Friday — the best day of the week. And not just because you (hopefully) have the weekend off. Truth is, I love Fridays because I get to wear jeans, the best piece of clothing ever invented (okay, except for pajamas). But what are the rules for casual Fridays? How do you take advantage of this glorious day without being too casual — and how do you avoid wearing the same old drab blazer and bootcuts?
You’ve heard the basics before: keep it polished and neat. Friday isn’t an excuse to get sloppy and not brush your hair. You already know that you shouldn’t don your bikini or club wear for work, no matter what the day. And you’re probably familiar with your employer’s dress code: no spaghetti straps, ripped jeans or logo shirts. Readers, I don’t want to rehash the same old tips here, so I’m going to go out on a limb: why not try theme dressing on Fridays? No, I don’t mean pirate, witch or Playboy bunny — let’s go with something a little more nuanced, something work appropriate. Choose a style below and let the fun begin!
French Gamine. You are Audrey Hepburn! Look at you, riding your eco-friendly bicycle to work, whilst carting some fresh flowers to add a pop of colour to your office. You’re wearing cropped black cigarette pants and dainty teal flats, complete with polka-dot print silk blouse and a cropped Chanel-inspired jacket. Hair is pulled back in a sleek black hairband; you’re toting a buttery camel day clutch. Simple, chic and trés français.
Mall Stops: Ann Taylor, Club Monaco, Banana Republic
Rocker Chic. You simply ooze coolness, with your fat headphones (iPod earbuds are so five years ago) and black suede booties. Grabbing a latte with fingernails painted inky dark, you stroll into work clad in indigo skinnies, black jacket and red embellished blouse. Your hair is pulled into a low, sleek ponytail; your concert tickets to tonight’s big show and Anthony Kiedis’s biography are packed tight in your slouchy hobo bag. You’re too cool for much jewellery; you rock a fat men’s style watch and silver spike studs.
Mall Stops: Mango, Zara, H&M
Nautical. Ever the classic girl, this Friday sees you wearing dark bootleg jeans and nude platform pumps, both staples in your wardrobe. A chunky necklace with red baubles pops against your blue-and-white striped top, and you’ve topped it all off with a crisp navy blazer accented with gold buttons. Tossed casually over your shoulder is a large structured tote with a scarf tied to one strap. You’re ready to go boating, you cottager, you! (Well, if you change the shoes first. Just saying.)
Mall Stops: The Gap, The Bay, J. Crew
Readers, let’s be honest. You can’t get away with total theme dressing if you work at a law firm. I can just see the looks on the partners’ faces if I walked into work wearing a skull t-shirt and ripped jeans. However, you can definitely incorporate aspects of theme dressing into your Friday ensembles, provided you avoid the theatrical, focus on the details and project a confident, composed and professional vibe with your clothing. And finally — enjoy yourself today. You’ve earned it!
Emma Williamson is a fashion-obsessed corporate commercial lawyer at Dentons. Her mission is to inspire Precedent’s female readers to break out of a style rut while obeying obvious and not-so-obvious workplace dress codes. Follow her on Twitter: @EmmaWorkStyle. Have questions or a column idea for Emma? Send them here.
Image: sandoclr via iStockphoto