Did Somebody Say Tie Optional?

Let’s keep the ‘casual’ in casual Fridays, yeah?

Let’s start with a full disclosure veiled in the form of a mild apology. Not that anyone has called attention to this, but I’m aware that most of the business casual looks we’ve published thus far have skewed more towards the ‘business’ end of the spectrum.

It’s true. We’ve been focused on bumping formality down slightly through a fun kind of men’s style math, involving additions, subtractions and substitutions. If you’ve been staying abreast with our content this month, this is nothing new to you, but hey, if you’re just joining us, you deserve to know!

Today being Friday, we’re going to focus on the casual side of business casual. The side where a tie is optional and black jeans are more than acceptable as an “in-between” dress pant. This is a look for the office if your m.o. includes a date after work.

| WEARING | Blazer c/o Tommy Hilfiger, Brunello Cucinelli shirt, Levi’s jeans, Oliver Peoples sunglasses, Cartier watch, Shoes c/o Allen Edmonds | PHOTOGRAPHY | by Rob McIver Photo

Great basics never go out of style and pay huge dividends in terms of wearability over time. Chief among them is an unstructured navy blazer. This is the go-to choice when the goal is to look put together but not too dressed up. Patch pockets will increase its casualness.

If you don’t already have a denim button-down shirt, it’s time to get one. In a business casual context – or not – you will not find a shirt with greater versatility. Dress it up with a knit tie or keep it cool and casual if it’s a tie optional kind of day.

If you’re doing a lot of blue up top, stay away from blue jeans, even if they’re dark blue. Instead, choose a slim-fitting black pair, finished off with a brogued cap toe shoe.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Enjoy the weekend.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian Sacawa
He Spoke Style