I happened to be talking to my former boss on the phone this week, and he made a crack about my Man Post about Spanx (or “Manx” as my friend, Robbie, calls it). So I asked what he wanted me to post on, aware that a Man Post was well overdue. He then, very seriously, said business casual attire. And I forget that just because men don’t drone on and on about their wardrobe doesn’t mean that they don’t also have fears about committing fashion faux pas. So here is my take on business casual for men.

First, just like the ladies, you men have to figure out first who you are and run with it. Are you:

a. the office golfer?
b. the office Obama?
c. the office IT guy?
d. the office activewear guy?

There typically only four types of man dress at the office and they involve golf shirts, sport coats, t-shirts or North Face jackets. And then, there is the culture of the company. Where I work, men won’t leave their office without a sport coat. And I like it. Because the one time you don’t dress nice, even on “casual” Friday is the day the GC decides to cruise by your office with a VIP. With that in mind, my cardinal rule is to think about dressing “up” for business casual, not down. And my former boss happens to be a partner at a fancy, big city law firm, and I can lay out the big law rules, plain and simple.

First, get two or three of the nicest sport coats you can afford. Shop a label that is gentlemanly and conservative but that is cut to fit your body shape: Hugo Boss, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Paul Stuart, Abboud, or Burberry. (My husband has a navy Burberry sport coat that is to die for – and he can wear it for work, for a night out, to bed for all I care.) If you are cheap, then at the very least go fantasy shop some nice stores and learn what proportion jacket and pants look good on you. Make nice with the clerk. Then, wait for the sale.

Second, you can save on some nice, no iron white and blue shirts, like Enro for around $50. If you don’t like jackets, spend good money on a designer plaid shirt in colors that look good on you (just ask the nearest woman – seriously, though, pick colors that pick up your hair color and skin tone). Or, if you think you can get away with it, try a quality knit “t” or polo. Michael Kors makes a nice one around $60. But don’t skimp on the belt or shoes. Both women and men appreciate this detail, so it’s easy to score points here. My favorites are Ferragamo loafers or Allen Edmonds.

And for chrissakes, unless you are sporting a man-fur under your collar, do not wear a cheap, bulky crew neck undershirt. Get a pack of nice Jockey high v-necks so that your lady co-workers can admire your good taste, not your $5 Hanes ribbed neck t-shirt.