How to Dress Casual Professional on Casual Day

How to Dress Down in a Professional Environment

Malina Debrie
There has been so much controversy in the way employees dress on casual days. Management has a dilemma when it comes the dress code necessary to touch on everything yet provide directives for all employees who wants to dress to please their administrative team, be comfortable, and be presentable to the public or clients.

Dressing professionally on Friday casual day can be done without dressing in a suit and tie. With the new styles available, it is quite easy to dress c casual yet demonstrate a professional demeanor in the attire worn.

Often, employees complain of the amount it cost to purchase clothing. They also may complain of the strict standards companies implement when establishing a Dress Code. Companies have gone so far as to establish committees to gather in an attempt establishing a workable dress code for every position other than field crews.

Most companies hesitate going as far as telling employees exactly what to wear. Guidelines can be misinterpreted, misunderstood or just down right ridiculous to adhere to. So what do you do when trying to manage the attire being worn by your employees during regular workdays and then on casual days. Or, as an employee, how do you dress for success on a casual day?

How to Dress professional On Casual Days: For Executives

Executive team members are held to a certain standard. Lower level employees take their lead from management and executive team members. Executive team members must remember that even though they are able to wear just about anything they like, they still have subordinates who look to them as their example. Appropriate attire for an executive team member who is not scheduled to have meetings should be something along the line of a blazer, dress shirt and jeans, a pair of jeans with a long sleeve shirt cuffs turned up and loafers or classy flats. Remember, this article is providing a little guidance. it is not all inclusive. The best advice for executive team members and those in management is to dress as you want your employees to dress if you are not performing field work getting into the ditches.

How to Dress Professional On Casual Days; For Support or Lower Level Employees

the old saying do as i say and not as I do is pertinent here. Do not do as your executive team or management team do when it comes to dressing unless, you have a clear understanding that they way they dress is the way they desire you to dress. sometimes, management takes the reasoning that they can do just about anything. however, they do not want their employees to follow suit. never wear a pair of shorts when a manager wears a pair of shorts. If you are in the office, working with clients, dress for the position you want to be in. Never dress based on a relaxed atmosphere or a relaxed demeanor of an executive.

Years ago, i observed a CEO of a very prestigious company. his demeanor was relaxed and he felt as though everyone should have a good time. However, even though he wore a pair of khaki shots, beach flippers and a hat on Friday, he did not want his employees dressing this way. His expectations were that he was the boss. The environment he desired was carefree, yet professional. His employees were required to maintain a professional atmosphere in their attire and attitudes.

To be safe, unless you own the company or are the CEO, remember to dress for success. Dress for the position you want to have in the future today.

Published by Malina Debrie

I am the owner and founder of a small professional writing service. I provide professional and private writing services for clients as well as copywriting and business writing services. I am an avid Chri...  View profile

11 Comments

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  • Babblin' Brook3/7/2010

    Very informative!

  • Kevin Hagen3/4/2010

    Good advice.

  • Angel Vee3/1/2010

    Lovely tips!

  • John Mario2/28/2010

    Good advice!

  • Jedley Manimtim2/26/2010

    Great tips, the casual professional look is smooth!

  • J.C. JORDAN2/26/2010

    Good advise.

  • Elizabeth Valentine2/26/2010

    Sound tips, thanks!

  • Jennifer Wagner2/26/2010

    Good advice. Thanks!

  • Tiadora Anderson2/26/2010

    Good tips.

  • Malina Debrie2/26/2010

    Hi Abby. You are saying in the entire area this is the case? So, TN is orange and white everywhere? Amazing that an entire 'state' wears orange and white!

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