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The perfect casual Friday look.

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Need casual Friday ideas? Check Memorandum.com, a blog dedicated to workplace fashion.

HOW TO: Dress on Casual Friday

Friday—arguably the best day of the week—jumps to a whole new level of awesome when you add the word “casual” to it. However, extremes are usually created when “sartorial freedom” is given; and unfortunately, participants of casual Friday often fall into this trap (Wilson, 2015). Another problem casual Friday presents is that it means different things to different workplaces. So, how do you figure out what is suitable attire? Honestly, trying to determine what is appropriate versus inappropriate can seem like trying to decipher a cryptic code. But, considering what is unsuitable is often the first step to determine what is acceptable at your workplace.

Although most establishments’ dress codes vary from one another, nearly all places agree certain types of dress should be avoided for casual Friday. When dressing for work on Friday, apply these tips:

Avoid anything that shows too much skin

This goes for crop tops, mini shorts

and skirts, spaghetti tops, etc.

Stay away from gym wear

Sweatpants, sweatshirts, pullover

sweaters, track pants, and leggings

all fall into this category.

Refrain from wearing distressed jeans

This includes jeans with holes,

shredding, paint splatter, etc.

But, what would be considered appropriate? Lisa Quast (2014), a writer for Forbes.com, gives some excellent suggestions employees should keep in mind while dressing for casual Friday:

1. Be aware of the company’s policy

This is probably the most useful tip. By discussing with Human Resources what is inappropriate/appropriate attire for Fridays, you will avoid that awkward conversation with them over your outfit.

2. Opt for pants that are styled like trousers

Jeans may be considered acceptable; but if so, opt for a darker wash.

3. Stand out from the crowd

Want to “climb the career ladder and advance into higher-level jobs?” Why not try to dress more elevated than the usual casual Friday look?

What do you normally wear on casual Friday? Voice your opinion by clicking on the “ask anything” dialog box.

References

Quast, L. (2014, May 26). Don't Take Casual Fridays Too Casually. Retrieved from Huffington Post: http://www.forbes.com/sites/lisaquast/2014/05/26/dont-take-casual-fridays-too-casually/#675558712ce5

Wilson, J. (2015, August 4). What NOT To Wear On Casual Fridays, Ever. Take Notes. Retrieved from Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/casual-friday-donts_us_55ba566ee4b0b8499b18938b

#casualfriday

Even when you’re given the option to dress casually for work, take it up a notch from your weekend wear. In this tight job market, everything you can do to make yourself stand out will help.

Lisa Quast, writer for Forbes.com

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Need work wear inspiration? Check out SHOPBOP’s 5 Work-Ready Looks for a Stylish Week article.

Check out this article from Matches Fashion on inventive ways to wear clothes to the office.

Subtle, yet chic; chic yet, professional.

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Victoria Beckham’s street style gives the working woman great guidelines for appropriate work wear.

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Remember, you should dress for the job you want, not the job you have—even on Fridays.

Beth Smedinghoff, writer for The Muse

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Some great ideas on how to elevate your workplace dress.

This maroon number is perfect for the office.

Shop the look at Zara.

You want to be noticed, but for the right reason, because you look polished and credible. Don't let your look detract from your greatness.

Dianne Whitelocke, Pumps and Pencil Skirts: What to Wear to Work (pg.4)

HOW TO: Dress Appropriately For the Work Week (with Flair)

It’s Sunday, tomorrow is Monday, as in, the day you get back to work. Sweating over what to wear for the upcoming week yet? No need to; just take a look at the list of ways you can shake up your wardrobe using staple pieces.

But before you do that, we need to talk about something important: What is considered an inappropriate outfit for work? Many factors can deem an outfit inappropriate; but, according to Forbes, experts agree that showing cleavage is one of the most common mistakes women make (Sinberg, 2009). Consequently, that blouse that you think is cute, it can cost you a promotion.

Here’s more examples of what is considered inappropriate at work:

lll-fitting clothes:

Nothing too baggy or too tight.

Over-accessorizing:

Rule of thumb: less is more.

Undergarments showing:

Make sure underwear lines and/or

bra straps are not visible.

See-through clothing:

To avoid this, buy clothing with

lining.

Short skirts:

The knee is usually a good visual

anchor.

Re-introducing:

“The Turtleneck”

This timeless silhouette can act as a base for a collection of outfits (Lee, 2017).

“The Suit”

“Business suit:” no two words have ever caused more dread to the working woman. Unfortunately for those who work in a corporate setting, it’s a non-negotiable. But, with countless styles and cuts, it is now much easier to pull off for the “every-day girl”.

“The Blazer”

As stated in my last post, there are so many options other than the traditional blazer. Why not try some?

“The Heeled Shoe”

The mule, the heeled boot, the bootie, the loafer, and the pump are all suitable, fashionable choices.

How much of your apparel do you think helps/injures your professional potential? Do you know anyone whose dressing damaged their chance of receiving a promotion? Share your thoughts through the “ask anything” dialog box.

What to read the full article from Forbes? Then click right here.

References

Lee, A. (2017, January 19). Black Turtleneck Outfits You Haven’t Thought Of Yet. Retrieved from The Zoe Report: http://thezoereport.com/fashion/style-tips/what-to-wear-with-black-turtleneck-outfits/#slide-1

Sinberg, L. (2009, July 22). What Not to Wear to Work. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/2009/07/22/office-fashion-sexy-forbes-woman-style-clothes.html

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HOW TO: A Guide to Succeed in Workplace Dress