Casual Fridays

Happy Friday everyone! I don’t know about you, but this week has been a a bit of a doozy (and definitely not the good kind) so I am extra glad the weekend is almost here.

That said, Fridays have a special place in my heart. I now always try to work from home on Fridays which means I take no meetings, no calls other than my French lessons via Skype every Friday morning, get to hang out with Coco all day (cats are the best stress relief) and can wear whatever I want. In reality I normally spend the day tackling my overflowing inboxes, blog admin, and trying to get through my multiple ‘to do’ lists. But I always make a point to squeeze in at least one fun thing – usually a lunchtime gym class or lunch date with my best friend, a trip to a favourite cafe and bookshop for some fresh inspiration, or an after-work massage every few weeks. I firmly believe you should always have something good to look forward to to get you through a long week!

Even when I used to work in Parliament and had a more strict dress code, I loved that Fridays always felt a bit more relaxed – both in terms of my schedule and wardrobe. Smart suits and black dresses could be swapped for jeans and sweaters, and an unspoken consensus that Friday afternoons were long meeting-free zones meant everyone was in a better mood.

I’d usually wear a variation of this outfit – jeans or chinos, a cute blouse or sweater, and a smart jacket – every single Friday. Adding heels and lipstick and a few preppy details means I can basically wear my most casual off-duty wardrobe basics but still look professional. But I suppose old habits die hard because even when I find myself work at home, this is still what I’m wearing most Fridays.

Whereas on weekends I’d happily wear this outfit with trainers or ankle boots, adding heels + a sharp navy blazer (one of my favourite wardrobe essentials) keeps things workwear appropriate for all but the most corporate dress codes. A white oxford shirt below your sweater – let the collar, hem and cuffs peek out a little – breaks up the colour and silhouette and makes everything a little more smart and preppy.

Just add lipstick and you’re ready for anything Friday can throw at you.

Wearing: J.Crew blazer // Whistles sweatshirt // Boden shirt (past season but similar style here) // Gap jeans // Coach bag c/- (on sale in green here) // Mulberry heels (past season but similar style here) // Karen Walker sunglasses (also in black) // Kenneth Jay Lane pearl earrings // Astley Clarke pearl ring c/- // Monica Vinader diamond ring // Bobbi Brown ‘Parisian Red’ lipstick.

How do you do casual Fridays? I’d love to know your favourite traditions + wardrobe hacks!

Love, Briony xx

Photos by Joe Galvin