When I worked in corporate land, I had to by a strict dress code, aka suited and booted, four out five days a week.
In essence, it was a uniform so I rarely had to stress out about what to wear. But come Thursday afternoon, that awful dull feeling of worry started to creep over me. Friday. No meetings. In office. Casual Friday. No need for the suit, but no jeans allowed. ARGHH! What on earth was I going to wear?
I tended to default to skirts as I felt the most comfortable in them, and at the time I could never find smart, but casual trousers. I know I wasn't alone, but I still get questions from my friends over what to wear on the last day of the working week.
So, here are my favourite Casual Friday go-to outfits:
- Trousers
From left: Black jeans, €56, Oasis; Printed trousers, €39, iclothing; Black trousers, €120, French ConnectionYou don't want to wear the bottom half of your suits, and you may not be allowed wear jeans so we need a compromise.
Floral prints inject some fun, and can be styled with light weight knitted jumpers to keep the look casual. Alternatively, look for less tailored pants (à la the ones above from French Connection) that have a slightly looser fitting and can be worn with every blazer and casual jacket you own.
- Skirts
Advertised
Pinstripe Skirt, €104.95, Oui at Kilkenny; Coat, Top and Skirt, from the AW14 collection at Avoca; Skater skirt, €165, Reiss at ArnottsMy old reliable is still my number one choice for the lower half. You can still wear a pencil skirt without looking too formal, just stick to more relaxed fabrics like wool or leather for example.
The skater or a-line cut is feminine and cute and is super chic with opaque tights and ankle boots to wear with your winter coat.
- Tops
Embellished jumper, €21, Penneys; Purple top, €47, Oasis; Cream sleeved top, €57, Myleene Klass at LittlewoodsEven if you stick to one or two pairs of trousers or skirts, you can alternate lot's of different tops to create completely different outfits. Stick to block colours, and a choice of different sleeve lengths so you can layer these under the coats and jackets you may already have.
And not to forget shoes! A pair of boots makes everything better!
What is your go-to outfit for casual Fridays? Do you prefer the ease of a work uniform or do you love the thought of brightening up your office with some style?
