Many employers expect their staff to follow a certain dress code when they’re at work. The outfit of choice differs depending on the job, but they all serve similar purposes. These uniforms help establish a sense of unity in their respective companies, and they ensure that workers always look presentable. Thankfully, bosses have learned to lighten up a little, with more and more of them introducing ‘Casual Fridays’ as a way to boost morale. Of course, while it might be great getting to wear what you want, you should think carefully about the outfit you choose.
No pajamas ever
Do you ever wake up and wish you could just stay in your pajamas all day instead of putting on your work uniform? Most of us have been there, but that doesn’t mean that ‘Casual Friday’ is the time to turn your dream into reality. As comfortable as those jammies might be, they’re really not appropriate in the workplace. Not unless you want people to view your company as unprofessional, of course.
Avoid anything revealing
The last thing you want to do on ‘Casual Friday’ is to offend anyone. After all, if you cross the line with your outfit, you may end up getting the special occasion revoked for everyone. We doubt your coworkers would be happy about that, which is why it’s a good idea to avoid wearing anything too revealing.
Crop tops or mini shorts might make some people feel uncomfortable, so it’s best to leave these at home. If the weather demands avoiding layers, then stick to shorts which still cover your thighs, and tops that don’t show off too much cleavage.
It’s not the gym
Another choice of outfit that may not sit well with your coworkers is gym attire. Things like muscle tops, sports bras, and leggings probably won’t be appreciated by everyone. The office should still look like a place of work, so wearing clothes designed for exercise won’t really fit in.
Think about where you work
What’s considered suitable for your ‘Casual Friday’ really depends on where you work. For instance, if you spend your days in a law firm where the uniform is an expensive suit, you probably can’t go as casual as you might want to. However, button-down shirts and khaki pants are probably acceptable here, with men not expected to wear a tie.
Other offices may be more relaxed about your outfit of choice, allowing things like jeans and band t-shirts on those Fridays. If you’re not sure what to do, it might be best to dress safe the first time around. That way, you can see what everyone else wears when they’re not in a uniform and let that inform your future choices.
Keep it clean
It’s always a good idea to avoid wearing anything dirty or otherwise unpresentable on a ‘Casual Friday.’ Your coworkers are more likely to notice if something looks sloppy, and they may not approve of your outfit choice. The chances are that your boss won’t either, and the last thing you want is to upset them. So, if something doesn’t look fresh out of the wash, it’s best to avoid it this time.
As fun as ‘Casual Fridays’ are supposed to be, they can be a bit of a minefield to navigate. However, you can always check with your colleagues and employer if you’re not sure what to wear. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
