8 Tips to Create the Perfect Casual Friday Ensemble

These days, women are taken more seriously at work, making up 46.9 percent of the labor force. Of the Fortune 500 board seats, about 17 percent are currently held by women, as compared to 9.6 percent in 1995. Even if you’re not aiming to be a leader at a large company, how you dress is directly proportional to how people perceive you. Here are eight tips to look fashionable and put-together on casual Friday.

1. Casual doesn’t mean unpolished.Just because it’s Friday doesn’t mean it’s time to break out the loungewear as if it’s Sunday afternoon. The goal of casual Friday is to show off your personal style, be comfortable and look professional all at once.
   
2. Don’t skip out on your routine.Casual Friday also doesn’t give you a free pass to spend less time on your hair and makeup. You can’t go wrong with a classic pony and basic cat eye. Keeping your hands and feet well-manicured will also go a long way.
   
3. Bring out those tailored jeans.Pull out those dark wash bootcut jeans hidden in the back of your closet, because they’re perfect for casual Friday. Avoid jeans that are so skinny they look painted on and skip jeans with holes or whiskering. Find your perfect fit here.
   
4. Keep footwear classy. Flip-flops are a big no-no. You can ruin an entire outfit by slipping on the wrong footwear. Avoid stilettos – they’ll have people watching you for the wrong reasons – and pick a polished flat or pump.
   
5. Casual also doesn’t mean revealing.The general rule is to not show any more skin than you would on a Monday. This means if you’re usually in a pantsuit, pick a nice pair of jeans and pair ‘em with a comfy blazer. Avoid shirts that show your bra straps (and any other part of your bra, for that matter), low-cut jeans and cleavage-revealing tops.
   
6. Accessorize wisely.A great way to bring your look together is to accessorize with classy pieces like a collar necklace, enamel bangles or pearl earrings. Choose pieces that can be dressed up or down – it’s a good sign they’re versatile enough for casual Friday.
   
7. Feel free to rock bold hues.If you usually keep outfits in the neutral range during the week, casual Friday may be the perfect opportunity to rock that cobalt blue blazer you’ve been saving for a rainy day. Just keep all the other pieces basic and professional.
   
8. When in doubt...You can’t go wrong with a blazer and button-down. Wrap dresses can also be a great option, but be aware of how much cleavage you’re showing.