Human Resources
Hooray! It’s Casual Friday. What Should You Wear?
Oct 2, 2015
You have made it through the work week and it’s finally Casual Friday. You have worn your suits, dresses, skirts, and heels all week. Casual Friday can be defined so many ways across different companies. Do you know what is considered acceptable at your workplace? As an employer, have you set some guidelines for your employees? Here are some ideas to help you don appropriate attire on Casual Friday.
How to dress for casual Friday
Do Your Research
Does your company have a policy in place for casual wear? How detailed is the policy? Seasonal and casual day dress codes should be very specific in outlining appropriate and inappropriate attire. Are open-toed shoes allowed? What about different cuts or washes of jeans? It is imperative that the company handbook defines dress codes thoroughly. Your company should also include consequences for not following the dress code in the company handbook.
Communicate with Your Team
Making a dress code policy is the first step. The next step, and possibly one of the most important, is to meet with your team and discuss the dress code. Give guidelines pertaining to different types of articles of clothing. Are flip-flops and t-shirts acceptable? What kinds of pants are acceptable? Provide good examples of appropriate work attire for casual days. Make sure employees know what will happen if they do not comply with the set dress code.
What does your casual wear say about you?
Casual Fridays can be an opportunity for employees to show some personality or to show their desire to advance into higher-level positions. If you decide to wear jeans, darker denim or black jeans with traditional washes are best. Make sure to avoid low riding jeans and holes. There are many great blouses and polos that will still give you a polished look on a casual day without sacrificing comfort. Casual Fridays are great for displaying company shirts and polos while still maintaining a professional image. Employees interested in advancing their careers should consider going a step above their normal casual wear. It is also important to keep the office environment in mind when deciding what to wear. Managers should always go a step above the basic dress code and be a role model to other employees.
Ultimately, if you question whether or not to wear something, it is best to choose something else more appropriate.
