A more casual option for men is a trouser and polo shirt combination. This type of outfit sits at the informal end of the scale but can be used in professional settings in certain circumstances. This post looks at some of the ways that an outfit can be put together to create a stylish and professional look.

Trouser options

There are a range of different trouser options for this look. Have a look at our article on mens’ formal trousers here. The fabrics chosen in the examples above are more geared toward warm weather outfits. This means cottons and linens. For colder weather, wool will be a better option.

The styling of the trousers is fairly simple. A higher waist is a more sartorial look and creates a more flattering silhouette. These types of trousers are best being cut on the slim side but not too slim. A slightly wider fit will suit a larger frame. These examples have side adjusters but, as this is a more casual outfit, a belt can be an option to add some visual interest.

Colours can be varied but usually a lighter trouser is more versatile. As well as the white, beige and tobacco shown in these examples, you can also try shades of green or blue.

Polo shirt options

A polo shirt is a step down in formality from a fully-buttoned shirt. Originally, the polo shirt was designed to be worn when playing sports. It has evolved to be a mens’ wardrobe staple these days. The standard polo shirts are cotton pique with small collars and 2 buttons. There are now ways to elevate these garments to give a more sartorial look.

For ideas on long-sleeved polos, have a look at our article here. These types of polo shirts make a good replacement for a normal shirt when you want to lower the formality of an outfit.

The examples in this post are short-sleeved shirts which are a notch lower on the formality scale. Although cotton is usually more associated with these products, these examples are made from a high twist wool. This makes them wear cooler whilst benefiting from the advantageous properties of wool such as crease resistance and odour repellence.

A 3 button placket gives a more pleasing image as it elongates the ‘V’ shape of the chest and neck area. The collar is slightly larger than a typical polo shirt. This helps in that it stands above a jacket collar if you wanted to wear one as part of the ensemble.

With this type of polo, you can either tuck it in or wear it outside the trousers. They look better when they aren’t too long and sit around the waistband of the trousers. Some ribbing at hem of the shirt can help it stay in place.

A trouser and polo shirt combination is a simple outfit but if you get the quality and fit right, then it can be a stylish and professional look.