Dressing down at work can be a welcome relief from the pinstripes and heels of Monday to Thursday. You know how to navigate your work wardrobe but how do you put the business in casual? Find the balance and know what just does not belong in an office setting.
The Basic Rules to Remember
Office wear will always be stricter than your weekend wardrobe. Let the powers that be get the memo that you are a professional, here to work whether it is casual Friday or not. In other words; leave the power lunch business suit at home, but don’t reach for glorified pajamas.
The Rule on Jeans
Jeans are the Girl Friday of casual wear, dependable and always on call. Yet, do they belong in the office? The answer is yes, but only in certain styles and rinses.
- Do choose dark rinse or black jeans, in traditional washes. Make sure the seat is not bleached, nor the seams embellished. Bring the passion from college but don’t go back to the '80s and don't wear acid wash or stone wash jeans.
- Don’t wear distressed jeans to the office. Yes, you’re creative and esoteric, but let your Oscar Wilde paperweight be the only visual proof.
- Do wear boot cut, or slightly flared jeans to work. These styles compliment all body types and when they are dark they provide the perfect balance between getting down to business and winding down the work week.
- Don’t pair your jeans with that vintage rock band tee. Casual Friday is no excuse to lose your professionalism. Instead rock out your denim with a classic white button-up shirt, or red blazer.
The Rules on Shoes
Fridays mean giving your career-oriented feet a well needed rest from the rigors of heels as high as your ambition. Rest your soles but don’t trip up.
- Don’t give into the “it's five o’clock somewhere” urge and grab flip flops on the way out to the office. That Jamaican vacation will have to wait one more day.
- Do slip on ballet flats. Ballet flats are chic and comfortable, a perfect dress-down day paradox.
- Don’t put on sneakers or tennis shoes. If you can wear them in a gym, they don’t belong in an office.
- Do wear the trendy heels and sandals. If your feet are as ruthless as you are, treat them to the designer pair. Casual Fridays are the perfect day to wear those Louboutins you just don’t have the energy for on Wednesday.
Adrienne Wilson - Adrienne Wilson is the youngest of three daughters which makes aspirations to write a natural byproduct of her environment. She works as a ...
