Written by Ben Chuang

When I think of "finance bro" stereotypes, pop culture references like Wolf of Wall Street and American Psycho immediately come to mind.

The protagonists in these movies are always dripped out in designer Armani suits, with Rolexes on their wrists and platinum AmEx cards in luxury calfskin wallets. But is this still the case in 2024?

According to my research and firsthand accounts from friends in the industry, the modern finance bro style seems to have somewhat evolved. While timeless staples like tailored suits always have a place among finance bros, less formal pieces like the Patagonia vest (lovingly referred to as Patagucci) are also trending.

So keep reading to discover our guide to office attire that will make all your finance brothers proud.

 

Introduction to the Finance Bro Look

The term “finance bro” has become a cultural shorthand for young professionals in the finance industry who project a distinctive style, personality, and lifestyle. The finance bro look is synonymous with success, ambition, and a refined appearance, reflecting the competitive world of high finance and a desire to stand out in that space. In fact, scientific studies show that well-dressed individuals positively affect one's perception of competence.

With its blend of business professional and trendy casual wear, the outfit is not just a set of clothes—it is a visual representation of a fast-paced, career-driven lifestyle on Wall Street. Whether they're in the office or attending a professional conference, finance professionals prioritize looking sharp, confident, and affluent.

This article breaks down the key elements of the finance bro outfit, which range from formal office attire to casual Fridays and even seasonal variations.

 

Key Elements

Finance bro fashion trends consist of a carefully curated mix of business and casual pieces, each chosen to project professionalism while staying on trend. At its core are tailored, slim-fit dress shirts, typically sourced from high-end or luxury shirt brands like Nimble Made.

A slim fit white button-up dress shirt or a light blue dress shirt is a staple of the finance bro wardrobe. This is paired with well-fitting slacks or chinos, usually in neutral tones like navy, grey, brown, or khaki. This type of outfit works great for professional headshots where one must be well dressed.

Essential Accessories to the Look

Shoes are another essential element, with finance bros often opting for polished leather oxfords or loafers that complement their clean, sophisticated look. Try one of these best dress shoes.

A properly sized belt must match the shoes, further demonstrating attention to detail. This is especially important if you are dressing for a job interview, as well as what colors you choose to wear.

The ensemble is often completed with a 38mm watch, typically from brands like Rolex or Omega, as a subtle symbol of success. Sunglasses, leather bags, and minimalistic slim ties are common accessories that add a finishing touch to the outfit.

 

Finance Bro Summer Outfit

When the temperatures rise, fin bros adjust their office fashion to stay cool without sacrificing style. The fin bro summer outfit often includes lightweight fabrics such as linen or cotton, which allow for breathability while still maintaining a professional appearance.

Short-sleeved button-up shirts in light colors or pastels are popular for business casual settings, often paired with chinos or dress shorts in neutral tones like beige or khaki. The fit remains key—nothing too tight, baggy, or casual—keeping the look clean and professional even in hot weather.

Summer Footwear

Shoes during the summer months might include loafers or sleek slip-ons, often worn without socks for a more relaxed feel. Accessories like sunglasses and leather belts remain essential, with finance bros gravitating toward minimalist, high-end styles that complement their overall outfits.

A smart, lightweight blazer might also be part of the ensemble for indoor settings, ensuring that the fin bro is ready for a meeting or networking event, no matter the heat.

 

The Must-Have Finance Bro Vest

 

 

One of the most recognizable items associated with the fin bro wardrobe is the vest, particularly the Patagonia vest. This piece of outerwear has become a symbol of finance culture, blending functionality with style.

The vest is often worn over a slim fit dress shirt or casual button-up, adding an extra layer of warmth while maintaining a professional look.

The fin bro vest is typically slim-fitting and made from high-quality materials like fleece or quilted fabric, with neutral colors such as black, navy, or grey being the most popular choices.

A Winter Essential

The vest has become somewhat of an iconic fin bro accessory, especially for fall looks and winter outfits. Its versatility allows it to be worn both in the office and outside of work, providing an ideal mix of casual and professional.

The fin bro vest is more than just a practical item—it's a subtle statement of belonging to the finance world, where blending performance and style is key.

 

 

Dressing for Business Formal

In more formal settings, the fin bro adopts a typical business professional look, though with modern twists. The classic fin bro suit is tailored and fitted, with a preference for slim-cut jackets and pants. Try one of these best suit brands we reviewed.

The colors are usually conservative, with navy blue and charcoal being the most popular choices, though some finance bros may opt for a sharp black suit for special occasions. We have a few guides on how to match a blue suit with brown shoes and a black suit with a blue shirt.

Accompanying the suit is a well-ironed dress shirt, typically in shades of white, light blue, or pastel, to create a clean, crisp appearance. On the formal end, finance outfits have many similarities to the accounting dress code and law attire.

Formal Accessories to Consider

Ties are also an essential part of the formal finance outfit. These are usually narrow and understated, often in solid colors or subtle blue and white patterns like stripes or small geometric designs.

Pocket squares and cufflinks may be added for a touch of elegance, though these accessories are typically kept minimal to avoid looking too flashy.

Polished leather shoes, particularly Oxfords or brogues, complete the outfit, ensuring the fin bro always looks put together and ready for business.

This formal style is a hallmark of the finance world, where appearance is a reflection of one's professional success and dedication.

 

Dressing for Business Casual

While business formal is a staple for important meetings or client presentations, the finance bro also knows how to navigate business casual environments.

In more relaxed office settings, the fin bro might swap the suit for a white button-down shirt, often in patterns like checks or stripes.

These shirts are paired with slim chinos or dress pants, providing a smart, yet comfortable, look. The finance bro still maintains an air of professionalism with this look and can rock a suit without tie combination.

Business Casual Shoes to Have

Shoes for business casual days often include loafers or leather dress shoes with a slight modern twist, such as broguing or textured leather. If you're looking to add some height, we like these shoes that make you taller as well.

Finance bros are known to layer their outfits effectively, with sweaters over a dress shirt or with a type of men's jacket that adds dimension to their look.

A favorite layering piece is the classic quarter-zip pullover, typically worn over a button-up shirt. This style of uniform allows finance bros to maintain their polished appearance while adapting to less rigid office environments.

 

Dressing for Casual Fridays

Casual Fridays allow finance bros to showcase a more relaxed yet still fashionable side.

While still adhering to professional standards, the finance bro casual outfit often includes denim jeans or well-fitting chinos paired with one of their best polo shirts or casual button-up. T shirts are still too casual, even for Fridays in the industry, so most guys would avoid that.

The key is maintaining a balance between comfort and style, never venturing too far into overly casual or sloppy territory such as a t-shirt.

Pair with Relaxed Accessories

On casual Fridays, footwear becomes slightly more relaxed, with finance bros opting for clean white sneakers or high-end loafers instead of their usual dress shoes.

Accessories also take on a slightly more smart casual tone, with some finance bros adding fashionable sunglasses or a sleek leather backpack to their ensemble.

Even when dressing down, the finance bro’s outfit remains meticulously curated, ensuring that he looks polished and put-together, regardless of the day.

 

Why It Matters

The finance bro look is about more than just fashion; it reflects the culture and values of the finance industry. In a field where perception can influence success, maintaining a polished and professional appearance is critical.

Dressing well signals to clients, colleagues, and competitors that the individual is serious, detail-oriented, and driven. The uniformity of the finance bro look also speaks to the broader finance culture, where fitting in and projecting a certain image are key to building credibility and trust.

At the same time, the outfit allows room for self-expression, particularly through the choice of clothing brands, accessories, and subtle details like patterns or color combinations.

While the style may seem homogeneous on the surface, each finance bro adds his personal touch, blending business attire with trendy, high-end elements that reflect his ambition and personality.

 

In Conclusion

The finance bro outfit has become deeply ingrained in finance culture, and it is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Its blend of traditional business formalwear with modern, trendy elements reflects the evolving nature of the finance industry itself—rooted in old-school professionalism but constantly adapting to new trends and cultural shifts.

Whether for formal office days, casual Fridays, or summer outings, the finance outfit remains a powerful tool for projecting ambition, success, and belonging in the finance world.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Finance Bro Outfit

What is finance bro outfit?

A "finance bro outfit" refers to the distinctive style often associated with young professionals, particularly men, working in finance, investment banking, or related fields.

This look is characterized by business-casual or semi-formal attire, designed to convey a sense of ambition, success, and professionalism while maintaining a level of trendy or fashionable flair. The typical finance outfit usually includes slim-fitting dress shirts, often in solid colors or classic patterns like stripes or checks, paired with tailored chinos or dress pants.

Common accessories include leather belts, luxury watches, and sleek leather shoes such as loafers or oxfords. Some finance bros also sport Patagonia or Canada Goose vests over their shirts, giving a more casual, yet still polished, look.

What is the finance bro stereotype?

The stereotype paints a picture of a young, ambitious male professional working in finance, typically in fields like investment banking, private equity, or hedge funds. The stereotype suggests a certain personality type: competitive, status-driven, and focused on material success.

Finance bros are often seen as highly motivated, yet sometimes arrogant, with a lifestyle revolving around their career, networking events, and an active social scene. They are often portrayed as people who prioritize wealth accumulation, gym workouts, and maintaining a polished appearance.

The stereotype also implies a certain affinity for luxury brands, both in terms of wardrobe and lifestyle, with finance bros often depicted driving expensive cars, frequenting upscale bars or restaurants, and taking international trips.

What do finance guys wear?

Finance professionals, particularly those working in competitive, high-profile roles like investment banking or private equity, often dress in a way that reflects both professionalism and status. The standard attire is usually business formal or business casual, depending on the company's culture and specific role.

For formal settings, finance guys typically wear well-tailored suits and dress shirts, often in classic colors like navy, charcoal, or black, paired with a crisp white or light blue dress shirt. Slim, conservative ties, leather belts, and high-quality dress shoes, such as oxfords or brogues, complete the look.

In more business-casual environments, they might opt for chinos or dress pants with a well-fitted button-up shirt, sometimes adding a sweater or vest for layering.

What does a finance bro mean?

A "finance bro" is a slang term used to describe a young male professional who works on Wall Street, often in roles like investment bankers, hedge fund managers, or private equity directors.

The term is a blend of "finance" and "bro," with "bro" referring to a certain type of socially active, outgoing young man. The stereotype is typically characterized by his career ambition, focus on wealth accumulation, and adherence to a particular lifestyle that emphasizes status, success, and materialism.

Beyond his work, the bro is often depicted as being very active in social scenes, whether at upscale bars, exclusive networking events, or high-end gyms.