Casual Friday Blues

Friday is upon us once more. And for most of us, that means Casual Friday. It’s the one time of the work week where one can get away with a little less formal wear at work. But as Sunny Treasures and I came back from lunch, we commented on the fact that a few short years ago, our place of employment did not have such a policy. In fact, in my first year at my job – we had a total of TWO days that I can remember that were deemed “jeans days.”

Bummer right? Well, I used to think so.

As we drove back to the office we listed off a litany of offenders and offenses that had caused a recent crackdown on our Casual Fridays. Sunny hit on the fact that some people “just can hold their jeans days.” And it sunk into my head.

All those times where I silently disdained the upper management ban on casual wear as horrible anachronism, I missed the point. When I inquired once why there was a lack of casual days, a veteran employee told me that the Big Boss onsite was against it on principle. Finance is a business. When the BB started in banking, he was just out of high school and he wore a tie to work. Only recently did he dress down to the typical khakis and polo shirt routine.

But now that we are DRUNK with regular Casual Fridays, as well as the work charity drives that allow us to purchase additional days of the week to wear jeans, I can see the BB’s point. We’re a society where most of us can’t get business casual right on a regular day. Most of us can’t even repair a button that came off, so we go around with it missing. Certain women think that things they would normally wear at the club are perfectly fine for a working lunch. Some of us think it’s perfectly okay to wear those damned ugly Crocs, Bermuda shorts, and a threadbare t-shirt to a Broadway musical!

What makes us think we can pull off Casual Friday correctly? A majority of us are SLOBS!

And those people are ruining it for the rest of us! Now, I’m willing to suspend my belief that Casual Friday Offenders weren’t taught right. Or maybe they’re confused or raised in a barn. Regardless, the fact is they need to clean up their act. And they need to do it before they get my Casual Friday yanked away!

Truly – it’s not that hard. You don’t have to buy a whole wardrobe for Casual Friday, I promise! Don’t know? Comfortable doesn’t have to mean trashy! Well then it’s time to learn, especially in these summer months where everyone tends to wear less. Lily White, clothes fanatic is here:

Just Because It’s Denim Doesn’t Mean You Have to Wear It. Jeans are everywhere. They’re not just casual anymore. We wear them to parties and we wear them to Church (Somewhere right now, my sweet Grandmother is rolling in her grave). I don’t blame you – it’s easy, it’s comfortable, and it goes with everything! But that’s no excuse to wear something that looks like a victim out of a slasher film! Holes and rips in jeans have not been fashionable since early 90’s George Michael, so get with it. It is also NOT the time to show that you know (or rather don’t know) what the term Whale Tail means. The fact that jeans come in a variety of cuts, washes, and sizes means you should never have to subject your co-workers to the “Derelique” look. YOU ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED…dress like it!


Be the Tops! Often times, what you choose to wear up top are where a Casual Day ensemble goes horrifically wrong. This usually tends to be a girl problem versus a boy problem. Guys have it easy: A polo or a button down, tucked or un-tucked go a long way. Women have more choices – and I think that’s where the problem is. Women, you must ask yourself a very important question when you get dressed on Casual Fridays: WILL THIS LOOK GOOD WHEN I’M DANCING ON A TABLE DRUNK? If the answer is yes, put the top away and save it for later in the evening…when you’re dancing on a table drunk. I guarantee if you ask that question, no one will look at you sideways while walking down the hall or try to slip a dollar into your jeans. Also – tone down on the bling. If people have to turn away, it’s too much. Tank tops are okay, as long as you have something to wear over them. You can never go wrong with a button down or (tasteful) fitted shirt. But above all: Make sure it fits. The only jelly rolls people want to see on a Friday are in the Dunkin’ Donuts box!


T-Shirts: Bane or Brilliance? I love funny shirts with funny sayings. And vintage shirts bring about a nice little rock and roll edge that makes you feel like a bad ass. But with the political atmosphere at work – one has to be very careful. Personally, I think they can be worn. But just like conversations, you should steer away from anything with religion and politics. Instead, go for something fun and with a sense of humor. And always be prepared to wear something over it…most bosses won’t notice unless they’re looking. Well, to be honest…most COOL bosses will laugh along with you. In fact, my ensemble this Friday will include this shirt layered under a button down (substitute Wisconsin for Oklahoma!):



Straps of Leather or Rubber ARE NOT Shoes. Again, this is mostly a girl problem. Guys, tennis shoes are fine, but make sure they’re clean. Okay ladies, repeat after me: FLIP FLOPS ARE NOT FOR WORK. I don’t care how cute they are or how comfy they are. They just look trashy! And second of all, they’re a work hazard. Ever bump into a file cabinet in your flip flops? Yeah…OW! Living in Arizona, I understand the need for shoes with ventilation. But sweet Gesu – YOU’RE STILL WORKING! If you want a barer look, go for nice sandals, they’re all the rage now. Cute and comfy heels will dress up anything! If you hate that – just say FLATS. There’s no reason for you to look like a beach bum at work. And for the love of all things holy...invest in a pedicure. No one…AND I MEAN NO ONE wants to see your crusty feet, okay?

There…now you have no excuse. Now go out there and take back your Casual Friday!