Fashion/Style: Friday casual; what to and not wear

Even in offices with the strictest of dress codes, the end of the week tends to be considerably more laid-back as everyone moves into weekend mode. Casual Fridays, however, do not mean you should wear whatever you want. For example, it is improper to show up to work in ripped jeans and your Mickey-mouse tee-shirt. Even though it’s Friday, you still want to project a professional image at the office. You still need to appear confident and organized, meaning you should dress decently. Casual Fridays were practically created for wearing jeans, so go ahead and sport some, but be sure they’re decent. Avoid torn, patched jeans with chains and bells; also avoid jeans that are too baggy or too tight. Though you should maintain a highly polished image, it’s ok to ditch that coat and tie and go for a long-sleeved plain or striped shirt or settle for a short-sleeve plaid. A classic polo T-shirt of nice quality will also pass the door into the office. Remember to reserve your logo or favourite rock band tee-shirt for your happy hour at your favourite local bar. Sneakers are a big no-no as you want to avoid any suggestion of sloppiness at all costs. A pair of moccasins is sleek without being trendy. Just remember to keep them clean and in good repair. Finally, make sure the clothes you wear match your personality! If you try to pretend that you’re a type of person you’re not by wearing certain clothes or trying to use a certain style, it will most likely show through your behaviour in ways you may not even be aware of! Ends