How to wear casuals

How to wear casual

Follow these essential rules for looking your best at the office. But remember: don’t go too laid-back, and no rock band T-shirts, please...
Relaxed Look
Trudging to work every day in the shackling corporate dress code can get boring, which is why casual Fridays are such a relief. What you wear to the office at the end of the week says a lot about your personality – outside work. To be sure, you can ease up a little, but remember to never get carried away: you could suddenly be pulled into a meeting with your managing director or a client, so you always have to look on the money.

Shirt
Don’t pair your jeans with your favourite Sepultura T-shirt. Instead, rock your denims with a smart polo shirt, and layer that with a preppy cardigan during the winter months.

Blazer
Light colours work best and complement denims nicely. Make sure the fabric is light wool or cotton, and that the jacket fits properly and is ironed firmly.

Jeans
Choose dark rinse or black jeans in traditional washes. Don’t go back to the Eighties with acid washed, stone washed or distressed jeans. Pick a pair of dark-hued straight-cut jeans or cigarette slim ones as they complement all body types. Darker shades give off the perfect balance of seriousness and weekend cool.

Shoes
Lace-ups add the touch of gravitas you need to complete the look.
Corporate Look
What you wear to work must always be more formal than your weekend wardrobe – even on Fridays. Once you understand that, feel free to play around a little.
Trousers
It’s imperative that you have more than just blue jeans in your closet. A slim pair of chinos delivers the same elegant fit, while allowing you to break out of the vicious cycle of drab denims.

Shirt
A well-pressed shirt with no prints and in subtle colours works. If you don’t have a belly, make sure the shirt’s a slim fit. Fold up your sleeves neatly.

Cardigan
Your cardigan should go well with your shirt; you don’t want to end up looking like your grandfather.
Tie
A tie adds some serious clout to your look, but on Friday, be adventurous with the choice of colours and prints.

Shoes
Choose a pair of sneakers, but avoid ones that make you look like a hip-hop star. Pick a colour that goes with the outfit.
Preppy Look
Adding an appropriate amount of stripes and checks is a smart way to brighten up your look, without receiving hate emails from HR.
Shirt
Micro checks or stripes are fun, but remember the all-time rule – don’t go baggy; slim fit rules.
Cardigan
This one with argyle checks will keep the look preppy
Jeans
A straight-cut pair of denims brings a splash of cool to your look
Shoes
A pair of well-waxed loafers completes this slick look
Belt
A classic leather belt with a small metal buckle keeps the casual look in check. Your boss will approve.