Not Business As Usual
For men, the term "casual Friday" can take them into dangerous territory. Unlike women, who have to worry whether their attire is more appropriate for a nightclub than the office, men face extremes in both directions. Either they loosen up too much and look as though all they’re missing is a bag of Lay’s potato chips and a remote control, or they don’t loosen up enough.
"Taking off the tie and leaving the dress shirt is not the right idea," said Todd Hanshaw, ready to wear couture buyer at Wynn Las Vegas. "You need to wear a shirt that can stand on its own."
The shirt tends to lead the way to appropriate attire on casual Fridays. All the other pieces follow suit.
The dress code for the other four days of the week also offers clues about what to wear on casual Friday. The guy who wears a suit and tie all week dons different clothes than the one who has a pinball machine in his break room. If your office falls somewhere in between, then we have some tips for dressing that part, too.
Interpreting the rules of casual dress in the office means that you can still let your personality shine through. "You can definitely show your personal style, but you always want to maintain a certain polish when doing business casual," said Matthew Edelstein, fashion director for Details magazine.
The professionals offered some tips on which business casual uniforms are appropriate for which workplaces.
SUITING DOWN
If your office received the announcement of a casual Friday with a standing ovation, then you’re probably in a workplace with a lot of suits and a stringent dress code. For you, the rules of dressing business casual come closer to business than casual.
Be cautious of the pants you select in this office setting. Steer away from denim and toward khaki, but keep in mind the details. "Get away from that pleated look. If it pleats in, they will puff out, if it pleats out they will make him look like he has child-bearing hips," Hanshaw said. As an alternative, he likes flat-front pants, which he says provide a flattering silhouette for most body types.
A navy blazer will bring the "on the clock" element to your casual look. It doesn’t have to be a prep school look, either. Let the blazer express your personality, but keep in mind that fit can make or break this look. George Clooney and Jude Law have perfected this look.
Wear a crisp, white, long-sleeved button-up shirt under your blazer, but don’t grab the first one on the rack. "There has to be a fit and style to the shirt that’s appropriate for their body type," Hanshaw said. This means one of three options: full-bodied, fitted or normal. If you’re not sure which would flatter your body best, Hanshaw recommends asking for the assistance of a personal shopper or a tailor.
To ensure a polished look, finish with a nice belt and matching shoes. "When dressing casual chic, the most important thing is the accessories," Hanshaw said. Turn to Kenneth Cole for reliable options but to kick it up a few notches, Hanshaw recommends Gucci or Hermes.
For your important files and folders, give the regular briefcase a day off in favor of a softer leather version with tote handles. "It’s new, not the briefcase your grandfather got on the train with," Edelstein said.
CLIMBING THE LADDER
The majority of men working in Las Vegas don’t have a job that requires a closet with two tie racks and rows of suits. Nor do they have the luxury of one wardrobe that works for both work and weekend. For these guys, the shirt stands in the spotlight.
According to Hanshaw, it should be something with a little "more fashion," a little "more spark." That could mean a bigger collar, an interesting print or color or even exceptional tailoring.
Couple it with a casual pair of pants, such as a khaki or, in colder months, a corduroy. A chino in any neutral tone is also a safe bet. Look to Daniel Craig and Leonardo DiCaprio for examples of how to pull this off.
The belt and shoe should also be in prime condition, but for this look you may want to do something more out of the ordinary. Edelstein suggests wearing a loafer without socks. "This is one of those trends that’s easier for guys to wrap their heads around," he said. Be warned, however, that while everyone can pull off a loafer, the same can’t be said for a sockless loafer. Know your physical strengths, as well as your weaknesses. "The last thing you want to see are pasty, white ankles," Edelstein added.
The last item you’ll add is a jacket of your choice because "if you’re blazerless you should always have a jacket handy even if it’s a leather bomber," Hanshaw said. "Just don’t do the Fonzie leather jacket."
LAYING LOW
Men with creative jobs — such as graphic designers, artists and even some fashion positions — have the freedom of dressing down more than most people. For these guys, the experts recommend a modified version of the classic collegiate look. Think Justin Timberlake when he’s laying low or Jake Gyllenhaal.
Start with a dark pair of denim without a wash. The darker the denim, the closer it resembles a pair of work pants. Edelstein advises to stick with a straight leg, nothing baggy or slung low. "The way you wear the clothes is very important for business casual," he said. "Everything needs to fit you right."
Next, he suggests wearing a polo shirt, but try something other than a solid neutral color here. Stripes, bright colors or interesting logos will act as the exclamation point.
For this look, turn to sneakers, but they should be a pair not intended for the basketball court. "A pair of really classic white sneakers are good or even a pair of retro sneakers," Edelstein said.
To complete the look, throw a chic messenger bag over your shoulder.