For many men, knowing what to wear to work isn’t always straightforward. With dress codes ranging from “business professional” to “casual Fridays,” it’s easy to second-guess your outfit. This guide breaks down work clothes for men by dress code, with practical outfit ideas designed for Irish workplaces, weather, and real life.
Whether you’re building a versatile wardrobe from scratch or refreshing your everyday staples, you’ll find men’s workwear outfit ideas here that balance comfort, polish, and confidence — all easy to shop at Shaws.
What Is Business Casual for Men? What About Smart Casual?
Understanding your workplace dress code is the foundation of dressing well for work. While every office has its own version, these definitions are a helpful starting point.
Business casual for men means relaxed tailoring with a polished finish — think a collared shirt or knit polo paired with smart trousers or dark jeans and tidy footwear. It’s professional without feeling rigid.
Smart casual, on the other hand, leans more off-duty. It blends casual pieces with tailored elements, like dark denim with knitwear or an overshirt, always keeping the look neat and intentional.
When in doubt, adding a blazer or a fine-gauge knit instantly lifts an outfit. Fit also matters more than almost anything else — especially when it comes to jeans and trousers. If you’re unsure, our jeans size guide or a chat with a Shaws team member can make all the difference.
Men’s Work Dress Code Chart: Quick Guide
|
Dress Code |
Definition / Formality |
Key Elements to Include |
What to Avoid |
|
Business Professional |
Most formal of all; polished, structured, meeting-ready. |
Blazer, collared shirt, fine-gauge knitwear, tailored trousers, dress shoes. |
Hoodies, light jeans, trainers, unstructured fits |
|
Business Casual |
Relaxed tailoring with polish; less rigid than full suiting. |
Button-down shirt or polo, smart chinos or dark jeans, casual dress shoes. |
Tracksuits, overly bold prints, athletic sneakers. |
|
Smart Casual |
Elevated off-duty; mix of casual and tailored with a tidy finish. |
Knitwear, overshirts, crewnecks, dark jeans, loafers or clean boots. |
Baggy joggers, loud logos, worn-out tees. |
|
Casual/Friday Fits |
Least formal; creative expression with a nod to office-ready style. |
Untucked patterned shirts, soft knits, clean denim, boots or smart casual shoes. |
Gymwear, flip-flops, overly slouchy or distressed denim. |
Men’s Business Professional Outfit Ideas
Business professional dressing is all about structure and refinement. Collared shirts are expected, knit layers should be neat and fine-gauge, and denim is only suitable if your workplace explicitly allows it. The aim is a sharp, meeting-ready look that still feels comfortable.
Sharply Tailored Blazer + Knit Shirt
A clean-lined blazer with a structured shoulder instantly elevates any outfit. Layer it over a lightweight knit shirt to keep things modern while still professional. Finish with tailored trousers and casual dress shoes for a contemporary office feel.
Fine-Gauge V-Neck Knit Over a Collared Shirt
Lightweight merino or cotton knits work perfectly under blazers without adding bulk. A V-neck frames the shirt collar neatly, creating a tidy, formal effect that feels polished without being stiff. Pair with dress shoes for an easy win.
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Suit Separates: Blazer + Cosy Turtleneck
A well-fitted turtleneck can absolutely pass as office-smart when styled correctly. Keep the fit straight or trim, the hem tidy, and layer it under a blazer. Add tailored trousers and dress shoes to complete the look.
Business Casual Dress Code for Men
Business casual strikes the balance between professional and comfortable. The key is relaxed tailoring — collared layers paired with smart trousers or dark jeans, always neat and well-fitted.
Button-Down Shirt + Tan Trousers
A tailored button-down shirt paired with tan trousers keeps the look polished while skipping the full suit. It’s a dependable option for offices that value professionalism with flexibility.
Knit, Collared Jumper + Dark Jeans
The collar and button detail add structure, while the knit keeps things comfortable. Dark, clean jeans maintain a medium level of formality, especially when paired with dress shoes.
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Smart Casual Office Wear Men
Smart casual is polished off-duty dressing. Dark denim is common, tailored elements keep things tidy, and footwear should always lean smart rather than sporty (think men’s dress shoes).
Structured Cardigan + Plain T-Shirt
A structured cardigan adds refinement to a simple t-shirt, creating a look that’s relaxed but intentional. Pair with light trousers and casual dress shoes for an effortlessly chic office outfit.
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Crewneck Long-Sleeve Shirt + Dark Jeans
A simple collar and neutral palette bring shape and professionalism, while dark jeans keep the look grounded. Tuck or half-tuck for polish, and finish with loafers or derbies.
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Knit Vest Over Short-Sleeve Polo + Tan Trousers
This look brings in light layers and subtle pattern without losing confidence. Knitwear paired with tan trousers blends casual elements with office-ready structure.
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Casual / Creative Friday Fits
Friday dressing is more relaxed, but still needs polish. The trick is to keep one element tailored — a collar, knit, or smart shoe — so the outfit remains workplace-appropriate.
Soft Crew Knit + Blue Jeans
Choose a fine-to-mid gauge knit and inky blue jeans. A slight cuff helps the jeans sit neatly above shoes. Pair with casual dress shoes or clean boots.
Patterned Short-Sleeved Button-Ups (Untucked)
Look for slightly shorter shirt lengths designed to be worn untucked. Smooth fabrics read smarter, and boots can add presence without tipping into overly casual territory — depending on your office.
Shop Men’s Workwear of All Dress Codes at Shaws
Workwear dress codes can feel confusing — but that’s where Shaws comes in. Whether you’re dressing for corporate meetings or creative Fridays, you’ll find quality, budget-friendly men’s workwear staples here, from blazers and shirts to jeans, polos, and smart shoes.
If you need extra guidance, our in-store teams are always happy to help you build outfits that suit your workplace and lifestyle.
FAQs
What are the main men’s workwear dress codes?
In Ireland, men’s workwear typically includes business professional, business casual, smart casual, and casual.
What should men wear for a business professional dress code?
Structured blazers, collared shirts, tailored trousers, and polished layers that feel meeting-ready.
How is business casual different from business professional?
5Business casual skips the full suit but keeps smart trousers and collared tops for a relaxed yet professional look.
What’s considered smart casual for men in the office?
Off-duty style refined with dark denim, tidy knits, and smart footwear.
Can men wear jeans to work?
Often, yes — as long as they’re dark, clean, and styled with polished pieces.
What counts as a casual Friday outfit?
Relaxed knits or untucked shirts work well, as long as one element remains tailored.
Where can I find men’s workwear in Ireland?
Shaws offers a full range of men’s workwear — from everyday staples to dress-code-specific pieces.