Has casual Friday started taking off in your office? Perhaps you wear ladies uniforms to work but need advice on how to best choose an outfit for dress down day. Here’s a handy guide to help you out.
Casual days in the workplace have become popular policies that allow workers to wear more casual outfits, often on a Friday. Casual days cost nothing for a company to implement and offer a positive effect on staff. They’re a great day of respite from ladies uniforms as formal company dress codes and employees can wear casual outfits instead. Some staff see these days a big time saver while others see it as an opportunity for personal expression.
Choosing an Outfit
If you wear a uniform or typically stick to a suit, getting dressed for work is pretty easy. But what do you wear on dress down day? How do you go about bridging the gap between casual and smart? Here are a few tips to still look professional while dressing down.
To begin with, it is better to be just a little overdressed than underdressed in the workplace. So start off by keeping a half of your outfit smart by donning an A-line skirt or well-pressed blouse or shirt or pressed trousers and a twinset. Fitted t-shirts work well to fill this gap too.
There are many companies who don’t allow employees to wear jeans or trainers and if you find this pretty much the majority of your casual wardrobe, replace them with smarter combat trousers in navy or stone colours and don’t go for types with too many pockets. Black or beige linen pants are comfy and smart, as are wedge-heeled mules or flat shoes.
Do avoid anything too skimpy during the summer like shorts or halter-neck tops. Keep dressed just on or below the knee and shirt dressed in linen or cotton really do well to bridge the gap between office and home.
Camisoles with cardigans; short-sleeved blouses; lightweight long-sleeve cotton tops and fitted t-shirts are all great for the office in summer.
As for what to wear on your bottom half, look for outfits that give off the utility look – usually canvas skirts; well-constructed combat trousers and big pockets. Go for darker colours like khaki, navy, black, chocolate and plain tops and t-shirts.
Capri pants are also a good option in summer weather. Wear them comfortably with flat mules and short of three-quarter sleeve cotton blouses.
Jeans are a no-no, though, for ladies uniforms or casual days at work. But a simply denim skirt, sans the frills, works really well. Styles with a fly-front or slight A-line are very smart. Stay away from patches and trendy creases, though. As for shades, choose dark indigo denim which gives off a smart appearance.
Another great casual look for the office is knitwear which looks very polished. V-neck tops and crewnecks are classic looks that can be paired with trousers or skirts.
Stay away from sporty styles like rugby shirts, polo shirts and pretty much anything with a stripe down the side. A hooded zip up top may be ok for your office, but stay away from the type that have big logos across the front.
If this all sounds a little plain for your liking, and you perhaps not too dress-down, you can add a stamp of uniqueness with jewellery, accessories and little details. Tops with corsage details or a fun belt will add a bit of your personality to your outfit.
You don’t need to sacrifice fashion if you choose the right accessories. Add a bright tote bag with sequins or an eye-catching necklace and earrings to keep your look in the now.
The Benefits of a Dress Down Day at Work
There are a myriad of benefits to having a day off from ladies uniforms.
• Improved morale – employees are given room for freedom of expression, which keeps them happier and more motivated to work.
• Increase business attractiveness – if employees are happy, you are more likely to reel in new clientele and the dress down day benefit is also more appealing to new recruits.
• Cost effectiveness – casual days don’t cost the employer anything and go a long way to improving an employer’s position with their staff.
• Better effectiveness – some studies have shown that employees are more effective and perform better when dressed comfortably.
• Better interpersonal relations – casual wear and the freedom that goes with it can create a better team environment.