Dress Down Fridays How to Get it Right

Background

Casual Friday (also known as Dress-down Friday) is an American custom which has spread to other parts of the world, wherein some offices celebrate a semi-reprieve from the constrictions of a formal dress code. Whereas, during the rest of the week, business shirts, suits, ties and dress shoes are the norm, on Casual Friday workers are allowed to wear more casual dress. Some companies allow jeans and T-shirts, but others require smart casual dress.

Casual Friday along with dressing casually during the week became very prevalent during the Dot Com hey-day of the late 1990s/early 2000s. After the bursting of the Dot-Com bubble, there was a backlash by many companies with the reinstatement of dress codes.

Dress codes

While some companies overtly state in HR policy documents what the dress code allows, others simple state “business casual”. Business formal is a whole lot easier as you can’t go too far wrong with a smart business suit. Companies which implement a business formal dress code usually allow business casual on Fridays and those who encourage a business casual approach during the week usually allow Fridays to be even more casual. This can be tricky if you’re already allowed wear casual clothing from Monday to Thursday. How far can you take the dress down policy on a Friday?

Some companies have clear guidelines on what is acceptable on Casual Friday and what is inappropriate.

For example, one large international management consultancy lays down the following guidelines:

Guidelines for Business Casual Fridays

Below is a (non-exhaustive) list of what is and is not considered appropriate. Remember, always err on the side of caution, if you have to ask whether something is appropriate, then it probably is not .

However, despite the fact that some large companies issue guidelines, many employees are guilty of ignoring those dos and don’ts and over-doing the casual look.

For companies who allow jeans on Casual Friday, they should not be worn with old faded t-shirts or hoodies. Remember, what you wear to work says a lot about you as an asset to the company, EVEN on Casual Friday. You should always look smart and well groomed. You dress smartly during the week, don’t let yourself down on a Friday.

Your dress should reflect the variety of situations in which you might find yourself. For example if you know that you have a client meeting on a Friday you should dress according to the client’s dress code. Keep in mind that even if they wear casual attire, they may have a different expectation of you as a professional.

Tips for Dress Down Fridays:

Don’t wear low cut tops or expose your midriff. If you wear low-rise jeans make sure there is no gap between your top and the waist of your jeans.

Try dressing jeans up by wearing a blazer or fitted jacket over a shirt or top.

Don’t dress as if you are going straight to the bar after work. If that is the case, bring accessories or a different top or shoes with you and change after work.

By the same token, don’t over do your makeup. You can bring your makeup bag to work and glam up after 5pm.

Wear only one statement piece of jewellery- large necklace with small earrings and vice-versa. This applies for any occasion.

Wear casual clothing that fits correctly. Don’t assume because it’s casual you can get away with tighter fitting clothes- it doesn’t look professional no matter what business you’re in.

Wear appropriate footwear for your outfit. Guys- don’t wear dress shoes with jeans. It’s not a good look. Girls- don’t wear killer heels to the office. Save them for after work.

Again, the single most important tip is, if you have to ask yourself if something is appropriate for work, then it probably isn’t.

Mary Holmes, Ruby Seven Image Consulting

www.rubyseven.ie