How to pull off the ideal dress-down Friday look

There is an unwritten rule that one should not be judged by what they wear to the office on Fridays. Friday is free like that but the worst things about that rule is that it doesn’t come with specific instructions. But below that rule, there is another that says that you shouldn’t push it too far on dress down Fridays. It says that though you are not restricted to corporate wear, there are other things you can get away with. In some work places, it goes as far as loosening the top button of your shirt and putting away your tie, while in others it is bringing out your creative and adventurous part. If you subscribe to the Muslim faith, you can show up at work in a Kanzu on Fridays as long as you do not work at the front desk office. The dress down Friday might be a chance for the lady you are trying to impress to see the creative and less conservative side of you as formal wear could be giving you credit you do not deserve. Samantha Mutesi, a call centre operator at a telecommunications firm, has observes that at times men, especially those in their mid 20s, push it too far on dress down Fridays. “As much as one is allowed to break the official monotony, you shouldn’t end up looking like you are headed for a night out. A good way would be to wear a t-shirt with your company logo on it over Khaki pants or denim. You can also get away with your favourite team’s jersey over a pair of denim bottoms but at no point should you show up in your favourite beer brand branded t-shirt.” Mutesi goes on to say that it is also ideal going for an untucked shirt if you are not too sure of what to go with. Another safer look is a long sleeved shirt tucked into a pair of blue denim pants. Foot wear can be a deal breaker on dress down Fridays and though few comment about them, you will be judged harshly if you get it wrong. “Dress down Fridays does not include men coming to work in open shoes or sandals. That is only acceptable for ladies. You can come to work in sneakers, loafers or canvas shoes but never open shoes, those are strictly for weekends. Shorts are also out of question they have no place in the office,” Diane Muganga, a receptionist at a city based insurance firm, says. Whether you can only loosen a button on Friday (sorry lawyers) or wear denim on Fridays, remember we will judge you for it.