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The business casual trend has caused much angst in recent years, largely because there’s no set standard. Business formal has clearly defined components: suit, shirt, tie. As long as these elements are in place, all that remains is a little matching here and there. Pretty easy, right? (No? Find other posts under Basic Business Wardrobe…)

Business casual adds several new dimensions to this dilemma. Some of the many things to consider:

• What industry do you work in?
• What is your job function (i.e.

It’s been said that clothes make the man, and that shoes make an outfit. Need I say more about the importance of good shoes? Here’s some advice on buying dress shoes for your business wardrobe.

First three pairs, in recommended order of purchase:

1. Black cap-toe oxford
2. Black plain-toe oxford, with a non-slip bottom if you prefer (but it shouldn’t look like it has a non-slip bottom!)
3. Dark brown oxford (cap-toe, plain, wingtip/brogue — whatever you like)

Shoe buying tips

• Invest in high-quality dress shoes, preferably with Goodyear-welted soles. Without getting into technical details, this means the shoes can be properly resoled, and therefore worn for decades if well cared for.

Neckties are perhaps the most difficult part of a business wardrobe on which to offer advice, but I’ve managed to put together a general guide.

The basics

• Silk is the fabric of choice, although seasonal blends of silk and linen or silk and wool can be very nice. If you’re not sure, stick with the basic silk necktie.
• Quality neckties typically have patterns that are woven into the fabric rather than smooth fabrics with printed patterns (printed ties from the likes of Hermès being a notable exception).
• Look for ties with a little bit of heft, but that are also somewhat soft to the touch and aren’t too stiff.

Business shirts should be 100% cotton. Poplin, twill and end-on-end are nice fabrics; pinpoint is acceptable, but less formal.

Go for a moderate spread collar for at least the first few shirts, and then possibly some collars with a wider spread as you build your collection.

Recommended order of purchase

1. Light blue solid
2. White solid (real white, not off-white — see below under "common mistakes")
3. Medium blue solid or small, subtle blue check
4. Another light blue or white solid
5. Solid pink - yes, pink! Those with pale skin should get one in a slightly darker hue
6. Whichever of the medium blue solid or small blue check you didn’t get from #3
7. Blue hairline stripe or subtle herringbone (narrowly spaced, so it appears solid from afar
8. Whatever strikes your fancy!

ZZ Top got it right. Every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp dressed man, and nothing is sharper than a well-fitting, well-constructed, properly coordinated suit. Unfortunately, the art of wearing a suit has seen a decline in recent years. I’m doing my part to revive it with the tips below.

When first venturing into suit-land, stick with single-breasted, notch lapel, two or three button. Suit jackets should have either a single center vent, or double side vents for a more European look. If you don’t know what any of these terms mean, explanations are coming soon in the Dapperpedia.

The basic business suit wardrobe, in recommended order of purchase

1. Solid charcoal gray
2. Solid navy blue
3. Charcoal gray pinstripe
4. Navy pinstrip or medium gray (in either solid or pinstripe)

Notes

• Some would say the first suit should be navy.