How To Style A Polo Shirt For A Business Casual Look + Outfit Ideas

Polo shirts are the perfect way to stay comfortable on the hottest workdays. When temperatures rise, even breathable long-sleeve shirts can feel too warm. However, whether polo shirts are allowed depends on your office’s dress code.

Keep in mind that even if the dress code is labeled “business casual,” the definition can vary widely from one company to another.

How to style a polo shirt for a business casual look?

I actually have a formula for this and it’s pretty simple when it comes to formality.

Solid-colored pique polo shirts

For a business casual look, avoid large logos or bold designs. Opt for a classic polo shirt, ideally in a refined waffle knit fabric, and steer clear of jersey-style polos, which can appear too casual.

Dress Pants

Avoid jeans and shorts, opt for chinos or tailored trousers instead. For dress pants, stick to classic colors like black, khaki, gray, or olive green. Other shades are typically best avoided in a business casual setting.

Dress Shoes

This might be my most controversial take: While I agree that a clean pair of white leather sneakers can be an elegant choice, and there’s certainly room for minimalist white sneakers in business casual, I personally avoid them when styling a polo shirt.

As you’ll see in the photos, since polo shirts are typically worn in warmer weather, I pair them with loafers. However, oxfords, derbies, brogues, or monk straps also work well.

I’d stay ways from boots to maintain a cohesive look. While Chelsea boots are a stylish business casual option, they’re better suited for cooler seasons, not when you’d typically wear a polo.

Below, you’ll see my formula applied in a simple black-and-white palette: a white Tommy Hilfiger polo, black Perry Ellis trousers, and black Cole Haan loafers.

Business Casual Outfit Ideas

Outfit 1: White Polo Shirt and Khaki Pants

A white polo shirt can be one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe, you can mix and match it with many other items.

The polo shirt one I’m wearing is a slim fit one from Tommy Hilfiger and I love it! The beige pants are from H&M, and they get the job done at a good price, but don’t expect them to last more than a year.

Outfit 2: White Polo Shirt and Loafers

I called this the “Magno Scavo” look, because I literally recreated the outfit, but with a couple of tweaks.

This outfit is really comfortable, thanks to the combination of the white polo shirt, navy pants, and black Cole Haan loafers. It’s perfect for looking extra stylish, while remaining comfortable during the hottest days.

Outfit 3: Old Money Polo Shirt Outfit

We do need to change the model(me) to get the full “old money” vibe out of the outfit. The color combination perfectly suits the style, but the image goes to show that this style is not easy to achieve for everyone.

The light blue polo shirt is one of my favorite ones right now. It’s made of 100% pima cotton, it goes well with the beige pants and tan loafers.

Outfit 4: Red Polo and Beige Pants

Is red a business casual color? Maybe, or maybe not. You know your office better than me.

This red polo shirt is from Nautica and it’s a good option for a color that’s not a staple for just $25 and made of 100% cotton. I styled it with beige pants and tan loafers to try to achieve the business casual look.

Outfit 5: Red Polo and Navy Pants

This one is much more business casual than the last one. Using navy pants and black loafers tones down the bottom half of the outfit and focuses the attention on the polo shirt while keeping the outfit minimal.

Outfit 6: Navy Polo and Black Trousers

A navy polo is considered an essential on any men’s wardrobe, sometimes even more than black trousers. You probably have these two items on your wardrobe, pair them with black loafers like the ones from Cole Haan and you have a timeless business casual look.

The navy polo is from H&M and it’s one of the few pieces I own from the brand that’s made out of 100% cotton, not the highest quality, but it works.

Outfit 7: Light Blue Polo and Loafers

This outfit is the perfect summer alternative to the classic light blue dress shirt and navy pants business casual look. By simply swapping the long-sleeve dress shirt for a polo you can stay fresh and comfortable for the longest of workdays.

The light blue polo is made of 100% pima cotton, and I know I already said that, but it’s also made in Peru, which for me as someone who knows a lot about polos, that usually means it’s a high-quality one, and this one is no exception.

Outfit 8: Beige polo shirt and Black Trousers

This outfit works great when you’re at the office and have a night out immediately after. That’s actually what I used it for.

Business Casual Polo Shirt Checklist

• Avoid big logos and stick to solid colored polo shirts.
• Go for chinos or dress pants in black, gray, beige, and navy.
• Dress shoes are your best option. They should preferably match the season like polo shirts with loafers.

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