Ace Your Next Casual Friday

What to wear on casual Friday at work, can be tricky? Do you find yourself staring at your clothes wondering what to wear?  What does casual Friday even mean, some might ask?  As more and more workplaces change their dress code to business casual, figuring out what is more casual than business casual can be hassle.  I got you.  On this article, I will share Dos and Don'ts for Casual Friday at the workplace. 

These tips are applicable for those who are self-employed or business owners who have to client face while casual or on any day you want to be casual but presentable. 

 

In Fall with boots...

 

Company Friday casual wear standards vary depending on the company’s culture and industry.  Companies that have client facing that provide professional services such as legal, accounting, finance, and banking, tend to have higher expectations of Friday casual wear.  Companies that have little or no client facing often have a more relaxed culture where business casual or casual is the norm including Fridays.  For example, a lot of tech companies tend to have a relaxed dress code; think Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs.  Regardless of the company culture, what you wear on casual Fridays matters because it is still a part of your image and brand.  It is important to understand that what you wear is how you present yourself to the world.  How you present yourself matters because first impressions matter, and your presentation is part of your brand. You want your attire to communicate professionalism; a person who takes their work seriously and who respects themselves and others.  Whatever you choose to wear, you will want those perspectives to come through in your casual Friday wear. 

Same look

As a busy mom, I need to streamline some things in my life.  This is my go to look for Friday casual wear.  A pair of jeans with a shirt and blazer, low or high heels depending on my mood that day.  I like this look because it is comfortable, and so versatile that I can easily make it work for all seasons.   In the Winter, I may wear it with a heavier wool blazer, turtleneck top and boots.  In the spring and summer, I change out the jeans to white jeans, with a linen blazer, camisole, and sandals.   

 

Do’s and Don’ts for Casual Friday:

• Do make sure that your clothes are clean and wrinkle free.
• Do wear simple earrings.
• Do wear clothes that make you look polished.
• Do wear your hair in a neat style.
• Do incorporate your personal style
• Do wear colors that complement your skin
  
• Do not wear mid-reef bearing shirts or tank tops.
• Do not wear plunging necklines.
• Do not wear super tight pants giving you a cameltoe
• Do not wear flip flops.
• Do no wear jeans with holes,
• Do not wear workout clothes, clingy fabrics, and pajamas.
• Do not wear tank tops.
• Do not look like you rolled out of bed!

 

What about a t-shirt and jeans?  It depends.  An oversized frumpy looking T-shirt and jeans can look like you just rolled out of your bed.  However, T-Shirt and Jeans can also look polished by making these tweaks:

• Wear a blazer or sweater over the shoulders.
• Tuck in the T-shirt.
• Add a belt.
• Or replace with cute blouse top or white cotton shirt
  

Alternatives to jeans are khakis, simple straight pants and Jeans Skirt. 

Remember these same people who see you on Friday are the same people making decisions on your career, promotions, salaries, team projects just to mention a few.  It is therefore, important to carry yourself in a positive manner all the time.

You are a walking billboard of your brand.  Your brand is not just what you do but also how you look, how you act and how you speak, all which factor into how people perceive you in your workplace.  This perception flows into the decisions that are made about you when you are not present and affect your career progress.