Casual Friday wear

What DOES one wear on casual Friday?

The 'casual Friday wear' dilemma for office workers isn't new and answering the question isn't easy. This is especially true when many offices (mine included) now have a "business casual" dress code for all days. "Business casual" means buttoned shirts with collars, dress slacks, skirts, etc. but not business suits. So what makes casual Friday wear different?

Apparently not so much. Most everyday, I see collared shirts that button up (often blue), Khaki pants (it's like a friggin' uniform), dresses, skirts. I don't see tank tops or halter tops, but sometimes the occasional halter dress appears in order to show off a tan. Capri length pants too. I don't see much denim, but there are some denim jacket wearers.

I wore a denim skirt today on this quiet August Friday. Most of the day I sat at my desk working and not paying attention to what anyone else was wearing. So how did I become the subject of scrutiny for others on my way to the toilet? How come others felt free to comment on my skirt but not harass the flip-flop wearers (who happen to wear flip-flops every day of the week, never mind just on Fridays)? A bit of research around the blogosphere (and even out there in the real world) revealed that in most offices, denim not only is allowed on Fridays, but denim jeans are a staple! At least my denim was in skirt form! And I also wore a buttoned-up blouse with a collar. Can I have a little credit, eh, on this not-quite-so-causal-Friday?

Not really. Seems like after I did a bit more research, I discovered that my office doesn't have casual Fridays! "Business casual" on all days means ALL days. Who knew? That explains why Fridays look the same as any other day! And why I was so scrutinized!

I guess I'll have to get rid of that skirt now. I tell you, if I wear denim outside of work it's got to be in jean form.