Live Action Getup: 1 Shirt, 1 Pair of Pants, 4 Looks

Live Action Getup: 1 Shirt, 1 Pair of Pants, 4 Looks
Learn the versatility of a strong foundation as we take one shirt and one pair of pants and create 4 looks perfect for wherever your day takes you.
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What is this?

“Dressing well” when you're new to style can feel overwhelming. Often times when starting out guys buy complete outfits for different occasions or level of dress. A dress-only shirt for suits, casual-only shirts for weekends. But the real trick to always dressing well is finding the right staples to build a versatile foundation from which many looks, from casual to dressy and everywhere in between, can be built.

Here, fellow Primer reader Shane shows off how powerful a simple patterned shirt and chinos can really be.

Weekend Casual

Just because it's the weekend doesn't mean you should dress lazy. Be comfortable and well-dressed in this casual style perfect for a date at brunch or a farmer's market. With all of these Getups be mindful of the fitted profile of both the pants and the shirt. They are slim (but not tight) and that is paramount to their adaptability. You'll also notice where the pants fall, just below the ankle: As fits have become slimmer pant breaks across the board have become higher. This is also why the pants work with sneakers and dress shoes. Wider and longer pant legs become casual-only very quickly.

Casual outfit with blue check shirt, olive pants, white sneakers

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casual style inspiration

Men's Casual Style Inspiration

Dress

Flip to the other end of the spectrum, we simply add a knit tie, a navy blazer and suede loafers and we transform casual into a sharp look ready for a client meeting or a night out.

Business Getup with blazer blue shirt and green pants

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men's style inspiration

The Casual Office or Date

A shining example of how our choice in footwear determines the overall outfit, we take our casual Getup above and swap in suede wingtips. The look is now a step below business casual, ideal for looking intentional in a workplace with a loose dress code.

Business casual outfit with blue check shirt, olive trousers, and suede shoes

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What to wear to a casual office

Men's Casual Office Style Inspiration

Business Casual

The semi-professional workplace can be the hardest to dress for: A jacket is too much, but an untucked button-up isn't enough. Create a classic look by pairing the gingham shirt with a traditional striped tie and opt for a pair of dark brown moc loafers. The darker leather adds a dash of dressiness but the moc style grounds them in a more casual territory. As always, going sockless is inherently casual.

Dressed up look with blue shirt, olive chinos, and loafers

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Business Casual Outfit Inspiration   Click Here to Shop the Look

Whether you need affordable and quality basics like shirts, shorts, and casual pants or suits and outerwear, head on over to Combatant Gentlemen. You'll be doing both your personal style and wallet a favor.

Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.