Calling all men! Here's how to nail smart casual for the office

Navigating your way through fashion for the office can be a daunting task – even if you’re only going in for the air-con right now.Whether you work in a more formal or more creative environment, the main thing is avoiding the sterile army of pressed shirt, tie and trousered commuters, keeping with convention but without looking like every other guy. Plus, you’re going to want to feel confident and suave as you move through the demands of your day – not to mention comfortable.While some offices stick rigidly to business formal, dress codes and shirt collars have loosened over the last few decades. Where once, jeans or a t-shirt would earn you side-eye from a manager, it’s now the uniform for millions on the 9 to 5. But while your office may be on the more casual end of the scale, finding the happy medium that is smart-casual is still a bewildering equation for many.Plus, with busy schedules and the playground of London to explore, it’s unlikely you’re going to want to find yourself stuck in something uber-formal as you move from drinks to dinner to beer garden to the ever-shifting demands of your social schedule. Finding that all-important middle ground between ‘formal city boy’ and ‘laid-back office slouch’; the smart-casual look is refined, tailored and says you’ve made an effort. Sure, we need to look presentable, and there’s no room for scruffy T-shirts or baggy jeans (save those for the weekend uniform), so follow this tried-and-tested formula of an interchangeable mix of refined pieces with relaxed and layerable options for the ultimate stylish and sophisticated autumnal wardrobe – and there’s not a pair of slim-cut chinos in sight.Abercrombie rugby polo shirtAbercrombieYou should never underestimate the power of a good polo, no matter the occasion. Specifically, a striped rugby polo from Abercrombie. Boxy and preppy, this piece means one thing: dressing like a ‘00s-era bully has never been so in. Plus, styled with some pleated trousers and a loafer, this can go to even the smartest of smart-casual offices. Percival Casa Martini knitted polo PercivalFull disclosure: I’ve got a soft spot for polos. They blend the lines between informal t-shirts and collared shirts nicely. Hackney label Percival’s ethos of ‘subverting the classics’ and adding a twist to traditional menswear pieces with elevated contemporary fits and clever (and rather witty) detailing stands them out from the crowd. The brand’s Casa Martini knitted polo has quickly become my go-to thanks to its ribbed collar, placket and cuff with a demure three-button opening. Percival Grounds relaxed trousers PERCIVALThese relaxed Percival trousers bring an easy, contemporary feel to smart-casual office dressing. Their silhouette offers plenty of comfort without looking overly casual, while the clean, considered design makes them easy to dress up.Seasalt Cornwall men's mac Seasalt CornwallRare is the man who doesn’t look sharp in a classic trench. Seasalt Cornwall’s one is cut to a regular fit with cotton, a 5000mm waterproof rating and a 5000g breathability rating for durability, strength and comfort. It’s sure to hold its shape, whatever the elements throw at it. The detachable hood is a great touch. Wax London Keats shirtWax London KeatsIf you’ve read much of my work, you’ll know I’m a sucker for Wax London menswear. The formula behind the brand is simple; classic pieces, made with character. In a sea of blue-shirted men, you’re sure to feel the most polished (and cool) in this Keats cotton-linen blend shirt.Toast cotton canvas breasted jacket Toast This handsome canvas jacket from Welsh brand Toast offers a quick level up for when you need to sharpen up for a meeting. Available in flint grey, it pairs seamlessly with dark jeans or chinos and a plain tee, or the matching trousers. Double-breasted and made from a sturdy cotton with a relaxed fit down to the lower hip and with its horn buttons and large patch pockets, it channels confidence.Adidas Japan shoes Adidas An iconic shoe from 1964 reimagined with a modern twist – the regular fit Japan Shoe from Adidas now incorporates their double-stitched T-toe that improves durability for everyday office life, as does the leather upper with pony hair finish for style with a soft, luxurious touch. The rubber outsole and inner textile lining ensure a comfy fit throughout the day – from home to the office and back. Available in six colourways, the dark brown outer with trace brown labelling, preloved blue laces and, of course, the iconic three stripes of Adidas adorning the outer and inner sides for that timeless look that fits in with any environment without appearing too laid back.Homme Plissé Issey Miyake topMyTheresaDone out in Issey Miyake’s signature plissé pleats, this printed long-sleeve can easily go toe-to-toe with the formality of any shirt and tie, and surely looks a lot more stylish. Plus, it’s a lot lighter to wear than anything else in this high-necked silhouette, air-con or not.Axel Arigato Atlas sneaker AXEL ARIGATOSwedish brand Axel Arigato are famous for designing well-crafted footwear with a minimal Scandi aesthetic. These off-white premium leather upper sneakers with a chunky rubber sole and dark blue pull tab effortlessly complement any outfit, from jeans to chinos, or shirt to polos. The flat cotton laces and logo stamp in metallic gold on the back and outer edge along the eyelet seam finish add to the stylish yet relaxed look. Comfort and durability are assured, and the graphic, textural sole gives it that certain edge.Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 TROUBADOURLaptop? Check. Mug of coffee? Check. Random paraphernalia needed for everyday life? Check. You’re all set to head to the office with this award-winning commuter bag from Troubadour. Sustainably made with fabric spun from plastic bottles, waterproof zippers and eco-friendly lining, you’ll feel assured that your headphones, laptop and lunchbox will stay dry as a bone inside. There are plenty of pockets for organisation, including a CrashPad Cocoon sleeve to cushion your laptop as you battle the Underground. Wide padded straps make it comfortable to wear, and lockable zippers and pockets makes it feel almost like a portable office drawer – with style. Acne Studios long-sleeve T-shirtMyTheresaIf you’re going to get away with a T-shirt at work, you’d better make it a good one. Swapping short sleeves for long sleeves for a little added decorum, Acne Studio’s logomaniac tee is simple but oh-so-effective, announcing your fashion chops on sight.Our Legacy shirtMyTheresaUpping the formality, Our Legacy’s buttoned shirt is genuinely beautiful. The fluidity of its airy georgette fabric and tailored construction creates such an elegant feel, whilst its raw hem adds some edge. With a shirt of this calibre, you can get away with anything from pleated trousers to denim down below.Kapital wide-leg shortsMr PorterIf you’re going to wear shorts to the office, this is how to do it. Ultra wide leg, tailored, pleated, and primed for wear with leather shoes. Kapital knows what’s up.Soft Goat turtleneck Soft Goat Everyone needs a turtleneck top in their wardrobe for those cold mornings when a cold, dark journey to the office lies ahead. Take it from me: arming yourself with a coffee and a 100 per cent cashmere soft yet chunky knit sweater as you battle through the rush hour madness is the only way. This delightful top from Swedish brand Soft Goat works well with linen trousers or chinos – tucked in with a belt and finished off with a pair of loafers, so not only will you arrive into the office suitably warmed up but you’ll also look the most stylish man in the office.Allsaints purley oversized short sleeve shirt AllsaintsBest worn untucked over a pair of cargo trousers or dark denim jeans, this short sleeved, cotton shirt from Allsaints looks like you’ve made just the right amount of effort. The neutral colour works well with chinos or cargos, and it also layers nicely over a wool blend or linen jacket for smarter moments. It’s a regular fit with wide sleeves, making for comfortable wear.