How to Layer Up for Your Business Casual Office This Fall

Sharp Staff September 24, 2018

Kenneth Cole & Sharp

Feel that? It’s the first crisp breeze of fall telling you it’s time to switch up your wardrobe. Your aloha shirts and jean shorts have served you well — now please put them away. But don’t get too cheesed — back-to-work season doesn’t mean you’ve got to start wearing overwrought and restrictive power suits. Dress codes have loosened up, which means who can forgo the usual two-piece uniform. Just make sure you don’t look like a business casualty. The key is to mix and match newer, high-tech fabrics that promise to hug you like Jack hugged Rose on the Titanic. Here, we’ve even done the legwork and found you a couple outfits, handpicked from Kenneth Cole’s latest sportswear line. Rock these layers and you’ll feel like you’re flying.

For Days When You’ve Got a Meeting

Office dress codes have come a long way — gone are the days when impressing upper management meant tossing on a bunch of stuffy layers. You can lose the tie. Opt for a soft, slim-fit blazer that’ll keep things breezy while still giving your torso some much-needed shape. Dress it down with an elegant pair of jeans in a modern, narrow fit (business casual doesn’t mean you can just rock any billowy pair of Dickies) with enough stretch to keep things nice and mobile. Matching your long-sleeve to your pants will give your look just enough coordination, but you can loosen things up by keeping it unbuttoned. Less Don Draper, more Stan Rizzo.

1. Bank Street blazer ($165)

2. 1883 Box t-shirt ($45)

3. Long sleeve heather snap shirt in charcoal heather ($70)

4. L-pocket heathered jean in heather grey ($80)

For Decidedly Chiller (and Chillier) Days

Wearing a sweater at work can quickly veer into Mr. Rogers territory. You’ll want to stay away from loungy grandpa cardigans and stick with something slim and sleek. No crazy patterns either — choose a neutral colour you can pair with anything. Throwing a blazer over a sweater feels a little too junior accountant; opt instead for a lightweight nylon bomber in a solid colour. Match that with the right pair of jeans and boom — you’re safely out of the AARP zone.