The business casual dress code can be a tricky one. In 2026, more companies than ever are upping the office days, which means mandatory dress codes for more days of the week. But in an era where the lines of what is – and more importantly – what isn’t appropriate are blurred, things get complicated.
In the past, office wear was very strict and very traditional. But during the late ’80s and early ’90s, companies began to lighten up. This made way for what we now know as ‘business casual.’ And yet, even to this day, it’s still pretty confusing, to the point that the term seems like an oxymoron all on its own.
So we sat down with the team at Moss, Reed Recruitment CEO James Reed, and Indeed‘s head of talent intelligence Danny Stacy to understand what the business casual dress code actually is.
What is the business casual dress code?
Generally speaking, business casual involves wearing clothes that are more casual and contemporary, rather than classic and conservative. While it’s definitely more easy-going compared to workplace dress codes back in the day, you still need to look professional. Save that graphic tee for the weekend.
“Online searches for business casual have skyrocketed by 108 per cent and 186 per cent for business casual suits,” says Moss. “These statistics maybe reflect the uncertainty surrounding what to wear, and a new appetite to smarten up. Weekday dressing is no longer limited to business suits alone. It now spans the entire formality spectrum, encompassing business casual and casual alike. Those who worked from home during the pandemic, or still do now, have no intention of compromising on comfort; as they make their way back to the office however, the desire to create a versatile wardrobe that adapts to the demands of the modern workplace is evident.”
If you want to play it safe, rocking up in a suit still works. However, just in case the office busybody thinks out loud about black suits being only for funerals, go for a navy or brown or even a green suit instead. It’s sharp and versatile, and it’s the perfect combo if you’ve got a financial review at 4 and a hot date at 6.
Try and stay away from standard suit materials and opt for something a little more out of the ordinary. Check out blazers made of wool or choose a different texture like corduroy. There are even suits out there that are finished with a water-repellent nano coating, so there’s plenty for you to pick from. You may even want to pair these with a denim shirt or a knitted or leather tie. Go wild, friend.
Want to stray away from suits? Then grab yourself a quarter zip and layer it on top of a dress shirt. If you think that you might get too cold, throw on a check overshirt, a merino cardigan, or an Italian jacket. Your Monday morning stand-ups are about to get a lot spicier.
