What is the Casual Friday Dress Code? In the ever-changing modern workplace, it’s hard to know exactly what to wear when casual Friday rolls around. Whilst most businesses follow the business dress code, when it comes to Friday it’s often tough to define what ‘casual’ really looks like. The objective of casual Friday is to add a slight casual twist to your day-to-day work attire—balancing a work appropriate, neat look with a more laid back outfit. For example, if you wear a suit and tie to work every day, then you could wear chinos and a sports jacket for casual Friday. Whether you’re in a corporate office or a small business, we’ve rounded up our top tips that will help you master the trickiest of the workplace dress codes. Chinos Invest in a pair of chinos that fit you like a glove. Whether you’re a regular cut or a modern cut man, you should find a pair of chinos that make you feel comfortable and confident. Once you’ve found your perfect cut, we suggest stocking up on at least two colours to add versatility to your wardrobe. Classic colours would be Sand and Navy, and for those who are more adventurous try a light Army Green, or our seasonal choice, Fjord Blue. Long Sleeve Shirts A collared long sleeve shirt which shows some personality is always a stylish choice. Consider a geometric print, a subtle floral or a colourful check in shades that suit you. Don’t be afraid to roll your sleeves up for a more relaxed approach to the workday. For summertime, a linen shirt is another great choice that blends a more casual style with a neat look. Sports Jackets or Blazer Have a meeting scheduled that day? Throw on a tailored jacket in a fabric that doesn’t look or feel like a business suit. Try a stretch sports jacket for all day comfort or a linen and wool blend for the warmer weather. When it comes to sports jackets on casual Friday, the key is to choose a colour or texture that contrasts against your chinos. Try a light chambray blue jacket with navy chinos for a fresh and eye-catching approach. In the cooler months, you can easily layer your sports jacket over a knit or sweater for extra warmth. Jeans While Chinos are our preferred option for casual Friday, in some workplaces you can also wear jeans. Not all colours of Jeans are alike. Dark wash Jeans, such as black, indigo or grey, are more formal alternatives to the lighter wash Jeans. To further elevate the look of your denim, pair it with a shirt that complements the colour. For example, pair a white or light blue Jean with a knit or sports jacket. Avoid pairing your jeans with another casual top, such as a t-shirt or hoodie, as this outfit may be far too relaxed for the workplace. Polo Shirts A more casual option compared to a button-down shirt, a polo shirt can be a versatile option for casual Friday. It can be easily layered with a sports jacket or knit, while it also looks smart when paired with chinos or dark wash jeans. However, being a slightly less formal option compared to a shirt, be sure to check the dress code beforehand to see whether you can wear a polo on casual Friday. Some businesses don’t classify polo shirts as a ‘collared shirt’, which could leave you looking out of place on that day of the week. Accessories Rather than sticking to classic black, wear a tan leather belt and shoes. The finishing touch to any outfit, a tan leather belt and shoes will instantly add a polished element to your casual Friday outfit, while keeping your look slightly more relaxed. That being said, always consider your outfit before finishing it off with accessories. Some colour combinations may look better with brown, black, navy blue or white accessories. Another great unspoken rule for casual Friday is that you usually don’t have to wear a tie! Casual Friday Outfit Ideas While your chosen outfit will be largely decided by what the standard business dress code is, there are two simple recommendations we have when planning your look: If you typically wear a suit and tie, try chinos paired with a long sleeve top and a sports jacket or knit. If you typically wear a shirt and chinos, try a polo shirt paired with dark wash jeans and a casual jacket or knit. Get ready for casual Friday with all the latest men’s clothing at GAZMAN now.