can experiment with color, texture, pattern, and so much more. 

 

Play to the Occasion

Even within the office, there are different events with dress codes like smart casual or black tie optional, special occasions, or even the weather and season to consider. Don’t wear galoshes to the office, but feel free to bring a classy umbrella. For an office party, you might be able to relax your attire a bit, but pay attention to company culture to avoid going too far. However, don't ever wear polo shirts if there is any indication of business professional to the event. If it's raining or snowing though sport coats or sport jackets may be okay.

Look for Classics

Some pieces can last a lifetime, and those are the best ones to add to your wardrobe. These classic pieces never go out of style, and they’re something you can turn to in nearly any occasion. Having a classy timepiece, or a classic suit color is always worth having around when the occasion calls for it. 

Get a Great Tailor

There’s nothing that says you have it all together like a well tailored outfit. Find a good tailor that can help you understand your body type, and how to create the most flattering fit. Your suit shouldn’t be overly tight, but a baggy suit won’t do any professional any favors, either. A tailor can help you transform the suit you love into a piece that fits perfectly, and gives off a more professional image. 

Tailors can work around a lot of issues that prevent you from otherwise loving a suit. Finding the perfect suit is hard enough, so why not let a tailor make the suit you really like into one you absolutely love? If you're also finding that no tailor seems to be able to create the vision you see, you can also launch your own business casual attire, exactly like how we at Nimble Made did!

 

 

Conclusion

Business professional attire is sometimes upfront, but when you get into the details, it can be more complex than you imagined. To make it easy, all you need to do is follow this guide. As always, remember that a good fit, and coordination is key. Use your accessories for expression, and your suit to show everyone else you mean business. 

 

FAQs

1. What is business professional attire for a man?

For males, business professional generally refers to a dark-colored suit and tie (gray, blue). The tie should be plain and unobtrusive, with no bright colors or complex designs. Men should wear a button-down shirt (white or light blue is preferred) and a belt. Combine with a formal, closed-toed shoe such as an oxford or loafer.

2. What is an example of a business professional attire?

In order to present oneself professionally, business professional clothes are typically conservative. Women should wear a skirt or pants suit with heels, while men should wear a blazer or suit jacket, button-down shirt, suit pants, a tie, and dress shoes.

3. Does business professional require a collared shirt?

In contrast to business professional attire, business casual attire is much more relaxed. Instead of suits and ties, guys can dress up with a good polo shirt, sweater over a dress shirt, or collared shirt. Dress pants and khakis look good as bottoms.

4. Are jeans business professional?

Denim, athletic gear, or athletic footwear should never be worn. T-shirts that are offensive, distracting jewelry, and garments with rips are not appropriate for a business professional dress code. Women who follow a corporate professional dress code should avoid revealing their cleavage and back regions.

5. What is the difference between business casual and business professional attire?

What is the difference between business casual and business professional clothing? You may hear the terms business professional and business casual used to describe interview attire. The main difference is that business professional clothing requires two-piece suits.