Originally published on January 15, 2014
If you work in an office environment, you may have your Monday to Thursday work wardrobe down. But when it comes to Friday and your company’s “Casual Friday” dress code policy, things can get a little tricky. Let’s face it, this dress code can have wildly different interpretations depending on who you speak with and what you see traipsing around the office. First, if you’re new to the workforce, pay attention to what others are wearing around you as it’ll give you an idea of the tone and vibe of your company’s interpretation of Friday dressing. Second, know that it’s always better to be a little overdressed than completely casual. Casual Friday is not an excuse to wear your sweatshirt, leggings and running shoes to your cubicle. You can still be casual while looking chic, put together and most importantly, professional. Here are some tips.
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A great blazer and a pair of slim fitting pants will take you far… These two pieces are work wardrobe staples. If your office allows it, you could even put a great fitting t-shirt under your blazer. A pair of tailored black pants are classic, slimming and flattering. Give you feet a rest with a pair of flats to keep your outfit casual and comfortable.
Wear a tailored cardigan or sweater jacket… Leave the over-sized baggy boyfriend cardigan for the weekend and opt for a sleek and tailored cardigan that mimics the fit of a blazer. Again, you could put a great fitting tee underneath or opt for a silk blouse underneath. Pair with slim fitting jeans or black pants.
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Choose you denim carefully and pair it with a button-up shirt… I like dark denim for the office as it’s dressier than lighter hues and more flattering. Make sure the waist band of your jeans don’t ride too low and opt for jeans with no holes or over-the-top fades and multi-hued washes. A classic button-down shirt is an office wardrobe workhorse. Find a version you love and watch how well it goes with pants and skirts. Tuck your shirt into your jeans and finish with a statement belt in a classic print like animal or snakeskin. The belt is a nice finishing touch that pulls the outfit together. Flats or heels work with this ensemble depending on your mood.
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It’s as simple as black and white… Black and white stripes are a staple in my wardrobe. They instantly look chic no matter what. A not-too-baggy jersey top in a black/white stripe paired with simple jewellery or even a statement necklace can spell casual chic in an instant.
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