According to Wikipedia Casual Friday is an American and Canadian custom which has spread to other parts of the world, where some offices celebrate a "semi-reprieve" from the constrictions of a formal dress code. Whereas, during the rest of the week, business shirts, suits, ties, trousers, and dress shoes are the norm, on Casual Friday workers are allowed to wear more casual dress.
But what about those companies where suits and ties are not the expected business attire from Monday to Thursday? Should four days of business casual then be topped off by a dress down Friday? For some this could mean coming in to work in a tracksuit or pyjamas! Believe me coming into work on a Friday there's some very strange choices of attire on show.
Personally (and bring on the controversy!) I am of the opinion that if you are casually dressed, then your approach and motivation to work is dramatically reduced and, worse still, for those meeting with clients or suppliers, you come across as less professional if you are too casually dressed. If you are "dressed down" for 20% of the week (one day out of five), then does this mean you are really only productive for 80% of the week? That's how I think about it anyway!
If you are off to the movies ... dress accordingly. If you are going out clubbing ... dress accordingly. If you are off to chop wood ... dress accordingly. Any in my opinion (for what it's worth), if you are off work ... dress accordingly.
Image courtesy of: slworking2
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