For business casual in Vancouver, I’d start with a navy sport jacket, grey trousers and a pale-blue shirt. You can wear them together for a client meeting or use the pieces separately when your office is more relaxed. Get those working before you buy a wardrobe full of options.
I’m Rajat Nagpal, owner of Suited Booted & Co. We’re based in Langley and come to your home or office for custom tailoring. When you’re deciding what to wear to work, my advice is to start with your actual week: where you work, who you meet and how you get there.
Let your workday set the dress code
Business casual means different things in different offices. A jacket might make sense for your client meetings in Yaletown, while a shirt and chinos might be enough on days spent at your desk. Pay attention to what’s expected where you work, then leave yourself an option for days that need a little more formality.
A sport jacket is useful because you can put it on for a meeting without changing the rest of your outfit. Choose one that sits comfortably over the shirts or knitwear you’ll actually wear. You should be able to sit, reach forward and button it without fighting the fabric.
Build around pieces you’ll repeat
You don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with what you already own and fill the gaps. I’d use this as a shopping order, rather than a compulsory list:
- A navy sport jacket. Keep the details restrained so it’s easy to pair with different trousers. A softer shoulder is worth considering if you want a less formal look.
- Grey trousers. They give you a straightforward pairing with navy and work with a shirt when you leave the jacket off.
- Stone or navy chinos. Choose the colour that works with your existing tops. With a navy jacket, stone gives you a clear contrast.
- White and pale-blue shirts. An oxford cloth button-down is a useful starting point for a relaxed office. A dress shirt can handle the days when you need to look more formal.
- A fine knit. A crewneck or cardigan gives you another layer for cooler mornings. Try it under your jacket before buying; bulky sleeves can make the combination uncomfortable.
A second jacket can wait. Once you know which trousers and shirts you reach for, you’ll have a better idea of the colour you’re missing.
Check the fit while you’re sitting down
Don’t judge work clothes only while standing in front of a mirror. Sit down in the trousers. Check that the waistband stays comfortable and the pockets don’t pull open. Walk around and see where the hem falls over your shoes.
With a shirt, look for pulling across the chest and excess fabric gathering at the waist. If you’ll tuck it in, it needs enough length to stay tucked when you move. If you prefer it untucked, choose a shirt cut for that purpose rather than leaving a long dress-shirt hem hanging below your jacket.
You can read more about these checks in the suit fit guide. The same habit applies to business casual: test the clothes in the positions you’ll spend your day in.
Choose shoes for the office and the pavement
Brown leather derbies or loafers are useful options with grey trousers and chinos. Suede chukkas can work for a more relaxed outfit, but I wouldn’t make them your only option for wet Vancouver days.
There’s no reason to rule out rubber soles just because you’re dressing for work. Think about the walk from transit and the rain outside your office. Choose footwear that suits both the outfit and the conditions.
Sneakers depend on your workplace. If they’re accepted, keep them clean and simple. For a client meeting where you’re unsure of the dress code, leather shoes are the safer choice.
Skip rigid colour rules
You don’t need blanket bans on polos, jeans or brown with black. A polo can work under a relaxed jacket if the collar sits properly. Jeans depend on your office and the formality of the jacket. Try the whole outfit on rather than deciding from individual pieces.
If matching colours slows you down, stick with navy, grey, white and pale blue to begin with. Add other colours once those combinations feel familiar. For suit-specific advice, see best suit colours for business.
Budget for the gap in your wardrobe
Our custom sport jackets are $597, trousers are $220 and custom shirts are $137. Those prices are in Canadian dollars, before tax. If your existing trousers fit well, you might only need a jacket. If you also need a full suit for formal workdays, our custom two-piece suits start at $697.
Delivery is 3 to 4 weeks from measurement. All sales are final, so take time to discuss the fit, fabric and intended use before ordering.
We don’t have a showroom. We visit homes and offices across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, with no travel fee anywhere in Metro Vancouver, including the North Shore. We’re open 9am to 9pm daily; call or WhatsApp +1-778-551-4834 with questions.
Book a free wardrobe consultation, or use our private consultation page to arrange a home or office visit.
