The scent of pumpkin spice is in the air, the light is softer, and, thus, there is high time to discuss the business casual outfits men have to wear in autumn. But here’s the question: how do you look smart, seasonally on-point, and still stay comfy when the office thermostat has a mind of its own?
Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or just trying not to freeze under the AC, this guide is built for the real ones. I have designed 22 new clothes that you can wear and still be a little bit professional and casual, and something fun and stylish enough that you might take a glance in the mirror in the morning.
Let’s dive in.
Effortless Layers with a Twist
A knit cable sweater over a crisp white button-up? Yes, please. It is a combo that fits right in the middle ground between formal and casual. Combined with cropped straight jeans and spotless white sneakers, it is one of these outfits that look right in fall business casual, especially in a transitional weather. It’s simple, smart casual, and definitely office-appropriate — without looking like you’re trying too hard.
The trick to this outfit is the fact that things are very wearable. A green cable knit in a muted tone is the best one to add to any office wear collection during fall. It adds texture to the appearance and the white button-up sticking out gives it that semi-formal effect. The dark grey trousers are cut a little short enough to expose some ankle- modern and classy at the same time. And the clean sneakers? A fall essential. Still casual, still polished.
The first time I ever did something that was close to this, I was afraid that it was going to be a little too preppy, but truth be told that little bit of pre-schoolness is just right in the fall, nostalgic and clean at the same time. GQ once said that wearing a knit over a shirt does not only help you to be warmer as it also provides you with dimension instead of volume. Fully agree.
To make it even more high-fashion I would add a dull trench or wool peacoat when it is colder. The sweater would also even out to the leather strapped watch with a little masculine touch.
The Elevated Earth-Tone Uniform
This ensemble is based on the wardrobe classics and updated to 2025 by being cleaner and having an earthy color profile. A structured brown overshirt, layered over a fitted white turtleneck, gives that warm-but-tailored vibe that’s perfect for early autumn. With straight-leg trousers of the jet-black color and platform-like white sneakers to get this bold-and-at-the-same-time-refined effect.
What I like here is that this is professional and at the same time is not stiff. Overshirt is the airter blazer, with an imposing sibling of a younger brother. The return on turtlenecks in mens has been so great this year, and I can so understand why, they are classy, warm and slightly sophisticated.
I truly think it was Esquire stylist who recently claimed that, when it comes to fall, turtleneck can be that black dress to a man, which helps keep his wardrobe stable. Couldn’t agree more. It adds smart casual energy with minimal effort.
In case I would be touching up this ensemble, I would add a silver signet ring or a canvas tote with neutral color. Altogether, those little details sound graphic influence without shouting mod fashion dude.
Tailored & Trendy with a Touch of Warmth
Now this one? Absolute favorite. A clean white T-shirt paired with a caramel blazer adds polish to the getup because it is effortless. With navy ankle pants, brown belt, which goes back to the blazer, and standard-white sneakers, the outfit is in the zone of fall business casual. It reads, presentation ready, as well as, espresso martinis after work.
Each piece has a role here. The blazer is brown and warm-colored, which adds significant autumn power to the whole outfit. The tee that is worn under makes it wearable, which is good since offices in hot countries turn the heat too high. The navy tapered trousers can only fit that semi formal dress code of most of the guys who cannot define this dress code.
Personally, I wore this combination to a conference where anybody who would dare wearing something was dressed optimally, and it worked. Received a compliment by two VP and a junior associate – that is range.
The only thing I’d add? A pocket square with a pattern on it, such as in the picture, it gives the overall appearance a planned look. And perhaps the sneakers can be traded in to chocolate loafers in case the office is of a conservative bent.
Rebel with a Work-Ready Cause
This is business casual that is a bit sharp but at the same time it is all within the business casual range, as long as your place of work gives a chance to be more creative. A black body fitted polo shirt and grey plaid trousers that brush across the ankles inject some rebel feel to it. The black sneakers add that edgy touch to the entire thing without going at it like streetwear.
It is mainly the plaid pants that are doing the job here. It’s a trendy choice, but still super wearable. It is sophisticated and un-trendy with black and gray, but the cut makes it adorable and up to date. The polo appears to be casual, yet, with a proper adjustment, it doubles into smart casual gold.
I have another variant of this which I wear on Fridays when the atmosphere is more casual yet you are expected to get it together. And believe me, you get teased like crazy. Wear it with black leather stuff or a soft bomber in case there is an inclement weather.
The only thing that I would want to change is that I would replace the shoes with the brogues in order to level up the formality level. But as is? Solid 10/10.
Crisp Contrast & Clean Cuts
This happens to be exactly what you do casual in mens and still makes it without turning into lazy with the white polo, olive trousers and the white low-tops. The colors are brand new, the style is customized and it is perfectly okay to be used in an easygoing office. It is supplying, on the one hand, the kind of I dress fine and I do not work it out, and (on the other hand), that may be the most professional look of all.
It is also a perfect transition trend between summer to fall. There is a seasonal reference on the olive pants, but the white polo and the sneakers make this light. It is the type of a combination that can be used perfectly when meeting someone at a coffee and when it comes to attending casual Fridays.
Honestly? I would wear this on a Monday, to make it easy breezy. When you are a disliker of layers, or one who gets hot quite easily, this is your song. In case it blows try a bomber or a lightweight trench.
Could it use a bit more personality? Maybe. It would be better to complete it with a leather crossbody or even a contrast belt. But even without? It is pristine, assured and intelligent as fall suits are supposed to be.
Muted Neutrals for Maximum Versatility
It is a subtle lesson in men autumn business casual outfit. We have a utility jacket that is chocolate brown and we just threw it on top of a clean white sweatshirt — not too loose fitting but not sloppy in any way. Chinos in tan color ground the outfit whereas the white sneakers of the high-top model update the appearance. This is that “easy layering” aesthetic that’s perfect for shifting from offices to after-work hangs.
This is a must-have in every male wardrobe I would say, the neutral entoned over-shirt is a true all-rounder! These types of chinos, more so in a subdued beige color, make perfect candidate chinos at the office on casual men looks. And here is the subject of the high-tops – clean and plain, and they relieve the formality a bit.
I have a cousin who has dressed like that to meetings with clients in coffee shops, where a person should look like he/she cares but not like he/she brought a resume. It gets compliments for being clean and confident. No bells, no whistles, just well-executed professional layers.
To make it even better? Then when it becomes colder put a soft scarf on or change your desert boots to suede to add a more autumn tone. Either way, this one is pure comfort-meets-class.
The Classic Shirt Revival
This look leans into timeless tailoring. An ironed-down striped button-up shirt, well-tuck down navy-coloured trousers, brown belt and brown oxford shoes – this is your standard casual-smart equation. It is not merely an anachronism of the kind of dressing we had in the yesteryears; it is evidence that certain staples held by working people never go out of fashion.
To look like an adult you do not have to wear a jacket. The vertical stripe adds a bit of depth and helps elongate the torso (yes, it’s lowkey flattering). The navy slacks fit fittingly so that they neither fit snug nor baggy. With suede shoes, this can easily be used in offices both classy and downtown offices.
Last season I even had the moment when I understood that I have slightly over-complicated my weekday wardrobe. When I returned to this combo it was as though I had returned home. Good old-fashion button-down can never go wrong as menswear editor Jonathan Evans once said in Esquire, If you do not know what to wear, a good button-down will never disappoint. Accurate.
Want to inject some extra energy? Bring out the patterned sock, or an even lumpy leather watch. These small, thoughtful details keep it from feeling basic.
Jetsetter Business Casual
This ensemble is perfect at this in-between stage, before your flight, or that morning when you have to respond to e-mails at the lobby of the hotel. Slick black zip up on a matching black tonal crew neck, oatmeal draw string pants and destroyed brown boots. Causal, yes, but when done properly, it is fully workable in an office environment (creative or hybrid).
It would not be fair to say that this is all about appearance; rather look good with intent. The drawstring trousers are soft but tailored, and those boots ground the look (literally and stylistically). Black on beige colour scheme is very sharp; however, it is not obnoxious.
Specifically, I resort to this type of a combo when I am commuting or working at coworking lounges. It makes me feel well-organized in some way, I do not feel overdressed. Indeed, fall workwear has taken on the polished athleisure trend as noted not long ago by Men Health, and this style simply fits the bill.
To take this to another level, I would then add a leather laptop bag or a watch with a fabric strap, minor additions that would make a casual outfit look a bit more intelligent and thoughful.
Warm Tones and Clean Lines
Warm, flattering and strangely adorable this is the sort of semi formal front that has to work hard and that does not seem to. Soft taupe button down beset to cabriolet dyed navy trousers, held together by deep brown der sols and to match a dyed-matching belt. Minimalist, but so effective.
This shirt color? Criminally underrated for fall. It is flattering on most skin types and it also brings warmth to your general palette. Navy pants, as usual, are the staples of any good mens wardrobe. They’re professional, dependable, but never dull.
I learnt that this combination is the best when I need a dress up without taking a blazer. It’s ideal for networking mixers or first-day-back meetings. I had a similar outfit and once attended a boardroom session and literally I was told, You look like you have your life together. I didn’t — but the shirt did.
There is perhaps nothing lacking here except perhaps some nice brushed wool blazer when temperatures turn colder. Or even a knitted tie if you’re flirting with formal.
Boardroom Meets Boutique Hotel
Let’s close this round with a stunner. Light stone blazer over white dress shirt with the navy tailored trouser, put into a remarkable aggressive leather bag, all combined with structured oxblood lace-up, and it will give an air of the CFO on a casual thrashy Thursday. It is a complete incarnation of autumn business casual dress code of men who survive in meetings and moments.
The cream blazer is a trend that has been going on through two seasons and it is easy to understand why it stays. They take literally anything you combine with them to the next level even though it may be a simple t-shirt. In this case, it has been styled with navy coloured dress trousers and brown accessories that make the whole to fall into the classy offices category.
I am reminded of the downtown professionals who surely know where to go and get their dose of espresso before their 10AM pitch when I wear this outfit. It’s polished, purposeful, and just modern enough. Also — that leather tote? Not just for women anymore. Presently, there are stylish options of briefs like this everywhere in GQ fall lookbooks.
Personally, I would roll up those cuffs of the shirt or put on a scarf that is knitted in navy blue when November arrives. Nevertheless, even as you see it, it is an outstanding sample of smart casual and minimalism of the highest level.
Cozy Power Move
This is when fall business casual men outfits will become fancy, meaning fall in the weather. A caramel sweater cardigan over a smooth black turtle neck is all that is needed to present charm and subtle authority at once. Take it with narrow black trouser and shine oxblood derbies and you have the outfit that enters a room and does not have to raise its voice but still takes control over it.
What I adore about this combo is its balance. The cardigan is soft, which invokes the accuracy of the turtleneck. Combined, they feature an adequate amount of structure without being out of control and completely unacceptable in the workplace. And the polished derbies? Hello, formal finish. Though you might have to wear the outfit to a less dressy workplace, it is an all-round vibe when it comes to presentations, date-night Fridays, or low-key dinners at work.
To be honest, turtleneck has long been my first resort whenever I needed to put on any layer of clothing over the button-down, but wanted to appear smart. It comes on like a charm because it goes well in neutral colors such as black or charcoal. And needless to say that you might be afraid that it could be stuffy, it is not either. As a matter of fact, The Manual named the turtleneck a surprise savior of men fall wardrobes just recently, and I am completely supporting that.
To top it off? Include a wool overcoat of a camel shade or something dark such as maroon. It’ll round out the palette beautifully for colder days.
Urban Prep with a Soft Edge
That would be cleaned-up prep school vibe, except that these are full-grown men. Black crewneck on top of a white shirt, cropped check pants and thin white sneakers. That line is also blurred, between offices and more classy and more creative startup-realness.
This is where the simplicity is mistaken because it is all about bringing this look to life. The sweater is of perfect fit and suits well that the collar and hem is unbunched and visible. The trousers? A quiet plaid, with taper legs, hits that semi formal note that can be applied or applied away on days depending.
I happened to wear something like it to a casual pitch downtown meeting and the casual polish it afforded was not to be argued with. GQ Style has been promoting this idea of relaxed suiting for some time and this is what it comes to in the real world. Also, shoutout to the white sneakers here — a reminder that professional doesn’t always mean dress shoes.
What could give it more punch? Perhaps a re-ordinate leather bag or even a hunky watch. This uniform is a piece of white blank paper – use it.
Street-Style Cargo Crossover
This is the one that cater to the guys who are not ready to check their personal styles at the entrance when they are on their way to work. The loosely fitted flannel over the lilac crew neck, the olive cargos and the vintage sneakers by Nike, it is such a downtown creative agency, and I love it. Definitely skews more casual, but still purposeful.
This outfit says “I’m comfortable, but don’t underestimate me.” The flannel is relaxed and large, and the cargos have a practical element, which seems very appropriate in fall. The combination of the colors is quite a surprise; bright olive and faint purple looks outrageously good. In case, your office will permit you to have a little creativity with the dressing code, then this will pass it completely.
I have had editors who dress like it, and it is the type of fit that gets one to talk about, considering the right energy is added to it. As long as it is clean and just fitted enough, then you are on the business casual turf.
When I am in tweaking mood I would perhaps replace the graphic T-shirt under the flannel with a merino long- sleeve or add a touch of that watch with leather strap to the upper levels.
Simple Layers for Maximum Impact
Sweater, white collared shirt, thin black chinos and white sneakers, and voila, minimum work wear. This is the type of outfit that one wears when he or she wants to feel like he or she is being one with the crowd yet still, the person feels like he or she is in control. Monochrome, yes. But boring? Never.
What makes this great is how seasonless it is. You may put this look on at the beginning of fall, it is late summer, or it is even possible to extend style into winter but replacing sneakers with boots and putting wool coat over it. The sweater is made of a gray fabric and is crisp and the black pants keep it down to earth. It’s smart casual without making a fuss.
I recall wearing this to one of our group lunches that wad shifted into an outdoor sidewalk restaurant and it shifted so well. Without sweating, no style left out, it is an out and about wearable combo.
Want to add a twist? Experiment with charcoal scarf or even tonal backpack made out of leather. These are the elements of micro-upgrades that brings about a minimal appearance to a higher level.
Dark Suiting, Light Attitude
This is one of my personal favorites, and it is a charcoal blazer with some fitted black crew neck, as well as black trousers. Combined with white sneakers made out of leather, it is smooth, monotone, and full of modest fashion statement. This is the armor of your modern man, tidy, cool and collected.
Monochrome black doesn’t have to be boring. Here, the gray blazer breaks it up just enough. The crewneck is black, which allows performing a contrast with the structured top layer. And the white sneakers? The best finishing touch to casual for mens outfits.
I have reached to this look twice during fall gallery openings or after-hours business dinners when it is not clear what one should wear. It’s always a winner. According to the style experts such as Tom Ford monochrome suiting creates a sense of effortlessness and edge and this is true especially when I consider the collection of synthetic materials available in the market.
Want to push this into even more polished territory? Exchange the sneakers with some Chelsea boots and a black (slim) tie. Other than that it is a modern professional as it is.
Denim Meets Office Edge
This is a one of such office-friendly fits that would still feel cool after 6 PM. Gray denim jacket with a white button-on shirt underneath, tight black jeans and a fresh pair of white sneakers. It is rough, no doubt, but it has some class, so you can enter creative offices or business lunches without the fear of being looked at as a weirdo.
This outfit is such a fall staple. The faded gray toning balances the denim jacket so that it can be less conspicuous such that it is accommodated into the casual mens office attire. Coupled up with tight black bottoms, you have the right instant urban look. It all connects back to professional polish with the white shirt underneath, and it is actually a minor detail that makes all the change.
I did something like this once in a slide presentation in front of a casual client presentation and my creative director had actually asked me where I got the coat I had on. Such style appreciation goes a long way in work places where beauty of the sense of vision is important.
To make it colder weather, I would wear some black turtleneck under this shirt or change sneakers with leather ones that are matte. Small tweaks, big payoff.
Tailored Navy with a Twist
It is this suit that achieves the fact that despite wearing denim; you can appear freshly professional. She is wearing a navy tailored coat on top of a navy crew neck balanced by a white tee and light blue skinny jeans. White sneakers finish the fit with minimalist perfection. This is sleek, seasonal, and very smart casual.
This color scheme is quite fall ushering. The navy layers are evidently balanced and the white tee is shining the outfit enough. The formal coat is counterbalanced by the casual light jeans, which is sort of a grunge act that can still be defined as a refined one. This is how you come to the workplace where the dressing code is not so strict.
I have been able to wear something very similar both on the casual Fridays and during creative brainstormings, but it is one of those outfits which looks complete every time. Particularly, when you add a vintage silver watch to it – the entire outfit is complete.
What’s missing? Perhaps a navy striped scarf or a cross body leather satchel in either chocolate or black to finish the profile.
Minimalist and Undeniably Clean
Navy tee, beige cropped chinos, white low-tops. That’s it. This style is as simple as it can be simple – simple cut that can be worn throughout the year and used in any setting. It is more casual and yet can be considered as work providing the loosened-up or remote-friendly environment. It’s confident without being loud.
Here’s what makes it work: it fits impeccably. The trousers are in snug and not stiff chino and the accent is just enough ankle to be up to date. This is not one of those uniforms you can say over and over again like you have a memory loss of it that a person can identity that you are saying anything repetitive but because it is actually intentional, it is not repetitive.
I always love to suggest such outfits to guys because they simply need clothes that look nice and they do not have time to take 20 minutes to arrange a perfect outfit. It’s like, “grab and go,” but make it Pinterest-worthy. It works also with summer and fall and according to your layering skills.
Finally, in case I were venturing further in the terms of semi formal, I would add a thin cardigan or unstructured blazer something smooth and but classy. As it is, it is clean, cute and it is completely modern.
The Statement Suit Vest
This one is coming with its structured energy in full force though it is in a modern shape. A navy three-piece set minus the blazer. The custom-made slacks and a slick waistcoat with a white shirt and navy neck tie. This together with brown-rich Oxfords are definitely on the formal side of business casual.
One of those items we should not talk less about is suit vest. They will provide you with the power of suit, without all the bulk of a complete jacket, because you never know what office to expect and when autumn is still very warm. The color contrast of the white and navy makes it fresh and the chocolate brown shoes add the touch of warmth to it.
I have used the style in the speaking or the time where I have to meet investors or partners in fancy places. It is grave, but the absence of blazer does not make it to be overdressed.
Want to push the look? When it comes to camel or deep charcoal, add a textured wool coat. Or in case your workplace permits, replace the tie to a mock neck to have a high-fashion-cum-business experience.
Textured Layers for Street-Ready Office Looks
If your work environment skews more urban-casual or you’re in a creative field, this outfit is a great seasonal fit. We have a ribbed beige sweater on top of a put-together white shirt, olive favorite cargo pants, lace-up boots and a snug knitted beanie. It combines comically adorable fall layering and and a bit of a swaggering purposefulness.
This colour scheme – taupe, olive and brown – is as autumnal as it can be. However, the cargo pants are tailored and the knit fitting well which is what makes this wearable especially in offices. The contrast in the textures is good and the showing of the white collar of the shirt is providing only enough structure.
I have watched the stylists predict the replacement of chinos with contemporary cargos in 2025, at least, in the creative working environments, and this style is a strong point in supporting the change. It’s smart casual, approachable, and subtly trendy.
At least I would further complement it with a customized overshirt or a soft blazer on top to smash the point even more. Otherwise? Coffee run to conference room ready.
Academic-Inspired Elegance
This is a reference to old school menswear (i.e. Ivy League but futurized till 2025). A white button-down shirt, green cardigan that has clean, subtle patterns, and a patterned tie, all that is accompanied by expensive grey pants and oxblood penny loafers. The facial expression is of old school style with an understanding of modern office wear.
This ensemble is of the man who has a desire to dress purposely. The cardigan also makes the leather jacket more soft but still does not ruin the feeling of formality, and the tie and trousers take the entire outfit to the level of important meetings. Oxblood loafers, and in particular a polished, leather too, are such a power move that is more classy than black, and not too much.
I had done something like that during end-of-quarter reviews and it never fails to receive a positive gesture by the leadership. Even the Manly Men Magazine recently recommended the cardigan as a stylish substitute to suit jackets in business places where full suits are too rigid.
In the event that I would continue styling, I would add a camel topcoat as a contrast or even a document case made of leather to enhance the professional image.
Laid-Back Luxe for Hybrid Days
And last but not least a masterwork of casual, brushed minimal modeling of mens style. A button-down sage-green t-shirt, brown narrow pants and unmarked white sneakers. No frills, no layers, but it still feels deliberate. It is the garment that you wear when you stay at home and you might go to the cafe or to a coworking center.
There’s a quiet confidence in this outfit. It does not pretend to be anything, but fit and clean. The sage green gives off a pinch of autumn and summer freshness at the same time, and the beige trousers are a delicious compromise between chinos and slacks. Sneakers keep the vibe grounded, but still smart.
This is one of those uniforms I can suggest to everyone saying that he/she does not know how to dress up at work. Because it works. Period. GQ has previously written that fit is king; and this is made proportional and made clean.
To bring this up a notch, I would probably put a field jacket or a bomber on top, perhaps even a tonal scarf as we enter more and more of winter. But as-is? It’s minimalist menswear done right.
And that is it, 22 outfit ideas to take you into the season with a sense of being sharp, inspired and completely in control of what you are doing with your personal style. The goal? To demonstrate that mens fashion in work environment does not have the need to be stuffy or single size. You may feel free to dress the way you do and, at the same time, be in the moment (and not in a high-rise office or on the phone in a cafe overlooking the city).
Construct your fall rotation by using something that moves, layers and breathes. Add warmth where it counts. Don’t forget comfort. And remember: smart casual isn’t about following rules — it’s about writing your own, just better dressed.
