In fashion offices, “business casual” is both a dress code and a moving target. For shopping director and style expert Bobby Schuessler, the solution is a tight, disciplined capsule wardrobe built on five pieces—and a deliberate omission that might surprise you.

Schuessler’s approach is rooted in the reality of modern workplaces: you need to look polished enough for a boardroom but relaxed enough to move through a full day of meetings, desk time, and the occasional after-work event. His answer is a formula that relies on quality, repetition, and subtle variation rather than a closet packed with options.

At the core is a sharp blazer. It’s the instant elevator, thrown over almost anything to signal authority and intention. Underneath, a crisp button-up shirt anchors the look, whether in classic white, soft blue, or a fine stripe. These two pieces do most of the visual heavy lifting, framing the face and setting the tone before you’ve said a word.

The third pillar is polished bottoms: dark-wash jeans with a clean hem, tailored trousers, or a streamlined midi skirt. The key is structure and finish—no distressing, no slouchy silhouettes, nothing that reads as weekend. These pieces create a long line and pair seamlessly with both flats and low heels.

Layered into the mix is a cardigan or lightweight sweater. This is where texture and subtle color come in, softening the sharpness of a blazer or standing alone on more relaxed days. It keeps the capsule from feeling rigid while still reading as intentional and office-ready.

Finally, leather shoes complete the equation: loafers, refined flats, or a low heel. They ground the outfit and communicate professionalism in a way that feels understated rather than showy.

Conspicuously absent from Schuessler’s business casual capsule is the modern office darling: sneakers. While he acknowledges that sleek sneakers can work in more relaxed environments, he draws a firm line for a traditional business casual uniform. For him, sneakers introduce just enough informality to blur the message. In a professional setting where first impressions still matter, he believes leather footwear sends a clearer signal.

The power of his five-piece formula lies in its simplicity: choose three of the five, mix in personal touches like jewelry or a belt, and you’re dressed—no second-guessing, no last-minute outfit changes, and no sneakers required.