Step 1: Identifying the Shift in Corporate Culture:
During the late 20th century, corporate offices in the United States began to shift away from the traditional, rigid dress code of formal dark suits, ties, and structured dresses.
Step 2: Defining the Concept:
In the 1980s, the corporate sector introduced the concept of Casual Friday (also referred to as Business Casual). This policy allowed corporate employees to dress down on the last day of the workweek (Friday) in relaxed, comfortable, yet professional attire (such as polo shirts, chinos, soft knits, and casual skirts).
Step 3: Commercial Influence:
This trend was heavily promoted by major apparel corporations like Levi Strauss & Co., who successfully marketed their brand Dockers (khaki pants) as the perfect standard for business casual wear in corporate environments.