Casual Friday: Workplace wardrobe

Originally started to encourage team bonding in the workplace, it is quickly going out of style as casual Friday turned into casual week. When did jeans become then new suit? Notwithstanding working out-doors, most workplaces are air-conditioned, humidity controlled environments, meaning that you can wear a suit and just manage the transition from home to work by managing layers.

We all know the age-old-saying: dress for the job you want. The job you want is not defined by the person currently in the job, but by what the position articulates. Do you see executives in jeans, lycra based skirts? If you do, they are the exception, rather than the rule. If you are Mark Zuckerberg you can probably get away with it, but look at his offsiders… all boardroom ready.

The biggest problem with casual Friday is being too casual. Since it is your individual style, you will become known by the style. Which would you prefer? Being seen as a professional or a casual worker? I am a big advocate of dressing for the job you want always. You never know when you will get pulled into a senior level meeting. Assume every day is an interview. Because you never get a second change at creating a first impression.

Pet peeves: 1. Jeans to work. Unless it’s an offsite activity or a company supported activity (like Jeans for Jeans day), then tread carefully. Smart tailored jeans probably cost more than smart work pants, yet they can give a very different look. Unless the office tone supports it – play it safe and treat Friday no different to Monday.

2. Joggers/sneakers. Now I get the idea that wearing high heels on public transport is not idea, but wearing joggers and a suit is very 90s. We live in a work where there are flat ballet-type shoes that can fit the look better without being so obvious. If you are walking a long distance and need the better walking shoes – ask yourself whether you should be wearing a suit, consider the sweat and the smell.

3. Athletic clothes. There is nothing wrong with discretely going for a run at lunch or riding to work. The problem is when you are parading around the office in bike pants or crop tops. If you have to be showy, ask yourself why. The only admiration you will get will be your colleagues responding to your smell. Use the showers, get changed and walk into your office in professional attire.

4. Flip flops. These are not shoes and they belong in your ‘out-of-work’ wardrobe and at the beach. They are not sandals and in most cases, they are a hazard to your working environment.

5. Too-tight button up tops. If the buttons are straining, don’t wear the shirt. I often sympathise with larger-chested women, because their shirts are constantly playing ‘peek-a-boo’. But it happens to men too. Find another style.

6. Too sexy. I get that many offices are very imaged focused, but think Audrey Hepburn – you don’t need to show skin to pull off a sexy look. Leave the too-short dresses and the chest hair for the evening pub.

Your dress and style for the office place show your ability to gauge the tone of the office. Get it wrong and you will come across as lacking self-awareness. If you are new to the workplace, overdress, rather than under-dress and adapt quickly to the culture and tone of the office. If in doubt – emulate the position of the job you want.

The last message: Your work wardrobe should not be the same as your home wardrobe. If you can’t differentiate, then it is likely that your work clothes are too casual.