Dress Down What? Friday! - Part I

Trousers, Slacks or Jeans

Another debatable topic by most corporate protocol advisers is 'Dress Down Fridays' 

Slowly companies in Trinidad & Tobago are moving away from the traditional office wear to somewhat casual/ business casual on Fridays. 

Most employees love this idea however, the old school of thought believe this should not be acceptable and  there is no place for casual or even business casual in an office.

Some of the local companies are now providing their staff members with a shirt which can be worn with trousers, slacks or skits while other companies have given their staff members the flexibility 'dress down' without a company shirt. 

Ladies, I love to 'dress down' whether its with the company's shirt or my own outfit however, I have seen some pants, skirts and outfits that are not suited for the office even if we are casual. 

Let's look at some useful tips. 

Pants

Some companies may have rules as to what type of pants that may be worn with a company's shirt. Even if there are no rules are some useful tips for pants or trousers that can be business casual. 

• Dark colours (black, blue, brown, khaki, grey,) avoid bright colours like red, green, yellow
• Be careful of the material - 
• Please do not wear leggings and capris
• Definitely no exercise tights (long, short or capris)
• No shorts

Jeans

Unless stated by the company that jeans are acceptable for the office, please do not wear. Once you get the 'ok' consider these points

• Avoid wearing bright or light colours 
• Save the cut out jeans for a lime or partying 
• Low rise jeans have no place in the office 
• That jeans should not be too tight (be mindful of the material). The hard jeans material is recommended. 

Skirts

• Not too short and tight, ladies we want to be fashionable but still keep it corporate
• Long tight fitted skirts are also inappropriate
• Jeans Skirts - No
• Skirts should also be dark coloured, and ideally should be 2 inches above your knee. 
• Pencil skirts below the knee is acceptable however, again be careful of the material

Here are some simple fashionable business casual looks 

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