Casual Fridays. An all-too-common term that doesn’t have to be (but often is) synonymous with boring. “Casual Fridays” is a Western term that was created to give the professionals a break from suits traditional —and conservative— suits. The cultural act was picked up all over the world as a trend, but the act of designating a single day to dress down is now all but obsolete in most work environments.
In fact, the New York Post recently published an article about a study that revealed an increased productivity level of up to 56% in the workplace when employees were allowed to dress down. The reasoning is that when you’re comfortable in your clothing, you can dedicate your energy on what’s important – not tugging and pulling at your tight pencil skirt or hobbling on too-high heels. Comfort increases your energy and focus, both essential to succeeding at work. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I’ve transformed my own wardrobe and am living proof that this trend toward casual cool is here to stay.
In these times, when more and more jobs are cropping up in the creative, tech, media, and other industries where conservative dress is not de rigeur, trends like sneakers, bombers, torn sweatshirts aren’t entirely out of place in the office. I have embraced being comfy cool, whereas at one point, I never even wore flats because of my insecurity over being short. Now, I live in them!
Rule of thumb: Casual does not have to be boring or basic. Casual can be comfort at its chicest, just embrace the look and rock it with confidence.
Here are the top three trends you need in order to master Casual Fridays (or Mondays, or Tuesdays, or…)
Kannas sneakers: If you’re looking for something a little edgy, our go-to shoe is the handmade Colombian brand, Kaanas. Affordable leather kicks for everyday wear.
Bomber Jackets: I first spied this trend at the Yeezy show a few seasons ago and this is a look with some serious staying power. Whether it’s satin or embroidered, the best thing about the bomber is its day-to-night kind of feel. You can pair it casually or you can dress it up—perfect for an after work happy hour.
Sweats (Yes, Sweats!): “Athleisure” is where comfort meets casual at its finest. A good sweatshirt is a must for the Fall, and you can pair yours with a leather legging, a skirt and of course, denim. There is no right or wrong to rock this look and it’s so comfortable and versatile that this is a trend that I hope sticks.
