Style Guide · Business Casual

British Prep

Savile Row influence meets public school tradition. Tweed, brogues, regimental ties.

Old Money
88
Ivy League
75
Quiet Luxury
72
01

The Wardrobe

9 pieces
Jackets & Blazers
Tweed Sport Coat

Harris Tweed or herringbone. The British countryside in jacket form.

€€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Shirts
Oxford Cloth Button-Down

The foundational Ivy League shirt. OCBD collar rolls naturally. Never iron flat.

€€ ◈ All Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Tattersall Check Shirt

Fine two-color check on white. British country DNA. Refined and subtle.

€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Trousers
Flannel Trousers

Grey flannel. The mark of a man who understands tailoring. Dress up or down.

€€€ ❄️ Winter Business Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Corduroy Trousers

Forest green or tan cord. Textural richness. Very New England autumn.

€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Shoes
Chelsea Boots

British origin. Clean, sleek. Dark brown or tan suede for prep contexts.

€€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Outerwear
Start here
Waxed Jacket

Barbour or similar. British countryside institution. Ages beautifully.

€€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Accessories
Flat Cap / Newsboy Cap

Tweed or wool. British countryside. Adds character to a smart casual look.

€€ 🍂 Autumn Smart Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
Repp Stripe Tie

Diagonal stripes in school or club colors. The Ivy League tie. Silk preferred.

€€ ◈ All Business Casual
Expensive
Timeless
Try-hard
03

How to Wear It

Proven combinations
Anchor piece
Tweed Sport Coat
Anchor piece
Waxed Jacket
92 Corduroy Trousers
88 Tattersall Check Shirt
85 Duck Boots
80 Flat Cap / Newsboy Cap
04

What to Avoid

4 common errors
Athletic or running sneakers in a smart casual context
Clean court shoes (Stan Smith, Common Projects) yes. Chunky sneakers break the aesthetic entirely.
8/10
Brown belt with black shoes or vice versa
The most noticed invisible rule. Match belt leather to shoe leather always.
8/10
Tie and pocket square matching exactly
A matched set looks catalogue, not considered. Coordinate, never match.
7/10
Shoes that look brand new and unworn
Old money wears things in. Too-new shoes look like a costume.
6/10
05

The Brands

3 references
Barbour
UK · €€€

The waxed jacket institution. British countryside royalty. Literally worn by royalty.

Drake's
UK · €€€

The modern British heritage brand. Exceptional ties, knitwear, and shirting.

Hackett London
UK · €€€

British prep made wearable for the modern man. Smart casual Ivy with British edge.

06

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