Top 15 'Creative-Casual' Outfit Ideas to Explore for Agency Life Beyond the Hoodie
Ah, the creative agency. A vibrant ecosystem of brilliant minds, endless coffee, and a very specific, unspoken dress code. You know the one. It lives somewhere in the nebulous space between "I just rolled out of bed" and "I might have a client meeting, maybe?" For many, the default uniform becomes the holy trinity of a comfortable hoodie, worn-in jeans, and a trusty pair of sneakers. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with this classic combo, sometimes you want to… elevate.
Welcome to the world of "Creative-Casual." It’s not about ditching comfort or conforming to a stuffy corporate standard. It's about intentionality. It's about crafting a look that feels authentic to you, sharp enough for an impromptu client presentation, yet comfortable enough for a marathon brainstorming session. It’s about showing the world that the same creativity you pour into your work extends to your personal style. Think of it as dressing for the job you have, but with a promotion-worthy dose of personality.
So, how do you break free from the hoodie-and-jeans vortex without looking like you’re about to file tax returns? We’ve got you covered. Here are 15 creative-casual outfit ideas and key pieces to help you redefine your agency style, build confidence, and express your unique professional identity.
1. The Elevated Knit Polo
Forget the piqué polos of your high school uniform. We're talking about the knit polo—a sophisticated, textured upgrade that bridges the gap between a t-shirt and a button-down. Made from materials like merino wool, cotton-silk blends, or textured weaves, these polos have a softer drape and a more refined look that instantly reads as "put-together."
The beauty of the knit polo lies in its versatility. It’s polished enough to wear on its own with smart trousers but also layers beautifully under a shacket or unstructured blazer. Look for options in solid, muted colours like navy, charcoal, olive, or ecru. For a slightly retro, creative-director vibe, consider a style with a Johnny collar (an open, V-neck placket with no buttons).
Pro Tip: Pair a charcoal merino knit polo with black jeans and clean white leather sneakers. It’s a minimalist, monochromatic look that is effortlessly cool and comfortable.
2. The Indispensable Chore Coat
If you buy one new piece of outerwear this year, make it a chore coat. This humble workwear staple has become the creative professional’s blazer. It’s more structured than a cardigan but far less formal than a sport coat, offering the perfect "third piece" to pull an outfit together. Its boxy fit and large patch pockets are both practical and stylish.
Chore coats come in a variety of fabrics, from classic canvas and durable twill to cozy wool and textured corduroy for colder months. A navy or khaki canvas version is a perfect starting point, as it pairs with almost anything. You can throw it over a simple t-shirt, a button-down, or even a lightweight sweater. It adds a layer of visual interest and intention without trying too hard.
Pro Tip: Wear a khaki chore coat over a simple white tee and dark-wash selvedge denim. Finish the look with a pair of suede desert boots for a timeless, rugged-yet-refined agency uniform.
3. Smart Trousers That Aren't Jeans
Let's be clear: we love denim. But relying on it every single day can lead to a style rut. Swapping your jeans for a pair of smart trousers is one of the easiest ways to instantly elevate your look. The key is to find a pair that’s just as comfortable. Look for modern chinos with a bit of stretch, drapey Tencel pants, or tailored wool-blend trousers.
Don't be afraid of different fits. A slim, tapered chino in olive green or stone grey is a modern classic. For a more fashion-forward approach, try a pleated, slightly wider-leg trouser. They offer incredible comfort and a distinctive silhouette that stands out in a sea of skinny jeans. In warmer weather, linen-blend trousers are a game-changer.
Pro Tip: Try a pair of navy stretch-cotton chinos with a high-quality grey crewneck sweatshirt and minimalist leather sneakers. It’s the comfort of your weekend wear, but with a sharp, office-ready finish.
4. The Unstructured Blazer
This isn't your dad's pinstripe suit jacket. The unstructured blazer is its relaxed, modern cousin. It lacks the heavy shoulder pads and rigid construction of traditional tailoring, making it feel more like a comfortable cardigan. Typically crafted from softer materials like knit cotton, linen, or boiled wool, it drapes naturally over your shoulders.
An unstructured blazer is the ultimate secret weapon for looking sharp in a flash. Need to jump on a surprise video call with a big client? Throw it on over your t-shirt, and you’re instantly credible. It’s a principle Goh Ling Yong often champions in branding—authenticity and polish—and it applies just as much to how we present ourselves. The unstructured blazer perfectly embodies this, offering a professional silhouette without the stuffiness.
Pro Tip: A navy or grey knit blazer is incredibly versatile. Wear it with a Breton-striped shirt, beige chinos, and loafers for a touch of Parisian chic.
5. Premium, Spotless Sneakers
The foundation of any great creative-casual wardrobe is a pair of clean, minimalist sneakers. Notice the keywords: "clean" and "minimalist." Your beat-up gym shoes won't cut it. Investing in a pair of high-quality leather or suede sneakers in a simple silhouette will pay dividends, as you can wear them with everything from jeans to tailored trousers.
White leather is the undisputed champion, but don't overlook options in black, grey, or tan. The most important rule is maintenance. Keep them clean! A quick wipe-down after a few wears and a deeper clean every few weeks will ensure they always look sharp. Brands like Common Projects, Oliver Cabell, and even classic Stan Smiths or Vejas are excellent choices.
Pro Tip: Create a high-low look by pairing crisp white sneakers with smart wool trousers and a simple merino wool sweater. It's a comfortable, modern take on business casual.
6. The Discerning Graphic Tee
A graphic tee can be a powerful tool for self-expression, but there's a fine line between "creative" and "juvenile." Ditch the loud logos and faded band tees from college. Instead, opt for t-shirts with more subtle, artistic, or typographic designs. Think minimalist line art, an abstract pattern from a museum collaboration, or a clever, well-designed typographic phrase.
The secret to pulling off a graphic tee in the office is context. Use it as a base layer to add a pop of personality under more structured pieces. Tucking a cool graphic tee into smart trousers and throwing a chore coat over it creates a look that is both playful and polished. It shows you have a point of view without screaming for attention.
Pro Tip: Find a tee from a local artist or an independent design shop. It's a conversation starter and a great way to support the creative community.
7. The Sleek Turtleneck or Mock Neck
Channel your inner Steve Jobs (but with more colour options). The turtleneck, or its slightly shorter cousin the mock neck, is a sleek and sophisticated alternative to the collared shirt. A fine-gauge merino wool turtleneck is incredibly versatile, comfortable, and adds an intellectual, architectural flair to any outfit.
For a classic, unimpeachable look, you can't go wrong with black. It looks fantastic on its own or layered under a blazer or denim jacket. But don't be afraid to experiment with other colours like camel, forest green, or burgundy. A mock neck sweater offers a similar silhouette but can feel a bit less restrictive for those not fully committed to the full turtleneck.
Pro Tip: Layer a black merino turtleneck under a charcoal grey wool blazer with dark jeans. It's a powerful, minimalist look that’s perfect for a presentation or a gallery opening after work.
8. The Boot Upgrade: Chelsea or Desert
While sneakers are a staple, sometimes an outfit calls for a slightly more substantial shoe. A great pair of boots can anchor your look and add a touch of rugged refinement. Two of the most versatile and agency-appropriate styles are the Chelsea boot and the desert boot.
Chelsea boots, with their sleek, laceless design and elastic side panels, are incredibly easy to wear and can be dressed up or down. A pair in brown suede is a creative-casual classic. Desert boots, typically made of suede with a crepe sole, offer a more relaxed, bohemian vibe. They are exceptionally comfortable and look better with a bit of wear and tear.
Pro Tip: Brown suede Chelsea boots are the perfect companion for slim-fit black jeans and an olive green overshirt.
9. The High-Quality Crewneck Sweatshirt
Yes, you can wear a sweatshirt to the office—provided it's the right one. We’re not talking about your university hoodie. We mean a premium crewneck sweatshirt made from high-quality materials like loopback cotton or French terry. Look for a great fit (not too baggy, not too tight) and minimal to no branding.
Think of this as the hoodie's older, more successful sibling. It offers all the comfort but with a cleaner, more streamlined silhouette. Solid, neutral colours like heather grey, navy, black, and oatmeal are the most versatile. You can wear it over a collared shirt for a preppy, layered look or simply on its own with chinos for a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Pro Tip: Wear a well-fitting heather grey sweatshirt over a white Oxford shirt (let the collar and hem peek out) with dark denim and white sneakers.
10. Patterned Shirts (Beyond Basic Plaid)
Plaid flannel has its place, but the world of patterned shirts is vast and exciting. Injecting a subtle pattern is a fantastic way to add personality to your work wardrobe. Think micro-florals, subtle geometric prints, polka dots, or even abstract brushstroke designs.
The key is to keep the scale and colour palette in check. A navy shirt with small white polka dots is classic and playful. A muted floral print on a dark background can look artistic and sophisticated. These shirts work well on their own or as a layering piece under a solid-coloured sweater or jacket, allowing just a hint of the pattern to show at the collar and cuffs.
Pro Tip: A short-sleeve camp collar shirt with a tasteful pattern is a perfect choice for summer agency life, paired with linen trousers or cuffed chinos.
11. The Modern Denim Jacket
The denim jacket is an all-American classic, but a few simple tweaks can make it feel more modern and office-appropriate. First, consider the wash. A dark, uniform indigo or a sharp black denim jacket looks much cleaner than a heavily faded or distressed version. Second, focus on the fit. It should be slim enough to layer under a coat in winter but have enough room to wear over a sweater.
Don't be afraid to try "trucker" style jackets in other fabrics, too. A corduroy, canvas, or moleskin version in a colour like tan or olive offers the same classic silhouette but with a different texture and feel. This is a true wardrobe workhorse that only gets better with age.
Pro Tip: Try the "Canadian tuxedo" in a sophisticated way by pairing a dark indigo denim jacket with well-fitting black jeans. The contrast keeps it from looking like a costume.
12. Accessorize with Intention
Accessories are the details that elevate an outfit from good to great. They are the final layer where your personality can truly shine. This isn't about loading up on jewellery; it’s about choosing a few key pieces that complement your look.
A great watch is a timeless choice—it doesn't have to be expensive, just well-designed. A simple leather-strap watch or a minimalist field watch can be a fantastic focal point. Other ideas include a unique pair of glasses, a woven leather belt, colourful and interesting socks that peek out when you sit down, or a simple leather bracelet. In colder months, a quality beanie or scarf can add both warmth and style.
Pro Tip: Instead of a bulky backpack, consider upgrading your carry-all to a stylish canvas tote bag or a sleek leather messenger bag. It’s a practical and professional touch.
13. The One-and-Done Jumpsuit
For a bold, fashion-forward, and surprisingly practical option, consider the jumpsuit or boilersuit. This one-piece wonder is the epitome of utilitarian chic. It’s a full outfit in one go, taking the guesswork out of getting dressed. It projects an air of creative confidence and effortless cool.
Look for styles in sturdy fabrics like cotton twill or canvas, in versatile colours like black, navy, or khaki. The fit is crucial—it should be relaxed but not sloppy. You can style it in numerous ways: roll up the sleeves, unbutton the top few buttons to show a t-shirt underneath, and pair it with either rugged boots or clean sneakers. It’s a statement piece that’s also incredibly comfortable for a long day of work.
Pro Tip: Cinch the waist of a slightly oversized jumpsuit with a leather belt to create a more defined and flattering silhouette.
14. The Versatile Overshirt
What's the difference between a chore coat, a shacket, and an overshirt? The lines are blurry, but generally, an overshirt is a bit lighter than a shacket and more shirt-like in its construction. Think of it as a button-down shirt made from a heavier fabric, designed to be worn as a top layer.
Overshirts are layering superstars. They are perfect for those in-between seasons when a t-shirt is too little and a jacket is too much. They come in a huge range of fabrics, from classic flannel (look for modern colourways) and corduroy to sturdy moleskin and wool blends. Throw one over a henley or a t-shirt for an easy, textured look.
Pro Tip: An olive green corduroy overshirt worn open over a cream-coloured henley with dark trousers is a fantastic combination of textures and colours for autumn.
15. The Power of Fabric and Texture
This final point isn't a specific item, but a guiding principle for your entire wardrobe. The most stylish people understand the power of mixing textures. An outfit composed entirely of flat, plain cotton can look a bit one-dimensional. By incorporating different materials, you create visual depth and interest, making even a simple, monochromatic outfit look sophisticated.
Think about combining different textures in one look. Pair the rough texture of a wool sweater with the smooth feel of a silk-blend scarf. Contrast rugged denim with soft suede boots. Combine a nubby corduroy overshirt with a smooth cotton t-shirt. As someone who writes for Goh Ling Yong's blog, I know that telling a compelling story is all about the details—and the same is true for your personal style.
Pro Tip: A simple winter outfit: a chunky ribbed knit sweater, dark wash jeans, a wool topcoat, and leather boots. You have four distinct textures at play, creating a rich and visually appealing look.
Your Style is Your Story
Breaking out of the hoodie-and-jeans rut isn't about abandoning comfort or becoming someone you're not. It's about being more intentional with your choices and building a wardrobe that reflects your creativity and professionalism. Creative-casual is a spectrum, and the goal is to find where you fit on it.
Start small. Pick one or two ideas from this list that resonate with you and experiment. Maybe it’s swapping your hoodie for a crewneck sweatshirt or investing in a great pair of boots. Over time, you’ll build a versatile, comfortable, and stylish wardrobe that makes you feel confident and ready for whatever agency life throws your way.
Now, we want to hear from you. What are your go-to creative-casual outfits? What’s your secret style weapon for looking sharp in the office? Share your best tips and ideas in the comments below!
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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