The Modern Male - Business Casual Yet Professional

It's easy for men to get confused after wearing business suits everyday for years, to confidently know how to look professional and not lose credibility when dressing down in updated business casual looks. When a man dresses too casually in the corporate world, it can oftentimes hinder his opportunities for advancement. Here are five great looks for a man in business that project his ability and expertise and show his modern style:

The Modern Male - Business Casual Yet Professional

Gray: The New Black

Dressing in various shades of gray is a great way to look taller and thinner as well as looking stylish. Why not try a wool sport coat either in a charcoal or medium shade of gray, a medium gray sport shirt with a gray dress trousers. I call this look modernly monochromatic! Be sure that when you wear all one tone from head to toe, that you include some interest by adding texture through a black reptile skin belt and shoes.

Classic Cardi's

The new cardigan is the new jacket sweater for fall. These sweaters are much more modern than days past. Wear a neutral-colored chocolate brown cardigan paired with a complementary print or plaid sport shirt. On the bottom half add a pair of wrinkle-free khaki's or tan dress pants. Finish off the look with a great pair of dark brown shoes and belt. Although there is no jacket present, this layering of 3-piece dressing is very business-like.

Try a Combo: Navy & Tan

Wear a navy blue sport coat, a striped blue and tan dress shirt worn open, a solid navy blue wool vest (optional), and a pair of tan dress pants. This is a very classic but authoritative look. These colors blend together beautifully to look modern and dapper.

Vested Interest: Argyle Is Back

Pair a solid sport shirt which coordinates with an accent color in a new argyle vest to add some color to your upper half. Top this ensemble off with a neutral-colored dress trouser or wrinkle-free khaki. This look is urban and very chic for fall.

The Modern Male - Business Casual Yet Professional

Feel The Difference: Texture is In

This season it is all about prints and textures. Buy a new sport coat in one of fall's newest textures like herringbone, tweed, or hammerhead. Under the jacket wear a dark merino wool fine-gauge polo sweater and add a dark dress pant and dress shoes to finish off the ensemble. If you wear suits and sport coats and ties everyday, you will enjoy dressing more business casual if your work environment allows you to do so. These are great dress down looks that allow you to express your more business casual side. Adapt these five looks for fall and look modernly chic as you arrive at the office in style.

Sarah Hathorn is a certified image consultant, speaker, and corporate image advisor. Illustra Image Consulting works with individual men and women who wish to update their fashion and professional presence. The company also provides corporate image services to organizations that wish to enhance their corporate brand within the marketplace.