Business Casual Style in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s fashion for men reflects a distinctive blend of heritage, functionality, and understated elegance.
This ethos defines the city’s business casual style, seamlessly transitioning between professional environments and the relaxed, social settings that Amsterdam is known for.
Rooted in Dutch craftsmanship and minimalism, Amsterdam’s business-casual wardrobe prioritises comfort, practicality, and versatility, making it ideal for navigating the city’s cycling-friendly lifestyle and unpredictable weather.
Amsterdam Business Casual Wardrobe
The foundation of Amsterdam’s business casual style lies in timeless silhouettes, high-quality fabrics, and locally inspired touches that balance sophistication with functionality.
Tailored Blazers
Unstructured Blazers
Unstructured blazers are the cornerstone of Amsterdam’s business casual style, offering a relaxed fit while maintaining a professional aesthetic.
Designed without heavy padding, these blazers are lightweight and versatile—perfect for cycling commutes or layering in cooler weather.
Stick to colours like navy, charcoal grey, or moss green, with textured fabrics such as herringbone or subtle plaid patterns that evoke Amsterdam’s architectural charm.
Pair them with chinos or tailored trousers for a polished look. Explore brands like SuitSupply for expertly crafted unstructured blazers.
Double-Breasted Blazers
Double-breasted blazers add a sophisticated European flair to your wardrobe.
This structured style features overlapping front panels and peaked lapels, creating a commanding silhouette.
Opt for muted tones like slate grey or olive green, and choose mid-weight fabrics like wool blends for warmth during colder months.
Pair them with slim-fit trousers and polished loafers for an elevated business casual look.
Trousers
Tapered Chinos
Tapered chinos are a versatile staple, offering a sleek, tailored fit ideal for both office and social settings.
The tapered leg ensures comfort and ease of movement for cycling while maintaining a sharp silhouette.
Choose high-rise styles with flat fronts in earthy tones such as sand beige, slate grey, or moss green. Fabrics with a slight stretch add functionality for active commutes.
Kings of Indigo offers sustainable options that align with Amsterdam’s eco-conscious values.
Wool Trousers
Wool trousers are perfect for colder months, combining warmth and sophistication.
Mid-weight options in flannel or tweed add texture and style. Opt for classic colours like charcoal or heather grey, pairing them with unstructured blazers or knitwear for a polished business casual outfit.
Drawstring Trousers
Drawstring trousers provide unparalleled comfort while retaining a tailored appearance.
Look for tapered designs in cotton twill or wool blends, and choose neutral tones like dark grey, olive, or beige for versatility.
These trousers are ideal for pairing with grandad-collar shirts and loafers.
Lightweight Knitwear
Merino Wool Sweaters
Merino wool sweaters are essential for layering in Amsterdam’s changeable climate, offering both breathability and warmth.
Fine-gauge options work seamlessly under blazers, while heavier ribbed textures add dimension to colder-weather outfits.
Opt for rich colours like burgundy, mustard, or Delft blue, reflecting Amsterdam’s artistic heritage.
Geometric-Pattern Sweaters
Geometric-pattern sweaters, inspired by the De Stijl art movement, bring subtle visual interest to your wardrobe.
Choose understated patterns in monochromatic tones for a sophisticated look, ideal for layering under unstructured blazers.
Heritage-Inspired Shirts
Spread-Collar Shirts
Spread-collar shirts are versatile, working well with both ties and open-neck styles.
Opt for crisp white or pale blue versions, but consider subtle Dutch-inspired patterns for a unique touch.
Pair them with tailored trousers and blazers for a classic business casual ensemble.
Grandad-Collar Shirts
Grandad-collar shirts offer a minimalist yet modern silhouette, aligning perfectly with Amsterdam’s understated aesthetic.
Choose muted tones like olive or off-white, and pair them with chinos and loafers for a sophisticated yet relaxed look.
Footwear
Cap-Toe Oxfords
Cap-toe Oxfords provide a timeless choice for business casual attire. Their clean lines and structured design complement tailored trousers and blazers.
Stick to classic colours like black or dark brown for versatility, or add warmth with cognac tones.
Classic Chelsea Boots
Classic Chelsea boots balance practicality and style, making them ideal for Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets and cycling lifestyle.
Choose leather versions in deep brown or black for a refined, streamlined look that pairs effortlessly with chinos or tailored trousers.
Tassel Loafers
Tassel loafers add a touch of flair to your business casual wardrobe, combining comfort with understated sophistication.
Opt for suede styles in earthy tones like taupe or cognac for a soft, relaxed texture.
Outerwear Accessories
Wool Scarves
Wool scarves are indispensable during colder months, offering warmth and a stylish finish to your outfit.
Choose solid colours like camel, charcoal, or deep green for maximum versatility.
Leather Gloves
Leather gloves add a refined touch to Amsterdam’s business casual style while offering practical protection during colder seasons.
Stick to classic colours like black or dark brown to complement your blazers and coats.
Final Touches
Amsterdam’s business casual style emphasises functionality, sustainability, and timeless elegance.
Focus on versatile pieces that transition easily between professional and social settings, and invest in high-quality fabrics and classic silhouettes.
By incorporating local influences and practical designs, you’ll embody Amsterdam’s unique blend of sophistication and modernity.
Style Like A True Gentleman
Before we say goodbye, here’s one of the best-kept secrets in men’s styling circles, a secret that only a few expert image consultants know or are willing to share.
First and foremost, professional styling requires knowing your unique body shape and seasonal colour palette – paramount factors in choosing perfectly fitting clothes in colours that complement your skin, eyes, and hair.
Only then can a stylist engage in styling by occasion, location, season, and time of day, with garments, footwear, and accessories from stylistically relevant heritage fashion brands to depict high confidence and success.
Best part? You can find your body shape, seasonal colour palette, and ideal fashion style in less than 5 minutes by yourself, for free, thanks to our four simple steps:
1. Find Your Body Shape
Different garments flatter different silhouettes, so knowing your body shape is the first step in dressing like a confident man.
To find out your unique body shape, take our free body shape quiz for men.
Once you know your unique body shape, take the second free quiz to discover your unique colour palette.
2. Find Your Unique Colour Palette
Remember, the garments that compose your outfits come in various colours, and you must ensure that each hue complements your natural colour.
To do that, you have to find out your seasonal colour palette, and you can do it by taking our free seasonal colour quiz for men.
3. Find Your Ideal Fashion Style
By now, you should already know your body shape and unique colour palette; the next step is to discover your ideal personal fashion style.
The fastest and simplest way is to take our free fashion style quiz for men; it includes your ideal style, outfit ideas, relevant fashion brands, and much more.
4. Professional Image Consultancy with The VOU
And if you want to style like a professional, by occasion, location, season, and time of the day, you can always ask our expert image consultants and fashion stylists for help.
Our styling services for men are the most comprehensive and detailed on the market, backed up by leading stylists who will guide you step by step in creating looks that communicate affluence, elegance, and endless accomplishments.
Remember, wearing luxury brands isn’t enough; to look stylish, confident, and successful, you must first know your body shape, colour palette, and ideal personal style, and only then style by occasion, location, season, and time of day.
Contact us today to save headaches, time, and money – it’s time to dress like a confident, successful gentleman of exquisite fashion taste – the first styling assessment is on us!