Just because you can dress down on Friday does not mean you should roll into work looking as though you have just rolled out of bed.
Dress down Fridays are a reason to dress up a little! Showcase your personality and be comfortable and relaxed in preparation for the weekend.
The Purpose of Dress Down Friday
Dress down Fridays (or casual Friday) are a small perk offered by some businesses to their employees. The purpose of dress down Friday is to introduce a little individualism into the office and promote comfort and fun.
Dress down Friday is a pat on the back for a week well worked, and a chance to improve morale and form stronger ties with your colleagues. However, when casual Friday comes around prevent a fashion faux pas by maintaining an air of professionalism with your casual dress.
The Do’s:
Be Presentable
At no point during your work week should you arrive looking dishevelled or dressed in stained, creased clothing.
This may be an obvious point, but it is easy to quickly grab something out of the laundry basket on wash day as you quickly run out of the house.
When you are used to working in office attire it almost becomes like a uniform. You don't have to think about what to wear and all you have to do is make sure it is clean and ironed, the same goes for office casual wear.
Prepare for casual Friday as you would any other day of the week. Your clothes should be clean, pressed and appropriate. Preparing your dress-down outfit the night before saves time deciding on an outfit in the morning.
Be Conservative
Mini skirts and open shirts should be strictly reserved for Friday night, not Friday afternoon. The same goes for flip-slops, string vests and short shorts.
Even in the summer months do not treat your office like a beach, nor like a nightclub during the winter. Conservative dress should always be observed no matter the season or day of the week.
If you want to stand out and impress your colleagues with your stunning sense of style, then do so with well-tailored and well-designed fashion choices. Colourful ensembles that complement your skin tone and enhance your natural features are always a win and will be sure to turn heads.
Be Comfortable
Those killer heels may look magnificent with your new day dress, but by the afternoon you may be regretting your choice.
Heels certainly have a place in the office, but if you stand a lot during the day or are expected to dash off quickly for a last-minute meeting, you may wish to opt for lower heels or flat shoes.
Similarly, jeans, jackets, t-shirts or any other piece of clothing that is too tight or you find you are constantly having to pull down or pull up will just be an irritating distraction throughout the day.
It's always best to play it safe, wear something that is comfortable and allows you to move easily for a stress-free dress down Friday.
The Don’ts:
Don’t Be Late
Casual Friday is no excuse for a casual attitude, punctuality is just as important on dress down Friday as any other day of the week.
However, deciding what to wear on casual Friday takes up more time than slipping into your usual suit or workwear. Therefore, plan what you want to wear in advance and lay it out ready the night before.
Don’t Wear Sportswear
Sportwear is great for the gym but not for the office. You should especially avoid shirts that feature your favourite sports team.
Pubs and nightclubs ban sportswear for a reason. T-shirts and caps promoting certain teams and sports often lead to disagreements and heated debates, and that is not what dress down Friday is all about.
Don’t Take Casual Fridays Too Casually
It goes without saying that dress down Friday is not an invitation for a pyjama party. Dressing gowns and slippers may be super comfy on those extra cold days but they should never be worn in the office.
If you want to keep cosy at your desk, thick stylish jumpers and complimentary scarfs look great and have the same effect, and wool-lined boots are essentially outdoor slippers.
Treat Dress Down Friday as ‘Smart Casual’ Friday
Smart casual is the way to play it safe on dress down Friday.
If you are new to the team and this will be your first dress down Friday, smart casual can be a real lifesaver as you don’t yet know the etiquette of your new office.
Even though casual Fridays mean the same thing across all offices, different companies have different policies and cultures. What is acceptable on a Friday in one office, maybe a fashion disaster in another.
Smart casual is a flexible style choice. With smart casual wear, you can express your individualism while maintaining your professionalism. The smart-casual look makes you approachable yet preserves your executive presence.
Wherever you work, don't take a casual approach to your casual Friday. Avoid a fashion misstep and step into your office in style by following these few do’s and don’ts of dress-down Friday.
