Flat-front styles represent about 70% of Brooks Brothers' casual pants compared with 50% two years ago.

WSJ: The Pleats Plea: Wear These

"That's because people are sitting around with nothing better to do, and there's no better time to buy a pair of Karate Casual pants, " Lindland says.

FORBES: Magazine Article

She had just finished a round of Sunday-morning television interviews, and had changed out of a gray suit and pearls into a casual blouse and khaki cargo pants.

NEWYORKER: Leap of Faith

If your casual country wardrobe is sharp, with interesting suede or quilted jackets, cargo pants and thermal sweaters think of designer Ralph Lauren you can wear those casual looks in urban environs and still fit in.

WSJ: Ask Teri

And while most runway looks, like the pink feathered Badgley Mischka gown or Tracy Reese's sequined pants, may seem a little extravagant for the business casual set, Keane, Kolb and Albu agree, there's still a takeaway: silhouettes, textures, colors, tailoring details and ideas on how to accessorize.

CNN: Fashion Week: From runway to closet