Casual Friday
Casual Friday has turned into a “nightmare” for many companies. While a good idea at the time, and still a good idea, if done correctly, few knew what to wear, when you are a work, you are at work. Clothes you wear on the weekend are not for work. Gone are the days of the Power Suit in many offices. Women are dressing in short skirts and open-toe shoes, men in golf shirts with khaki pants and tennis shoes and even jeans by both genders. Casual Friday has turned into Casual Everyday! What messages are we sending to our clients?
It used to be that the standard business attire would be a dark suit, a white shirt, and a contrasting tie for men and a matched suited skirt for women. For conservative industries, such as insurance, banking, accounting and financial services, you wore the traditional suit. In advertising or entertainment industries, you were more individual in your dress. Manufacturing Industries often had uniforms, and Technology Industries never say a need for a dress policy. If you worked from home, you could work in your pajamas! If one used common sense, one would know that they should not wear athletic clothing shorts, T-shirts, novelty buttons, baseball hats or anything that does not project a business image
If one used common sense, one would know that they should not wear athletic clothing shorts, Tee-shirts, novelty buttons, baseball hats or anything that does not project a business image
CASUAL DRESS FOR MEN: ? Clean, pressed, properly fitting business casual attire. ? Hair should be clean, combed and neatly trimmed and your hairstyle on the short side. ? Sideburns, moustaches, and beards must be neatly trimmed ? Good personal hygiene must be maintained ? Perfumes or colognes should not be used or if used—sparingly. ? Faded or tattered or torn jeans are not appropriate ? T-shirts that show writing or advertising on them are not appropriate ? Overalls, Cotton Fleeced Pants and jogging suits, shorts or tank tops not appropriate ? Well fitted (two or three button) 100% wool suit (Single or double-breasted suits). Depending on the industry, the suit does not need a tie. The colors are crisp white, blue, ecru, soft pastels, mid-tones and striped shirts. ? Silk tie in foulard, rep, solid or geometric patterns ? Windsor or Four-in Hand tie knot with a wide collar spread. ? Clean white undershirt. Socks should match the pant color. ? Wear Suspenders with leather fastenings. ? Carry a leather briefcase, and wallet. ? Watch with silver, gold or leather band. ? Choose pants with a full or half break with a straight front-cuff optional or pleated pant with a cuff. ? For day, choose a white handkerchief; for evening a silk pocket square that will coordinate with one color in your tie.
BUSINESS DRESS FOR WOMEN: ? Good personal hygiene must be maintained ? Maintain a well-groomed neat appearance. ? Perfumes or colognes should not be used or if used—sparingly. ? Faded or tattered or torn jeans are not appropriate ? T-shirts that show writing or advertising on them are not appropriate ? Overalls, Cotton Fleeced Pants and jogging suits, shorts or tank tops not appropriate. ? Skirted Suit ? Choose a skirt, blouse, or top (never show cleavage). ? Choose Dresses that “look” like a suit. ? Always wear hosiery (light to tan color okay). ? Close toe shoes – both back and front. Flip-flops are for home and the weekends! ? Shoes and belts must be of fine quality such as leather. ? Be sure your jewelry fits your body. Two large on a small frame woman “tells” others that you do not know business attire. You are at work! ? Wear only fine fabrics. You will look like you are ready to advance if you dress with quality. ? Never carry both a purse and a briefcase. You may carry a tote, instead.
Joyce Knudsen, Ph.D. www.drjoyceknudsen.com [email protected]