From The Straits Times    |
5 ways to do Casual Friday with an edge thumb

If you work in an office where Fridays have a casual dress code, lucky you! It’s your chance to ditch those suits and pinstripes for a look that shows off your personality with colour and fun pieces.

But will your boss frown on this season’s trending ripped jeans? It’s understandable that some people have trouble switching to a more laid-back, but still work-appropriate, outfit.

The trick is to pull pieces from both your work and play wardrobes and put them together. As a guide, I’ve thrown staples from your Monday to Thursday office looks together with edgy weekend picks for five looks that will wow on any Casual Friday.

There’s no better person to come onboard as model for the day than Hot 91.3FM DJ Charmaine Yee. For Yee, every work day is Casual Friday. She veers towards feminine dresses for her night time radio show and hosting gigs but adopts a slack tomboy style after hours. These five casual Friday looks marry both her girly and tomboy styles – the DJ’s certain to shine in the centre of the spotlight.


Topshop denim vest, $79; Dorothy Perkins lace top with embellishments, $59; Dorothy Perkins lace skirt with embellishments, $69; Aldo sneaker wedges, $149; Aldo cuff, $19

Work staple: Matching blouse and skirt
Add: Denim vest and sneaker wedges

With nude pumps, the pink matching separates with embellishments spell out sweet office lady. But throw on a denim vest and fierce sneaker wedges and your look shouts rocker with a side of sass.


B+AB sleeveless T-shirt from i.t., $49; Miss Selfridge boucle jacket, $99; Miss Selfridge boucle skirt, $79; Mulberry large clutch, $1,630; Aldo Rise shoes, $209

Work staple: Skirt suit
Add: T-shirt and colour blocked heels

Switch out your collared button-down shirt for your favourite band tee under your favourite two-piece suit for a less stuffy look. Stick with covered heels but go wild with colour instead of all matchy-matchy.


Sacoor Brothers jacket, $600; Style Nanda sleeveless T-shirt from i.t., $89; Levi’s bootcut jeans, $139.90; Aldo shoes, $179; Diva necklace from Miss Selfridge, $56

Work staple: Blazer
Add: Jeans and floral accessories

Your trusty navy blazer can do no wrong, especially when paired with a striking coloured T-shirt, bootcut jeans and shoes with fun floral accents. Well-tailored bootcut denim in a darker wash is always work-appropriate.


In Good Company Astrid jacket, $309; Miss Selfridge crop top, $29; In Good Company Bjorn pants, $209; Aldo shoes, $159; Warehouse curb chain bracelet, $26

Work staple: Jacket and pants
Add: Crop top

In the most casual of offices, expose just a sliver of skin with this gingham crop top – the jacket and high-waisted pants and neutral colour scheme keep the overall look decent. But celebrate TGIF with pops of colour!


Kate Spade Saturday denim jacket, $270; Warehouse star bead jumper, $113; Topshop skirt, $89; Aldo Rise bag, $119; Aldo Rise shoes, $219

Work staple: Pleated skirt
Add: Fun sweater and denim jacket

For me, the pleated skirt is the unsung hero of any woman’s wardrobe. The shape and movement is flattering for any body type and can be dressed up or down easily. In this case, go with a star-patterned sweater and a denim moto jacket for a more weekend vibe.

Tune in to Charmaine Yee from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on the Hot30 Countdown with Charmaine and Jill on weekdays on Hot FM91.3 and check out www.charmaine-yee.com for more information about the DJ.

Credits: Hair and makeup: Benedict Choo (9682 9590); styling: Shi Tianyun; art direction: Michelle Tham; photography: Darren Chang 

Stockist:
For a list of Aldo stores, go to www.aldoshoes.com/singapore/controller.cfmdynamicPage=storelocations&lang=eng
For a list of Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Topshop and Warehouse stores, go to www.f3.com.sg/f3-stores.html
Kate Spade Saturday For a list of Kate Spade Saturday stores, go to saturday.sg/
In Good Company is available at www.ingoodcompany.asia/ and at Level 2 Tangs Orchard.
For a list of i.t. locations, go to www.itlabels.com.sg/store.html
For a list of Levi’s Lady’s stores, go to levi.com.sg/sg/storelocatorloc=LEVI%27S%C2%AE%20LADY%27S%20STORES
For a list of Mulberry stores, go to www.mulberry.com/us/stores-list
For a list of Sacoor Brothers stores, go to www.sacoor.com/en/index.html

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