Wearing Casual Dresses to Work

Put away those boring black pants, and slip into that cute little dress you've been storing in the back of your closet for way too long. Choose to wear casual dresses to work on casual Friday, or when the management dictates a loose dress code. Although the guidelines for attire may be relaxed at your office, remember to make the outfit comfortable and tasteful around co-workers. Leave the mini-dresses and the zebra print frock in the closet for a special night out.

Choose subdued patterns. Casual dresses in solid colors with a pinstripe or soft, flowing floral patterns should be acceptable. When in doubt, look at the pattern and decide of you'd wear a blouse with that pattern to work. If yes, it's a go.

Pick cuts and styles that are not revealing. Modest scoop necklines, high v-necks and turtle neck topped casual dresses are good choices. Leave the revealing wrap-around and low cut styles at home. Place your hands at your sides. The bottom hem of the dress should be longer than your fingertips.

Dress it down. Add a simple cardigan or shawl to hide part of the dress, giving it a layered look. Co-workers are used to seeing you in two piece outfits, so give them that same illusion, while enjoying the comfort of a free flowing casual dress.

Dress it up. If color and style are encouraged at the office, add a chic page boy hat or beret. Accessorize with a scarf tied loose around the neck. Make the casual dress stand out with a wide belt sporting a shiny metallic buckle. Add matching shoes with details that play off the buckle.

Keep it professional. Add jewelry that highlights your features, but doesn't dominate the outfit. Pick stud earrings rather than hoops or cascading styles. Single pendant necklaces are more subtle than layers of colorful beads. Simple band-style rings are less flashy than your favorite rhinestones.

Add shoes that meet dress code guidelines. It's easy to get carried away and pair the casual dress with open-toed heels or sandals. Stay within guidelines of the office and opt for full foot coverage in a pair of mary janes or a simple flat.

Additional Tip:
Choose to wear casual dresses to work if you do not have in-person contact with outside clients. Since co-workers will also be dressing casually, your attire will be accepted. Outside business clients won't understand the office policy at a glance, and may perceive your presence as unprofessional or sloppy.

Source:
The Business Research Lab: Casual Dress Code