Susan's Blog » CASUAL FRIDAYS 2.0: Job Seekers and Employees Guide to Minding Your Manners and Appearance (part I)

10 Recessionary Tips For Casual Fridays

Why should this recession make a difference in the way you dress on “Casual Fridays?”  In many work environments, times are tough and so is the competition for jobs and internships. The savvy individual facing work related challenges proactively looks for ways to gain the edge by minding manners and appearance.  While you don't want to get noticed the way one U.K. company did by experimenting with "Naked Fridays," here are ten quick tips to up your game on Casual Fridays.

1.    Remember that every contact with the boss is a job interview.  This means that you need to dress for the position you currently have and for the job or internship you aspire to attain!

2.    In choosing casual dress for your current or applied for job, consider the corporate culture.  What are the values (conservative vs. creative or more liberal)?  Dress in a way that is consistent with your Company’s values.

3.    Could your job responsibilities change on any given day?  Could your boss ask you to fill in for someone in a different role that might require more business dress? If so, be prepared and dress for any contingency.

4.    Understand the difference between “Business Casual” and “Casual.”  “Business Casual” usually refers to Polo Shirts, Khakis, and dockers for men and for women, pants or khakis and a blouse, or a skirt and nice top with pumps, flats, or low healed open toe shoes.  “Casual” usually means for men, jeans and polo or sweater (occasionally, T-shirts may be allowed) with sneakers or dockers.  Woman’s wear is usually jeans, tunic top, sweater, turtleneck, shell or a shift dress and nice sandals.  In LA and NY for the past two summers, fashion and media outlets saw shift dresses and flip-flops as the “uniform” of choice.  Cool casual dressing for appropriate, more creative, corporate cultures.

5.    Clothing should be sized well.  Too baggy looks sloppy and may be interpreted as an indication of one’s approach to their work.  Too tight or small may be viewed as a lack of self and other regard, or as a sexual advertisement.

6.    Colors must be coordinated regardless of Business Casual or Casual choices.  One’s work quality should be the focus of attention, not a clothing clash.

7.    Clothing that is clean and in good repair is viewed as saying something about the hygiene and discipline of the wearer, so always adhere to this guideline, no matter what the choice.

8.    Wearing clothing that is appropriate to the wearer’s body type is extremely important, especially for employees and job seekers who greet the public.

9.    The importance of personal hygiene cannot be overstated.  Regardless of the day, hair should be clean and styled, fingernails cared for, and toes, if seen, clean and short.

10.   Keep jewelry minimal; you don’t want to distract anyone from the value of your work.

Overall, my best advise for dressing casually at work, especially in this uber competitive job market, is that you adhere to a positive attitude, sharpen your manners and social skills, and hone your posture and deportment (the way you carry yourself.)  No matter how casual your dress or small you clothing budget, these skills will carry the day and help you stand out from the crowd.