Casual Look Doesn’t Require On-Job Training

Dress-down Fridays were intended to make office dressing a little easier, at least one day a week. But many people are confused about just what is appropriate work attire these days.

Employees can interpret dressing down to mean anything from casual pants and sweaters to dungarees and T-shirts. But a wise employee will consider her own position, the general office atmosphere, how her own boss dresses, and what the company’s customers expect, before dressing too casually.

If this new crinkle in dressing for success has your head spinning, Dayton Hudson Corp. has come out with the book “The Complete Guide to Dressing for Workday Casual.” You can order the $50 book by calling (800) 292-2450.

Designer version

Black wool knit jumper by Andrea Jovine, $140

White cotton blouse by Isabel Ardee, $72

Black cashmere coat by Regency Cashmere, $700

Silver watch with green leather band by Life, $70

Sterling-silver hoop earrings by Ralph Lauren, $50

Red and white plaid silk scarf with fringe by DKNY, $90

Items above at major department stores.

Total: $1,122

Dress For Less version

Red wool knit jumper by Field Manor, $68

White cotton blouse with French cuffs by Field Manor, $48

Red wool-blend boucle peacoat by Maxx Meren, $295

Silver watch with black leather band by Liz Claiborne, $60

Silver hoop earrings by Earthly Treasures, $10

Black and white dot scarf by Echo, $29

Items above at major department stores.

Total: $510

MEMO: All of the best looks and fashion bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.