Inspired by its term and the style of dressing that developed as a result hereof. The term casual Friday was coined in North America decades ago and allowed employees one day per week (Friday) the opportunity to dress down from their usual business and established office dress code.
Casual Friday (also known as Dress-down Friday or simply Casual day) is a Western trend which has spread to other parts of the world, wherein some offices may celebrate a semi-reprieve from the constrictions of a formal dress code. Whereas, during the rest of the week, business shirts, suits, ties, trousers, and dress shoes would be the norm, on Casual Friday workers might be allowed to wear more casual dress. Some companies might allow jeans, casual blouses or T-shirts, hoodies, track jackets, and sneakers/running shoes or even stocking feet, but others require business casual or smart casual dress. Some offices allow a themed dress down day. On this day, even managers in such workplaces are allowed to dress down.
“Casual Friday” can mean different things to different companies, but no matter what the company, it doesn’t mean you should show up at the office in your gym clothes. While wearing stretchy leggings with a jog bra underneath a T-shirt or bike pants and a tank top might be comfortable, it will never allow you to project a leadership image.
Just because it’s “Casual Friday”, it doesn’t mean it’s OK to wear shorts and flip flops to work.
Tips for keeping Casual Fridays from going too far:
Tip #1: Define a policy. HR or management should define and communicate the appropriate/inappropriate attire for casual Fridays and the consequences for not following the policy.
Tip #2: Meet with employees. Managers should discuss the policy with employees, answer their questions, provide examples of what is considered acceptable work clothing, and ensure everyone understands what will happen if they don’t comply (such as being sent home to change their clothes).
Tip #3: Be a role model. If you’re in a management position, dress a step above the casual Friday policy, even during summer months. If jeans are acceptable on Fridays, choose dark colored jeans that are styled to look like trousers. Women can pair these with a colorful blouse and standout necklace with heels, while men can wear a button-down shirt or even a company logo golf shirt with their jeans or khakis. The idea is to look casual, yet polished.
Tip #4: Stand out from the crowd. It’s time to step up casual Fridays, especially if you want to climb the career ladder and advance into higher-level jobs. 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.
Michelle Omoregha 