Casual Fridays become a casualty of the recession

In the face of a sluggish economy and almost daily workforce downsizings, some employees are paying more attention to their wardrobe -- convinced they can't look disheveled or too laid back.

From power dressing for after-work networking to looking their best for a boss they might see in the elevator, some employees are picking their outfits as if their jobs depend on it. In some offices, casual Friday has become a casualty of the recession.

Research suggests dressing well can make a difference. A 2008 CareerBuilder.com survey found 41 percent of employers said people who dress professionally tend to be promoted more often than others in the organization. The bottom line is to practice "next-level" dressing. In other words, dress for the job you someday want.

While relaxed dress codes might be nice, casual Fridays often go too far -- as in this very funny episode of NBC's comedy "The Office," where Meredith, played by Kate Flannery, wears a dress that's much too short. (To enjoy, click below and don't forget to turn up the volume on your computer!)

Dressing the Part

If you haven't updated your look or your wardrobe in a decade, it's probably time for a makeover. To management, your outdated style could signify that you are an outdated thinker. Likewise, if you dress like Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan you could be sending the message that you are flighty, flirty, and irresponsible. If you want to move up the ladder of success,you have to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. You have to wear what management is wearing.

If you're a man, I recommend that you check out one of my favorite sites, www.askandyaboutclothes.com. This website, developed by Andy Gilchrist, is devoted to men's clothing, what to wear, how to wear it properly, and the history of why men wear what they do.