Wardrobe selection might be the furthest thing on people’s minds as scores work from home and stay in, but Hillary Barry, a New Zealand journalist and TV personality, wanted Friday’s to be different -- so #FormalFriday was born.
The call out was initially to New Zealanders but the hashtag has travelled across the ditch. Entry is simple: dust off the frock or suit at the back of the cupboard and share a photo of yourself with #FormalFriday.
Dr Joseph Bevitt is a scientist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and told The Feed his week has been spent tending to his small toddler and helping his five-year-old learn remotely.
“I got up, and I was halfway through sending an email to my boss saying look, I need to cancel the meeting, and take the day off because our toddler kept us up most of the night,” he told The Feed.
He decided not to cancel and instead dress for formal Friday, Dr Bevitt says it might even provide some laughs in his zoom meeting.
‘Formal Friday’ has changed Dr Bevitt’s outlook on his day completely.
“I went from being an extremely tired father to actually feeling like I can get a few hours work done today,” he said.
He’s not alone. Grace Hall is an Office Manager in Auckland, and told The Feed formal Friday is something she can look forward to each week.
“I haven't worn decent clothes or full makeup in a while,” she told The Feed.
“It was nice to have a reason to make an effort, dress up, briefly forget about the gravity of the situation, and hopefully put some smiles on some faces.”
This week’s directive from Barry was school ball attire, she wanted to raise the spirits of the students missing out on their ball.
People responded by sending photos of their children in fancy dress.
Some took the opportunity to tap into the zeitgeist with ‘Tiger King’ inspired get ups.
And this woman even went out to the supermarket in her formal Friday best. While social distancing.
