Casual Friday Fear Disappears with the Novelty Tie
By Meieli Sawyer Detoni

There’s a bit of pressure, come week’s end, to look professional but stay comfortable. Casual Fridays have been a part of the working world since their inception in the 1950s, and a source of stress for many professional men. After all, getting ahead and staying there can be hard enough without the danger of making fashion mistakes.

So for anyone who finds Casual Fridays challenging, remember that they were originally conceived to boost employee morale, and they can again. Post dot com boom, many companies have evened out their previously super-casual days. Middle-of-the-road “business casual” is the top choice today of those dressing themselves down.

It is this hybrid—the Business Casual Friday—that actually gives us a great deal of flexibility. Not only do we usher in the weekend more comfortably, but we have an opportunity to express definitive style without some of the day-to-day businesswear restrictions.

If your office has dress-down days, don’t take the bait and dress carelessly. Too many men are guilty of abusing casual dress. Dressing down can involve unusual touches to one’s wardrobe. For example, when there’s no need for a suit jacket or sport coat, why not showcase a striking tie? You won’t be trading comfort for style, and you’ll still be a part of Casual Fridays, looking relaxed and having a bit of fun.

Accessories are your best bet for loosening up your look. Ties don’t need to be boring, and they aren’t strictly formal, either. If you forgo neckties in plain colors and restricted patterns, you can use an unconventional technique to bring humor and interest to your look. The possibilities for casual wardrobe expansion are great. Novelty ties range from subtle to utterly wild, and holidays, celebratory events, and favorite animals can all be included.

If you aren’t feeling overly bold, don an understated novelty print, which can look like a simple pattern from afar. Small, repetitive images—be they tiny stars, trains, or miniature popcorn buckets—will look geometric to the casual viewer. Inconspicuousness can also be found in novelty items. Relish the creativity of your slightly risqué neckties and the freedom Casual Fridays gives you to wear them.

Getting even more casual, novelty ties are offered in alternative materials. These materials, maybe a bit overstated for some formal environments, can showcase personal interests. Perhaps you have never given it a thought, but if you are a sculpture enthusiast, try a modern wooden tie. If you are a rock fan, give an edgy leather necktie a chance. You’ll spark a few more friendly conversations in the office, and keep Business Casual Fridays comfortable in another way, too.

Why stop with ties? There are other accessories that will add casual panache to your look. Wear a pair of outrageous cufflinks, or an unusually colored dress shirt. It is just important to remember that balance is key. Although you should dump old clothes and toss worn-out tees, try to stay in the tradition of casual days. Ignoring them completely doesn’t make for much of a team player, but quietly slipping into the routine can also be a mistake. Take this opportunity to keep yourself up-to-date on men’s fashion. Try something new. Just don’t forget: for all Business Casual Fridays, exude confidence paired with a dose of good sense.