Casual approach

MAXINE GORDON offers some sound advice on how to 'dress down' for the office

MOST office staff have two wardrobes: one for work, the other for weekends. But the staple of office wear, the suit, is being squeezed out by the growing fashion for wearing casual clothes to work.

In the belief that it boosts staff morale and therefore productivity, more and more firms are introducing regular 'dress down days' where workers can wear less formal gear to the office.

Leading accountancy firm Arthur Andersen has taken that one step further by telling staff they no longer have to wear suits to work.

While many workers will cheer the demise of the suit, some will worry about what to wear as a replacement.

For years, the smart two-piece has provided a safe uniform for office staff. Take it away and some workers will feel abandoned in a style wilderness.

It's all too easy to make a big fashion faux pas by wearing something totally inappropriate for work.

Kildip James, recruitment consultant with Liz Dargue Staffing, Davygate, York, warns that a relaxed dress code doesn't necessarily signal the green light to wear exactly what you want.

"You can't wear jeans or clubbing wear," she advises. "Avoid trainers and combat trousers. If you wear a T-shirt, make sure it's plain and definitely no big motifs.

"The question to ask yourself really is whether the outfit would be suitable to wear at an evening do for a wedding."

Kildip says different companies will have their own 'threshold' on what is acceptable. A small office, with young staff, perhaps working in the design field, will most likely allow its staff to wear trendier clothes than a huge finance company.

However, she says, there are some golden rules to remember. "Women should consider the length of their skirt and the depth of their cleavage, particularly if your job involves bending, photocopying and filing. You want to be comfortable and not self-conscious. An outfit you consider to be fashionable may not be suitable for the office and could cause offence.

"You've also got to be practical. Remember it's better to wear comfortable shoes than having to totter all day on high heels."

As for high-fashion looks such as animal prints and paisley patterns, Kildip insists that less is definitely more for the office. Restrict them to a single piece, such as a handbag, she suggests. Or wear a colourful skirt, but team it with a plain T-shirt, cardigan and shoes.

But how far can you push the boat out in office fashion? We put together a collection of trendy outfits from high street shops in York and persuaded Lisa Cobb and Justin Dolman from the Evening Press to be our models, then asked Kildip to give us her verdict.

GUIDE TO THE OUTFITS

1 Kildip on Lisa: These separates look very smart, and you might be able to get away with these shorter-length trousers if you wore them with a jacket. ***

Kildip on Justin: This is a good example of wearing separates together to the right effect. The colours tone well together and he looks very smart for the office. *****

2 Kildip on Lisa: This is a fashionable look, again with the trendy calf-length trousers. This will be acceptable in some workplaces mainly because it is a suit and looks smart. ****

3 Kildip on Lisa: This paisley print is great fun and very colourful - but not for the office. The neckline is far too revealing. Keep it for a Friday night out with the girls. **

Kildip on Justin: This suit from Burton is great. It's trendy, but smart and when he takes the jacket off he still looks the business in his shirt and trousers. The colour combination of cream and blue is classic too. *****

4 Kildip on Lisa: This is great fun and I love the bag, but it's just too trendy for the office. *

Kildip on Justin: How not to dress for work. It's just too sloppy looking. Something for the weekend only. *

PICTURE: Black ponyskin mules £34.99 White knitted top £24.99 Black short-leg trousers £34.99 Men's grey trousers £29.99 blue shirt £26.99 jacket £59.99 All from Next