ISABEL SPEARMAN WHY IT WORKS
‘Casual’ go-tos take the stress out of dress-down Fridays
QI’m starting a new job in September and they have casual Fridays. What’s the best way to approach it?
Aah, the dreaded “casual Fridays”… just when you think you’ve got your work wardrobe sorted, that tricky in-between day arises. The best approach is to develop a uniform of sorts, as you would Monday to Thursday, so you’re not left staring blankly at your casual clothes every Friday morning. Introduce a bit of denim and, combined with a well-tailored blazer, you have a classic smart-casual look.
Jeans are simplest, and you might already have a pair that is sharp enough. If not, use this as an excuse to buy some that you save for the office – go for high-waisted styles to avoid any side bits squeezing out. Emilia Wickstead, the mistress of figure-flattering dresses, has just launched her first pair of jeans and they are perfect for anyone with a bottom (like me). If designer denim price tags make your eyes water, try John Lewis’s new And/ Or denim range for a high-street option or Donna Ida’s high-waisted jeans, which sit somewhere in-between. If you have a flattish tummy, then wear with a shirt or blouse tucked in, but if you want to skim over that area then avoid anything with buttons running all the way down. If jeans are a stretch too far for your office, try a denim dress or skirt instead. I wouldn’t advise going shorter than knee length though; so look at Jaeger’s Seventies-inspired style. Warehouse also has a denim shirt dress that would look good on its own or with a blazer.
If you want your smartcasual on the smarter side, ME+EM’S side-stripe trousers come in either a wide cut or chic crop length. I love the navy with a pink stripe for summer, with a white top and navy blazer. Come autumn, I’d be tempted by the khaki stripe.
I keep referring to that all-important navy blazer that every working wardrobe should have – and not just for casual Fridays. Order some variations online and try them at home to find the right length and cut for you. Plus, remember that most dry cleaners will shorten sleeves inexpensively.