Leather loafers offer versatility that lets you easily transition from casual to formal wear, according to Dana Bandi, founder and designer of Dana Bandi.

Belgian loafers, in particular, provide a streamlined yet refined look that pairs well with business-casual outfits as workplaces become more relaxed post-pandemic, according to Letam "Ley" Duson, founder of Ley All Day Personal Styling.

The stylist recommends trying them with a button-down and jeans or a turtleneck and slacks for an effortless office ensemble.

According to Jonathan Marc Stein, founder and fashion designer of JONATHAN MARC STEIN Atelier, monochromatic dressing is taking over the workplace for its sleek and modern aesthetic.

To achieve this look, Stein said to coordinate tops and bottoms in different shades of the same color hue.

Bandi suggested starting simple by pairing dark-gray pleated wool trousers with a lighter gray knit in a looser weave to add subtle texture. On cooler days, layer with a gray peacoat for a cohesive and refined finish.

Aligning with the monochromatic trend, subdued designs are also on the rise, offering a refined way to enhance an outfit without overwhelming it.

"Choose neutral colors and minimalist designs," Stein told BI. "Mismatched but complementary color schemes can infuse a fresh vibe into a traditional approach to styling."

Think simple ties, watches, and belts that subtly elevate a look. Sleek, high-quality belts, in particular, are replacing oversized buckles and excessive branding, favoring a more polished and adaptable aesthetic, according to Bandi.

Stein said we can expect to see more men wearing lightweight, structured blazers that offer a polished, bespoke vibe and often feature shoulder padding for added shape.

"Pair these blazers with straight-leg or tailored jeans for a sophisticated office look," he told BI.

Stein recommends men add Chelsea boots to their work wardrobe as they pair well with a range of outfits.

"Wear them with anything from suits to jeans for a chic look," the designer told BI. Consider getting the boots in black or tan, as these shades are most adaptable.

Say goodbye to the 2010s ultra-slim pants trend, both Bandi and Stein told BI.

The focus is shifting toward trousers with a more relaxed fit — slightly loose silhouettes made from lightweight fabrics that facilitate movement.

Pair these comfortable trousers with tailored shirts or a structured blazer for a harmonious balance, Stein recommends.

Whether cable-knit, waffle, or honeycomb, textures add dimension and interest to any look, Duson told BI.

Bandi also recommends incorporating quarter-zip or full-zip knits into a workwear wardrobe, which can serve as statement pieces or versatile layering options.

"These pieces are highly versatile for various office or business settings, as well as after hours," Bandi said. "They pair perfectly with loafers and pleated trousers."

We're seeing some consumer shifting away from synthetic materials and moving toward more sustainable, eco-conscious alternatives, Stein said.

Bandi also said that as more people are interested in curating "forever pieces" for their wardrobe, they're investing in quality over quantity, moving away from fast fashion and synthetic fabrics.

Wearing prominent logos and branded items isn't as popular as it once was, Bandi said.

The dip in consumer spending on luxury items has only seemed to further contribute to this, she added.

Instead, she recommends focusing on timeless wardrobe essentials that have no visible logos and don't clearly feature any particular brand.

Gap, which has 575 locations in the US and Asia, is all about functional pieces and everyday essentials. My local Gap store has become my go-to for staple pieces.

I've also noticed the ongoing addition of on-trend and fashion-forward styles.

I tried on the 365 high-rise pleated trousers, which had a relaxed, wide-leg fit. Although the pants were much too long for me (petite sizing wasn't available in-store), I loved the overall shape.

They were flattering and stylish, and I'd feel confident wearing them in any work setting, from the office to a conference. I especially loved the pleating beneath the waistband and the lightweight and flowy material.

Now, would I pay $90 for pants that are 100% polyester? Let's just say I left the store empty-handed, but would jump at the opportunity to buy these on sale.

After walking out of Gap empty-handed, I took a trip to Old Navy, which has over 1,200 locations worldwide.

I've always appreciated Old Navy's commitment to fashionable pieces at approachable prices. However, although the brand offers good deals on closet staples and trending styles, I've found the lower pricing is sometimes reflected in the quality of materials and construction.

I tried on the Taylor wide-leg trouser pants ($50), which have a textured crepe fabric made with 39% recycled polyester, 36% polyester, 19% viscose-rayon, and 6% spandex.

This material felt a bit thicker than the Gap pair and was comfortable against my skin. I liked the wide-leg shape, but the overall fit seemed off. I thought the pants looked bulky on me, and the inseam seemed crooked.

These didn't flatter my body type, but at nearly half the price of the Gap style, they'd be worth trying on for those looking for a less expensive option. Plus, they come in a wide range of colors and patterns.

Finally, I stopped at Banana Republic, which has over 420 locations around the world.

As the most high-end brand in the Gap Inc. collection, Banana Republic delivers "attainable luxury" with classic, high-quality pieces.

I tried on the Hayden wide-leg pant ($100) at Banana Republic.

The length was several inches too long for me (again, there was a lack of petite sizing in-store), but I still loved the relaxed fit.

The lightweight material — made with 63% recycled polyester, 34% rayon, and 3% elastane spandex — was breezy and comfortable. However, there was no belt loop or even zipper, which limits the accessorizing and styling options.

However, if all you need is a standard pair of pants to wear with simple, corporate-appropriate outfits, these could be a good option.

Overall, my favorite pair of work pants was from Gap. I loved the flattering, stylish shape and lightweight material.

I'll return to shop for them (and more business casual clothing) during the store's next big sale.

He spent the early days of his career in tech, working for Fortune 500 companies in their software sales departments. All the while, he was making videos about his life on TikTok.

He began focusing on his fashion specifically about two years ago, which grew his audience and inspired Nicoll.

"I just geek out on buying new pieces and styling them," he told BI. "Fashion brings me a lot of fulfillment. I can talk about it for hours on end and not get bored."

Viewers also resonated with his passion. In February, he officially transitioned from part-time creator to full-time influencer.

"My fashion is pretty simple if you look at it from a 50,000-foot view," he said. "I used to be kind of insecure about it, but now I think it's why my style resonates with so many people."

While working in tech, Nicoll's style was limited.

"I felt like I had a dress in a very simple, straightforward way," he said. "You'd maybe wear some ABC Lululemon pants or chinos and a branded polo of your company. There was very little room to experiment there."

So, he found a different place to express himself: the gym.

"I always loved having really nice gym fits because they made me feel better about myself," he said. "The gym was the place where I first started caring about my outfits quite a lot — and then that trickled into my daily fashion."

If the gym doesn't work for you, try finding inspiration wherever you're most comfortable. It could be the golf course, nights out with your friends, or anywhere in between.

Nicoll told BI that every man should have three wardrobe staples: a high-quality white T-shirt and two solid pairs of jeans (one in black and another in light-wash blue).

The three basics feel comfortable, look effortless, and can be used as bases for more statement-making accessories.

Specifically, Nicoll recommends shopping for jeans at Madewell and COS, and T-shirts at Uniqlo and Abercrombie & Fitch.

"Baggy jeans are trendy, and for a while, I preferred straight jeans," he said. "But the happy medium is a relaxed fit. I think they're timeless."

Layers, Nicoll said, are where "you get to spice things up."

In the winter, that can mean wearing a cardigan or hoodie over your shirt and then a puffer vest or jacket on top. The extra pieces can add unique color combinations and different textures to your look.

But layering can also be synonymous with accessorizing. Why limit yourself to a shirt, pants, and shoes when you could also wear a hat, some jewelry, and a crossbody bag?

Nicoll is particularly fond of translucent sunglasses — the $65 Cumbi style from Meller gets him many compliments, he said — and hats from brands like Huega House and Aug 11.

Nicoll said these extra pieces are ideal for "adding your own flair" and "making the difference in men's fashion," whether worn for function or style.

Silhouette trends have been everywhere in recent years — especially in the world of women's fashion.

Gen Z, in particular, has become obsessed with mixing and matching shapes; they wear tight, short tops with baggy bottoms and pair oversize T-shirts with miniskirts.

As Nicoll noted, men can also use silhouettes in their styling.

"Two years ago, I was wearing very slim jeans and oversize tees, and I thought that was a cool look," he told BI. "I do like that style on other people, but the trends have really shifted, and now I find my comfort level is in relaxed jeans and tops that are more cropped. It creates an almost hourglass look, and I think it's more flattering for my personal physique."

To get started, he recommends shopping at retailers that sell classic pieces with modern twists, such as COS. He especially likes the $135 Dome jeans and $99 Relaxed Textured Resort shirt.

"I think it's really slept on for men's fashion," he said of the London-based brand. "It's a good place to play around with classic silhouettes and pieces that are a little bit more playful and different."

"There are cropped looks and boxy ones, which I really like," he added. "Those shapes allow you to add some personality to your outfits."

"I always joke and call myself a 'beige baby' because I hardly ever wear color," Nicoll said. "And that's what I suggest for other men as well. You can get a lot more use out of neutral pieces because they coincide and match so easily."

Still, he isn't against making menswear more vibrant — he just thinks you should save it for the accents of outfits.

Nicoll uses hats to add pops of color to his casual looks and jewelry to brighten formal attire.

"If you can wear a watch with a blue or green face, that's a great way to add a little pop," he said. "Or if your sweater has some color, drape it over your shoulders. You may not want to go full out, but there are definitely little details you can add."

After working in tech for six years, Nicoll is well-versed in the industry's unofficial uniform. Despite its popularity, though, he said men can improve upon it.

"As much as I love Patagonia — I think it's a great brand — branching away from the Patagonia vest doesn't mean you're going to look less professional in any way. You can add your own style to the tech look, maybe spend a bit more time looking at vests, and not buy the one that everybody else in the office has."

He feels similarly about everyday outfits and says men "need to be cautious about following trends" to avoid losing their individuality and buying cheaply made pieces.

One way to do that is to try shopping at different stores.

He said that while H&M and Zara are hit or miss in terms of quality and selection, other popular brands like Uniqlo, Madewell, and Abercrombie & Fitch have leveled up and offer better pieces more consistently.

Nicoll said dressing better can help one maintain a positive mindset, which "sets you up for success."

"I've come to love that about fashion — it goes a long way with improving confidence," he said.

Still, he thinks it's important that men know "it's a journey to build your wardrobe."

"Someone could look at my videos and think, 'This guy has everything.' But it's taken me two years to collect all of these things," he said, referencing his physical wardrobe and the fashion hacks he's learned.

"So, just take your time and build it up, slowly but surely," he said.

I started my journey at Banana Republic, which has more than 400 stores worldwide and is known for its high-quality, expertly crafted collections.

Immediately after entering the store, I spotted a table set with perfectly folded sweaters.

As I was browsing for my size, an employee checked on me and asked if I was finding everything I needed — a question I only received once during my mall visit.

Although I feared Banana Republic would have pushy and overwhelming sales associates, I felt relaxed and comfortable while scanning the store.

After grabbing an $80 sweater, which was on sale for 40% off, I headed for the dressing room.

I instantly felt cozy wearing the classic crew-neck sweater, knitted from the company's signature all-season Italian Merino wool.

Although my usual medium size fit like a glove, a large also would've worked if I wanted a looser fit or to layer a shirt underneath.

I was quickly sold on the sweater, but I wanted to see what options were available at the other two stores.

With less than an hour until the mall closed, I headed to one of the world's largest apparel brands — Old Navy.

The chain, which has over 1,200 stores worldwide, offers a range of clothing options for the whole family.

Searching the store for a black sweater was a bit of a hunt, but I eventually found one row mixed in between pants and cardigans.

However, I appreciated the store's use of clothing-size stickers on its sweaters. As a result, I didn't have to pull out handfuls of clothing to see if my size was available.

I was also delighted to see Old Navy delivering on price. Normally sold for $35, the black sweater I grabbed was on sale for 50% off.

Once I tried on the crew-neck sweater in the fitting room, I feared its 60% cotton and 40% polyester material would easily pick up things like dust and cat hair.

The sweater also felt tighter around my neck, making me question if I wanted — and needed — to size up. As of now, this sweater was headed back to the rack.

Last but not least, I rushed into Gap before the mall closed. The retailer, which has over 580 locations across the US and Asia, has always felt like a midway point between Banana Republic and Old Navy in terms of price and quality.

Upon entering the store, I discovered that Gap had the fewest number of sweaters available. With less than a handful to choose from in various colors, I was relieved they still had my size ready to try on in black.

I was also delighted to see that Gap was having a sale. The sweaters were marked down to $19 from their original price of $50.

Made of 100% cotton, this sweater was the longest of the three I tried on.

The textured style also made me feel like this was a more versatile option, allowing me to dress up for an evening event or keep things casual for an afternoon running around town.

Although I came close to purchasing the Gap sweater at the end of the night — it was technically the best savings by far — I ultimately loved my Banana Republic shopping experience the best.

The customer service, store presentation, and comfort of the sweater I tried on left me wanting to return as soon as possible. Plus, the price was reasonable for my budget — not triple digits like I feared going into the store.

I'll admit I would be satisfied with Gap's sweater, and Old Navy's option would also do the job. Sometimes, however, you have to fork over a few extra bucks and do what looks — and feels — right.