Nowadays, plenty of offices operate pretty lenient dress codes. But, when it comes to more traditional corporate professions such as law or finance, full-on suiting is often non-negotiable.

And then there are the men in the middle – those that are afforded ‘Casual Friday’. What should be a light-hearted way to welcome the weekend is for many a weekly event fraught with the worry of managing to look suitably relaxed but still professional.

So, to help you avoid some of the commonly made mistakes, we’ve highlighted a few ways you should definitely avoid doing it, as well as some simple styling pointers that will ensure you always stay the right side of smart.

The Guy That Went Too Far

Some men see casual Friday as an opportunity for some kind of misguided protest against ‘The Man’. Having been forced to wear a suit Monday through Thursday, The Guy That Went Too Far views this as his chance to truly relax and be as slovenly as possible.

Come Friday morning, he’s proudly striding through those rotating doors, bacon butty in hand, sporting a curry-stained Star Wars T-shirt and ill-fitting grey jogging bottoms. This is not rousing anti-establishment action. This is embarrassing.

To avoid being shunned at the Christmas party – or worse, landing yourself in an awkward disciplinary – it’s important to always make some degree of effort with your workplace ensemble, no matter what day of the week it is. Looking sharp and put-together will in turn make you appear more composed and confident, which are deemed positive qualities in any profession.

If you’re set on wearing a T-shirt, opt for a well-ironed neutral crew neck. American Apparel and Uniqlo are your best bets on the high street, offering quality fabrications and excellent value for money. At the other end of the market, Parisian brand Lemaire is a one stop shop for premium tees and Henleys cut a little boxier to set you apart from your colleagues.