Dress-Down Style Keep Your Corporate Culture In Mind Even When Casual Wear At Work Is Permitted

The verdict is in: Dress-down Fridays are here to stay. Whether it’s an official or unspoken policy, corporate America likes to take it easy at the end of the week.

“Dressing down has proved to be a good thing,” says Alan Cohen, a corporate consultant and dean of faculty at Babson College, in Wellesley, Mass. “As corporations become leaner and meaner, they need contributions and ideas from every level. Dressing down helps break barriers.

“Accessibility and approachability seem greater if your boss is dressed the way you are.”

To many, however, there’s nothing casual about casual dressing. On the one hand, you want to fit in with the relaxed spirit; on the other, you worry about compromising your hard-earned professional image, especially if you are an aspiring executive.

You’re right to be concerned, say corporate consultants.

“There is a fine line between casual and unprofessional. But not to go with the flow would be a major mistake,” says Lynn Cooper, of Lynn Cooper & Associates, a Chicago-based image specialist.

“My advice is to trust your gut. You know what’s appropriate and what isn’t. And if there’s something you’re not sure about, err on the side of elegance and propriety.”

Cohen agrees.

“Pay careful attention to those around you, especially those just ahead of you in the corporate structure,” Cohen says.

“The challenge is how to look a little bit better than peers and to be first among equals, but not to the point of looking uppity or out of sync.”

MEMO: This sidebar ran with story: DO’S AND DON’TS OF DRESSING DOWN Do Check your calendar to make sure you have no client appointments before you dress down. Pay attention to what the executives are wearing and take your cues from them. Consider following the news anchor trick of wearing a blazer if you have desk job. This way you’ll make a good impression from the waist up. Make sure that one element is traditional business attire, whether it be a jacket or tailored trousers. Wear T-shirts, as long as they are logo-free and neatly pressed. Remember that a strand of pearls goes a long way to dress up a T-shirt. Try a flippy skirt as a comfortable, expressive alternative to pants. Keep accessories minimal and small in scale. Dangling earrings never look good in the office. Consider pressed khakis as a safe alternative to jeans. If you do wear jeans, forget the faded variety. Instead choose black or very dark ones. Tread cautiously when it comes to wearing leggings. It’s a rare outfit that can make them look professional. Don a cardigan as a soft alternative to a blazer. Remember that dress-down attire definitely encourages a relaxed attitude. Casual is not synonymous with sloppy.

Don’t Overdo it with denim. Wear no more than one piece at one time. If you’re wearing a denim shirt, team it with a neat black skirt or pants rather than denim jeans. Consider anything bare. When in doubt, forgo nude legs and open-toed shoes. Only wear sleeveless tops or dresses if you have a sweater or jacket on hand. Be wary of anything that could be interpreted as provocative. Sheer blouses, plunging necklines, tight T-shirts and ultrashort skirts have no place in the work environment. Wear anything meant for the gym or sports, including athletic shoes, sweats or sports T-shirts. Mistake the office for a construction site. Flannel shirts, heavy pullovers, construction boots and thermal underwear are definite nono’s, no matter how cold it is outside. Take chances. Better to be safe and boring than deemed inappropriate by office mates, or worse yet, your boss. Chicago Tribune