What is Casual Friday?
Casual Friday is a special day for anyone working in the corporate world, when you and other employees get to dress down, leaving the ties, suits and skirts at home, while donning a more laid-back, casual outfit. Taking place on Friday, or the last day of the internal workweek, staff is encouraged to wear something outside the guidelines of the company’s dress code. While it’s not a free-for-all situation where you can wear anything you want, clothing like jeans, T-shirts, shorts or hats, may be acceptable.
This event helps you feel more comfortable within the work environment, express your personal style and save money on professional attire. Not only that, it amplifies your productivity by boosting morale and providing a sense of flexibility on the job. With that said, let’s take a deeper look at this celebrated corporate occasion and ways in which you can master your casual Friday wardrobe right away.
The Ins and Outs of Casual Fridays
When it comes to casual Friday, it's important to remember that while the dress code is more relaxed, you should still strive for a professional-ish appearance. Yes, you have more freedom to express your personal style, but there are some things that you should avoid.
First, it's best to steer clear of anything too revealing or provocative. This includes clothing that is too tight, too short, or too low-cut. Additionally, it's important to avoid anything with offensive graphics, imagery or language. Most places will still have rules in place of what you cannot wear, even though you’re given some freedom on your work attire. Finally, avoid looking overly sloppy or unkempt, as you still may need to interact with bosses, clients or customers.
If you’re unsure about an article of clothing – cargo shorts, shorter skirts, cotton T-shirts or flip flops, for example – make sure to ask a higher up or reference the employee guidelines around casual Friday attire before showing up at the office. Overall, the key to mastering casual Fridays is to balance comfort and style, and show a dash of professionalism by maintaining respect for the workplace.
Casual Friday Tops
Comfort and practicality are ideal qualities of a good casual Friday outfit. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular tops you can wear on this sacred corporate day.
One option is a hoodie, which provides a casual and laid-back look that can be taken off quickly if you need to be client facing. T-shirts are another popular choice, and can be easily paired with jeans or khakis for a casual yet still put-together look. Take it up a notch from the T-shirt with a collared polo or untucked button down, which comes off as more dressed-up but still feels casual. Choose a Dri-FIT fabric, and you’ll stay cool and moisture free all day long.
To add a professional flair, consider tops that are embroidered with your company's logo. This not only shows off your company pride but also gives you a polished, cohesive, company-first look. Stick with comfortable and practical sweatshirts, long-sleeves, polos and T-shirts in order to nail the perfect casual Friday look.
Casual Friday Bottoms
When it comes to bottoms on casual Fridays, jeans are most peoples’ go-to option, thanks to their comfort and versatile practicality. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when wearing jeans to the office on casual Fridays.
First, avoid ripped or distressed jeans as they come across unprofessional. Secondly, make sure the fit is appropriate for the office, avoiding anything too baggy or revealing. Additionally, consider pairing your jeans with a button-up shirt or a blazer for an upgraded look.
An alternative to jeans is khakis or chinos, which are more dressy than jeans but still comfortable and appropriate for a casual Friday. In general, make sure you’re staying away from loungewear like sweats or joggers, and that your clothes don’t contain rips or holes.
Keep It Cas' and Order Your Team the Perfect, Custom Apparel!
Casual Friday is a great opportunity for you and other employees to express your own style and feel more at home in the work environment. But, it's still important to maintain a sense of professionalism and respect for the workplace.
When it comes to casual Friday tops, choose comfort and practicality. Hoodies, T-shirts and polos are all popular choices. For bottoms, you can’t go wrong with classic jeans, khakis or chinos. Just make sure to avoid ripped or distressed styles, and pair them with a nice shirt for a sharper look. Of course, you can push your professional style even further by repping your brand via custom embroidered logos by Thread Logic.
If you're looking for custom professional apparel, place your order with Thread Logic today. We’ll provide you with the perfect, casual Friday attire for your office or workplace, so you can keep it laidback and professional at the same time.