A Look Inside My Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe (With Outfit Ideas)

A business casual capsule wardrobe for men with 15 pieces.
by Roger Saenz UPDATED:

When I started building my first business casual capsule wardrobe, I had no idea what I was doing. At one point, I even thought a bright red polo shirt belonged in it.

Over time, after a lot of trial and error, I figured out which pieces actually work for me and most guys. Now I can grab a shirt, a pair of pants, and some shoes without overthinking it, and I know the outfit will come together.

Roger's transition in the business casual style.

What Is a Capsule Wardrobe?

In a nutshell: A capsule wardrobe is a collection of basic pieces that mix and match with each other and help you easily get dressed.

My Four Biggest Mistakes When Building My Wardrobe

1. Not Choosing Neutral Colors

A capsule wardrobe works best when everything is in a neutral color palette.

Best Neutral Colors for menswear.

2. Choosing the Wrong Fabrics (also known as being cheap)

One thing most people(including me) overlook when building a capsule wardrobe is fabrics. I learned this the hard way.

Some of the pieces you’ll see me wearing in photos won’t be recommended because I picked the wrong fabric.

3. Buying Items That Don’t Fit Right

Since this is an office capsule wardrobe, every item should fit your body properly. That means nothing too tight or too skinny.

Fit is one of the most important things when it comes to elevating basic pieces. A good fit makes simple clothes look intentional. To show you what I mean, here’s an outfit where I think I nailed the fit.

Business casual men outfit with a white polo shirt, black pants, black loafers, and sunglasses in a modern retail setting.

4. Choosing a Good Item in a Bad Style

You really have to read the product descriptions carefully.

One mistake was buying cropped gray pants. They actually look great with sneakers, which is why you’ll only see me styling them that way. But when I tried them with loafers, it just didn’t work.

The 13 Pieces That Built My Business Casual Capsule Wardrobe

What you’re about to see is the result of hundreds of hours of trial and error.

I’ve tested dozens of pieces, read countless reviews, studied how items fit different body types, and taken thousands of outfit photos to figure out what actually works.

Each item I recommend is meant to save you time. These are pieces that worked for me and can help you avoid the mistakes I made.

For every piece, I’ll include a link to what I think offers the best value for your money in terms of quality and style.

Post Contains Affiliate Links

1. Blue Oxford Shirt

When it comes to office wear, this is easily the most versatile shirt I own. You’ll see why just by looking at the outfits. It’s comfortable, breathable, and easy to style.

I recently wrote a blog post about the best Oxford shirt for men.

Light Blue Dress Shirt Outfits:

  • Man in head‑to‑toe navy trousers and cardigan, light blue shirt, black loafers on city walkway.
  • Man leans on rail wearing navy cardigan, light blue shirt, dark jeans and black loafers on a city sidewalk.
  • A man wearing a raincoat blue Oxford shirt from J.Crew, stone chinos, and white sneakers.
  • Man in navy cardigan, light blue shirt, khaki dress pants and tan loafers under afternoon sun.
  • Man in a light blue dress shirt, navy pants, and black loafers carrying a backpack—perfect for summer office commutes.
  • Man wearing a light blue shirt and washed jeans with loafers in a smart casual outfit.
  • Man walking in light blue dress shirt and navy pants with white sneakers in urban setting.
  • Man wearing a light blue button-down shirt with jeans and loafers, walking on a sidewalk in a business casual outfit.
  • Man wearing a light blue shirt, dark grey trousers, and white sneakers styled for a relaxed business casual men look.
  • An outfit idea with a man wearing a denim jacket, blue oxford shirt, cream chinos, and white sneakers.

    • After eight months working as a content creator I finally bought my dream blue Oxford Shirt from J.Crew and I’m beyond happy to recommend it to you.

    If you need a more affordable option, Quince offers one for $40 made of 100% organic cotton.

    2. White Shirt

    The white shirt you’ll need depends on both where you live and the formality of your office dress code. It may be a proper white dress shirt, an Oxford shirt, or even a polo shirt if you live in a tropical climate like me.

    Outfit Ideas With A White Dress Shirt

  • Man wearing a white button-down shirt tucked into light beige chinos, styled with a navy cardigan and white sneakers.
  • Man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, dark jeans, and black loafers standing in golden sunlight.
  • A man wearing a white dress shirt, navy pants, and white sneakers.
  • Man standing in jeans and white button-down shirt with black loafers in smart casual style.
  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, gray wool pants, and brown shoes.
  • Man in a white polo and navy trousers with loafers, styled as a smart casual outfit.
  • Business casual men outfit with a white polo shirt, black pants, black loafers, and sunglasses in a modern retail setting.
  • Young man wearing a smart casual outfit with a white polo shirt, dark wash jeans, and black loafers.

    • If you’re in a colder climate, a twill shirt is you best option. It has a bit more weight but still looks sharp.

    Twill Pick: Charles Tyrwhitt Non-Iron Twill Button Down

    Now, if you live in a hot climate and your office dress code leans formal a poplin dress shirt is the best option.

    Finally, if your dress code leans business casual, a white Oxford shirt is your best option since it offers the most versatility, no matter the climate you live in.

    3. Green Button-Down or Sweater

    I wanted to add a little color to the capsule, so I picked a neutral tone that’s usually seen in jackets. Olive green is everywhere right now and will continue to be popular well into 2026. I constantly see it out on the streets. It looks good on almost everyone.

    Your choice between a green button-down or a sweater will ultimately depend on the climate you live in.

    Outfit ideas with green button down shirt or sweater:

  • Man in an olive green button-down shirt, beige chinos, and white sneakers styled for a casual office summer outfit.
  • Man wearing a green button-up shirt and navy chinos, styled as a smart casual outfit.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos and black loafers.
  • Man in light blue jeans, green shirt, and loafers styled in a smart casual outfit.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos, and brown sneakers.
  • Olive green shirt styled with jeans and white sneakers casual fall outfit for men.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, gray wool trousers, and black loafers.

    • 4. Knit Polo Shirt

    I’ve found a good knit polo shirt works with almost everything. I’ve even styled mine with swim shorts. It adds texture and feels more elevated than a basic cotton polo.

    Outfit ideas:

  • A man stands outdoors wearing a light-colored knit polo shirt and navy trousers, paired with white sneakers. He wears sunglasses and is positioned in front of a green hedge adorned with white decorations.
  • A person stands confidently on a quiet street, wearing a light knit shirt and beige pants. Trees and a distant house line the road, conveying a calm vibe.
  • A man standing on a cobblestone pathway, wearing a short-sleeved knit polo shirt and gray pants, with white sneakers. Palm trees and a decorative wall are visible in the background.
  • A young man stands on a street, wearing a light-colored knit polo shirt, beige pants, and white sneakers. He appears confident as he poses against a backdrop of residential buildings and power lines.
  • Man in a white ribbed knit polo, navy cardigan, and gray trousers paired with white sneakers.
  • Man wearing a smart casual outfit with a cardigan, knit polo and white sneakers.

    • 5. Navy Zip Cardigan

    In any capsule wardrobe, layering is key when temperatures drop. A navy sweater is one of the most versatile pieces I’ve added. It works with almost everything in my closet because of the color and fit.

    Outfit ideas with a navy zip cargdigan:

  • A man at a hotel wearing a casual outfit with a white polo shirt, navy sweater, Old Navy jeans, and white sneakers.
  • Man wearing a navy zip cardigan, white dress shirt, dark jeans, and black loafers—an early fall smart casual outfit.
  • Young man in glasses, white shirt, and dark cardigan stands confidently outdoors. He wears blue jeans and black shoes, hands in pockets. Sunny day.
  • An office worker wearing a fall smart casual outfit.
  • Man wearing a navy jacket, white shirt, beige chinos, and white sneakers in a layered business casual outfit.
  • Business casual men outfit with a navy cardigan, blue shirt, navy trousers, and loafers—styled for smart layering.
  • Man wearing a navy polo and cardigan with light gray chinos and white sneakers for a relaxed business casual men outfit.
  • Navy blue shirt and gray trousers office outfit
  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, light-blue Oxford shirt, stone chinos, and white sneakers
  • Man styled in navy trousers with a tan shirt and jacket, a polished men’s outfit.
  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, gray wool pants, and brown shoes.

    • When it comes to a navy zip cardigan, I’ll leave you with two options. The first one is made of cotton, and the second one is made of merino wool.

    Your choice should once again come down to how cold it gets where you live.

    I’m wearing the cotton one in all my photos.

    6. Crewneck Sweater

    This is my second knitwear piece. You’ll probably need it from fall all the way through spring.

    A crewneck sweater can be a formal one, like the gray one you’ll see me wearing below, or a fun one with a cable-knit texture.

    Your choice should come down to your style and, most importantly, your office dress code.

    Outfit ideas with a crewneck sweater:

  • A preppy office outfit with brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a work outfit with a green crewneck sweater, navy trousers, and black loafers.
  • A man wearing a preppy outfit for the office with a cable-knit sweater, navy wool trousers, and black loafers.
  • A man wearing wearing a gray crewneck sweater with navy pants and black loafers.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos and black loafers.

    • My favorite crewneck sweaters. 👇

    7. Beige or Stone Chinos

    Beige or stone chinos work with almost everything. The only thing I would avoid is pairing them with another beige or khaki top, especially if you’re someone with high contrast coloring like I am.

    Chinos are also a business casual essential and a comfortable pair of pants you can wear almost year-round.

    Outfits with Beige and Stone Chinos:

  • A man in sunglasses stands confidently on a sunny sidewalk, wearing a white polo, beige pants, and white sneakers. Background shows trees and a blue sky.
  • Man wearing a white button-down shirt tucked into light beige chinos, styled with a navy cardigan and white sneakers.
  • Man in navy cardigan, ivory polo and khaki chinos with white sneakers on residential street.
  • Business casual men outfit featuring a white polo, tan chinos, brown belt, and brown loafers styled for sunny weather.
  • Man wearing a navy polo with beige dress pants and white sneakers in a smart business casual summer outfit.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos, and brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a raincoat blue Oxford shirt from J.Crew, stone chinos, and white sneakers.
  • An outfit idea with a man wearing a denim jacket, blue oxford shirt, cream chinos, and white sneakers.
  • A man wearing an office outfit with sneakers, beige chinos, and an Oxford shirt.

    • I own two pairs of light-colored chinos: one from H&M and the other from J.Crew — the classic 770 weathered chino pants, which are the ones I recommend you get.

    8. Navy Trousers

    Navy is one of the most versatile colors in menswear. I’ve tried pairing these pants with almost every shirt on this list, and they always work.

    Right now, navy pants are the most worn item in my wardrobe—and my favorite piece of clothing. They instantly elevate any outfit, from a simple $10 tee to a dress shirt.

    I recently bought a pair of pleated navy wool trousers, and I absolutely love them. They elevate my outfits even more.

    Navy Pants Outfit Ideas:

  • A man wearing a preppy outfit for the office with a cable-knit sweater, navy wool trousers, and black loafers.
  • A man wearing a J.crew green crewneck sweater and navy wool trousers with brown Cole Haan sneakers.
  • Young man wearing a white polo shirt from Tommy Hilfiger, blue pants, and a black cap stands confidently on a sunny street. Background features a stone wall and palm trees.
  • Man standing in navy pants, light blue shirt, and loafers styled in smart casual fashion.
  • Man styled in navy trousers with a tan shirt and jacket, a polished men’s outfit.
  • Young man in a white shirt and blue pants stands with arms crossed in a garden, surrounded by lush green foliage, exuding a contemplative mood.
  • A man wearing a white dress shirt, navy pants, and white sneakers.
  • Man in head‑to‑toe navy trousers and cardigan, light blue shirt, black loafers on city walkway.
  • A man wearing a work outfit with a green crewneck sweater, navy trousers, and black loafers.
  • Man taking mirror selfie in beige polo shirt and navy pants with white sneakers.

    • My navy trousers are quite an investment, but they’re made of Italian wool, and they’re honestly the most important piece in my wardrobe.

    9. Gray Wool Trousers

    These are probably the most versatile pants you can own. They’re a menswear essential and instantly make any outfit look more polished. One thing I love about gray pants is how easily they can make an outfit more formal.

    Alan Flusser mentioned in his book that “the gray flannel trouser is to the blue blazer what cool-weather dress slacks are to summer.”

    If you don’t know who Alan Flusser is, he wrote the most famous book in men’s fashion history.

    Gray Trousers Outfit Ideas:

  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, gray wool pants, and brown shoes.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, gray wool trousers, and brown sneakers.

    • 10. Dark Wash Jeans

    Wearing denim in the office might be a little controversial, but it’s becoming more accepted every year. As long as the fit and color are right, jeans can absolutely work in a business casual setting.

    Brands like Old Navy and GAP have amazing options when it comes to denim. I use them to save money that I invest elsewhere on my wardrobe. They also have a wide variety of fits and sizes.

    This is how I style jeans for my business and smart casual outfits:

  • Man in blue shirt and dark jeans walking in black loafers in a smart casual outfit.
  • Young man in glasses, white shirt, and jeans stands on a sidewalk, holding a black thermos. He looks to the left, with a relaxed posture.
  • Man leans on rail wearing navy cardigan, light blue shirt, dark jeans and black loafers on a city sidewalk.
  • Man in a white polo and jeans stands confidently against a stone wall, with arms crossed. He's wearing glasses and moccasins, conveying a casual, assertive vibe.
  • Man in olive green shirt and light jeans standing hands-in-pocket against a metal gate in a business casual outfit.
  • Man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, dark jeans, and black loafers standing in golden sunlight.
  • Man in blue polo and jeans stands confidently on concrete steps against a clear sky. The urban setting conveys a casual, stylish vibe.

    • My dad recently gave me a pair of Levi’s 514s, so you’ll be seeing those on the blog, and I’ll let you guys know if I can mix them into my office outfits.

    11. White Sneakers

    If there’s one thing in my closet that goes with everything, it’s my white sneakers. You’ve probably seen them all over the place, and there’s a reason: they work.

    What makes mine different is the mix of style and comfort. I used to wear a pair from H&M but upgraded to the Grand Crosscourt Traveler from Cole Haan. I wear them almost every day.

    One time I walked over 20,000 steps in them at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Miami and my feet were fine. Just make sure to grab the all-purpose cleaner too. It costs around $10 and keeps them looking brand new.

    Business Casual Outfits With White Sneakers

  • Man wearing a business casual men outfit with a blue shirt, navy trousers, and white sneakers for a modern workplace look.
  • Young man in a navy polo and gray pants walks confidently on a sunny street. Mountains and a vibrant blue sky form the backdrop.
  • Man wearing a white button-down shirt tucked into light beige chinos, styled with a navy cardigan and white sneakers.
  • Navy blue shirt and gray trousers office outfit
  • Man wearing a white shirt, navy pants, and white sneakers with a black backpack in a smart casual outfit.
  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, light-blue Oxford shirt, stone chinos, and white sneakers
  • An outfit idea with a man wearing a denim jacket, blue oxford shirt, cream chinos, and white sneakers.
  • Man wearing a business casual outfit with beige chinos, light blue shirt, white sneakers, and navy cardigan.

    • The first sneakers below are from Cole Haan, and the second pair are my first ever from H&M. The Cole Haans are obviously my favorite, but if you’re on a budget, H&M gets the job done.

    12. Black Leather Loafers

    Every office wardrobe needs a solid pair of dress shoes. The pair I rely on most are my black leather loafers. Black is one of the most versatile colors for footwear, and loafers are one of the best options if you want something smart without going too formal.

    Black Loafers Outfit Ideas:

  • Man in a navy jacket, light blue shirt, and jeans walking by a brick building in a polished business casual outfit.
  • Polished business casual outfit featuring a white polo shirt, black dress trousers, and black horsebit loafers.
  • Man wearing an olive button-down shirt over a white tee, light jeans, and black loafers.
  • A man at a crosswalk wearing a red polo shirt, jeans, and loafers.
  • Man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, dark jeans, and black loafers standing in golden sunlight.
  • Business casual men outfit with a white polo, navy pants, black loafers, and a black baseball cap styled for a sporty vibe.
  • Business casual men outfit with a light blue shirt, navy pants, black loafers, and a backpack for a polished commuter look.
  • Young man stands confidently outdoors, adjusting glasses. He's wearing a white polo shirt, jeans, and dark loafers, exuding a casual, relaxed vibe. Steps and a wooden structure are in the background.
  • Man in blue shirt and dark jeans walking in black loafers in a smart casual outfit.
  • A work outfit with a navy cardigan, blue oxford shirt, jeans, and black loafers.
  • A business casual outfit for fall with a green crewneck sweater, navy wool pants, and black loafers.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos and black loafers.
  • A man wearing a preppy outfit for the office with a cable-knit sweater, navy wool trousers, and black loafers.

    • I’ll be buying more loafers in the next couple of months, but for now, I recommend this pair from Cole Haan.

    They have a break-in period, but the latest version for fall and winter is waterproof.

    13. Brown Sneakers

    After nine months of running this blog and creating hundreds of office outfits, I’ve realized one thing: you guys love wearing sneakers to work.

    What I did was buy a pair of brown Cole Haan sneakers, and so far, they’ve been even better than my white ones.

    Brown Sneakers Outfit Ideas

  • A preppy office outfit with brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a cable-knit sweater, stone chinos, and brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a green crewneck sweater, stone chinos, and brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a business casual fall outfit with a gray crewneck sweater, navy wool pants, and brown sneakers.
  • A man wearing a navy cardigan, white dress shirt, gray wool pants, and brown shoes.

    • The Cole Haan brown sneakers. 👇

    14. Harrington Jacket

    Recently, I started focusing more on outerwear, and to start, I bought myself a Harrington jacket from J.Crew in cotton twill.

    Cotton twill is a great fabric for fall and spring. It keeps you warm without making you overheat.

    If you live in a tropical climate like I do, this jacket might even be too much.

    I don’t have outfit photos yet, but I’m looking at the jacket right in front of me, next to a vest I’ll never wear again.

    The Harrington Jacket I bought. 👇

    15. Navy Overcoat

    This navy overcoat from Quince is my latest purchase. I’m still waiting for it to arrive since international shipping takes a couple of weeks.

    It’s a great piece for winter layering, and navy is the most versatile color I could’ve chosen—it goes with almost everything.

    An overcoat is that final piece that can add formality to your outfit or simply elevate a smart casual ensemble.

    The navy overcoat I bought. 👇

    Why This Capsule Wardrobe Actually Works

    Even if I’m in a hurry, I know I can mix any of these pieces and still end up with an outfit that works. That’s the beauty of a well-built capsule wardrobe.

    My final recommendation is to always consider the fit, fabric, and style of each item—not just the color. Those three things make a huge difference in how polished your outfit looks.

    This capsule took a long time to build. Finding pieces that consistently work together isn’t easy, and discovering standouts—like the knit polo—took a lot of trial and error. If you liked this capsule, I’d love for you to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram, so you can keep up with new outfit ideas and product picks I’ve spent hours researching.

    More than anything, I hope this helps. You probably already have a few of these pieces in your closet, and I put this guide together to make your life easier and help you avoid the mistakes I made.

    I’m the founder of Tropauno.com. As a men’s fashion blogger and aspiring fashion stylist, I spend countless hours researching products and styling tips so you don’t have to. My goal is to help you save time, avoid costly mistakes, and feel more confident in what you wear.