Amsterdam Business Casual for Men, Built for Cycling, Rain and Cobbled Streets

Tailored Blazers

Unstructured Blazers

Unstructured blazers, with little padding and a light lining, are a comfortable choice for this style, relaxed in fit but still smart.

They are light and easy to move in, which helps on a bike, and they layer well over knitwear in cooler weather.

Navy, charcoal grey and moss green work well, in textured cloths such as herringbone or a subtle check.

Pair them with chinos or tailored trousers; SuitSupply, which was founded in Amsterdam, is one of many makers offering unstructured jackets.

Double-Breasted Blazers

Double-breasted blazers add a more formal European look.

They have overlapping fronts and usually peaked lapels, which give a strong outline.

Muted tones such as slate grey or olive, in mid-weight wool blends, suit colder months.

Pair them with tailored trousers and polished loafers for a smarter business-casual outfit, and remember a double-breasted jacket is usually kept fastened, which can feel restrictive on a bike.

Trousers

Tapered Chinos

Tapered chinos are versatile for both office and social settings.

A tapered leg keeps fabric away from the bike chain, and a little stretch makes cycling more comfortable.

Flat-front styles in earthy tones such as sand, slate grey or moss green work well.

Kings of Indigo, an Amsterdam brand, is one example of a maker focusing on more sustainable denim and trousers.

Wool Trousers

Wool trousers in flannel or tweed add warmth and texture in colder months.

Charcoal or heather grey pairs well with unstructured blazers or knitwear.

Drawstring Trousers

Drawstring trousers with a tailored cut are comfortable and suit relaxed offices.

Tapered designs in cotton twill or wool blends, in dark grey, olive or beige, pair well with grandad-collar shirts and loafers; check that your office accepts this more casual style.

Lightweight Knitwear

Merino Wool Sweaters

Merino jumpers are useful for layering in changeable weather, comfortable over a range of temperatures.

Fine-gauge knits sit neatly under blazers, while heavier ribbed knits suit colder days.

Colours such as burgundy, mustard or Delft blue add interest, the last a nod to Dutch Delftware, the blue-and-white pottery named after the city of Delft.

Geometric-Pattern Sweaters

Jumpers with simple geometric patterns, inspired by the Dutch De Stijl art movement, add quiet visual interest.

Understated patterns in a narrow colour range work best under an unstructured blazer.

Shirts

Spread-Collar Shirts

Spread-collar shirts work with and without a tie.

White and pale blue are the most versatile, and subtle patterns add character.

Pair them with tailored trousers and blazers for a classic business-casual outfit.

Grandad-Collar Shirts

Grandad-collar (band-collar) shirts give a minimal, modern look in relaxed offices.

Olive or off-white versions pair well with chinos and loafers.

Footwear

Cap-Toe Oxfords

Cap-toe Oxfords are a classic choice that suits tailored trousers and blazers.

Black or dark brown are the most versatile, and cognac adds warmth.

Leather soles can be slippery on wet cobbles, so consider rubber soles or carry office shoes if you cycle.

Classic Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are practical for cobbled streets and cycling, and easy to slip on and off.

Dark-brown or black leather versions look streamlined with chinos or tailored trousers; choose a sole with good grip and check the maker’s water-resistance information.

Tassel Loafers

Tassel loafers add a little character to business casual.

Suede versions in taupe or cognac look soft and relaxed, and are best kept for dry days unless treated.

Outerwear and Accessories

Wool Scarves

Wool scarves add warmth in colder months.

Solid colours such as camel, charcoal or deep green go with most coats.

Leather Gloves

Leather gloves are practical on a cold bike ride.

Black or dark brown go with most coats and jackets.

Rain Protection

A water-resistant coat or rain jacket long enough to cover your jacket when you cycle makes wet commutes easier, and somewhere to change or dry off at work helps too.

Final Touches

This approach to business casual emphasises practicality, comfort and understated style.

Choose versatile garments that move easily between work and social settings, in fabrics that suit the weather and your commute.

Adapt the ideas to your own office’s dress policy and the way you travel to work.

Go Further with Personal Styling

If you want to take your styling further, some people find it helpful to work with an image consultant; our guide to what image consultants do explains the service.

Image consultants often consider your body shape and seasonal colour palette when suggesting clothes, and some people use these as starting points, though neither is required to dress well.

Stylists also plan outfits by occasion, location, season and time of day, choosing garments, footwear and accessories, sometimes from heritage fashion brands.

If you would like to explore these tools yourself, The VOU offers quizzes:

1. Find Your Body Shape

Our body shape quiz for men describes your proportions, which some readers use when comparing cuts and silhouettes.

2. Find Your Seasonal Colours

Our seasonal colour quiz for men suggests a seasonal colour palette you can use when choosing colours for your outfits, if you find a colour system helpful.

3. Find Your Fashion Style

Our fashion style quiz for men suggests a personal fashion style with outfit ideas and brands to explore.

Our styling services for men are paid consultations; the shop page lists what each one includes.

Brand names alone do not make an outfit; fit, suitability and how you combine your clothes matter more, and our guide to logo-heavy luxury brands and how to wear them covers branded clothing in more detail.

You can also read about The VOU’s image consultants and stylists.