Knowing what to wear to the office can be tough throughout the year, but the sweltering temperatures of summer can present a whole new set of problems. If you’re a little unsure about what’s considered office-appropriate in the hazy days of summer, follow these tips and be sure to get it right.
First of all, follow the rules of your office. Check to see if there’s a formal dress code. If it’s ultra conservative in the winter, it will be in the summer as well. This means you’ll have to continue wearing suits. Keep yourself cool by choosing lighter colors and lightweight materials such as cotton and linen. The good news is that most of these offices are probably air-conditioned. In a conservative office sandals or open-toed shoes will not be acceptable. Stick with a low-heeled pump or sling-back heel.
Knowing what to wear is probably trickiest in mainstream and casual offices. Ask around and see if there are any formal rules, and if not, ask other employees what is considered appropriate.
General Rules for Mainstream and Casual Offices
- Resist the urge to show bare skin. Sleeveless tops are not usually considered acceptable, so go with a cap sleeve instead.
- Short skirts are not okay. They should be knee-length, or just ever so slightly above.
- Cropped pants and Capri’s are probably fine. Choose some with a cuff for a more sophisticated look and pair them with some nice heels. Add a short-sleeved jacket in another color for the feeling of a suit.
- Dresses are very comfortable in the summer but most sundresses are too casual for the office. Wrap dresses and shirtdresses are an excellent alternative.
- Sandals are a tough one. Some offices are okay with them, some aren’t. If you do decide to go with sandals or an open-toed shoe, make sure your toes are pedicured. Even if it’s not something you usually do, people will notice if your feet look dirty and uncared for.
- Flip-flops are never acceptable in the office.
- Many offices are air-conditioned, so have cardigans and jackets on hand. They’re also good to have in case of unexpected meetings and appointments.
- Avoid large accessories. Even though big hoop earrings and chunky bracelets are quite stylish in the summer, you want to avoid anything that will be too distracting.
Colors
- White has and always will be a perfect summer color. Just make sure that anything you wear that is white fits well. It’s fairly unforgiving and will show any and all bulges and lumps. Pair it with navy blue for a professional look.
- Cheerful colors are perfectly acceptable in the office, but don’t go overboard. Head-to-toe bright yellow or pink may be a tad distracting, as would be bold patterns.
- Keep colors light. It will keep you cool and look more summer-appropriate than dark colors. Keep in mind also that dark colors convey authority, light colors, friendliness.
General tips
- Keep your hair up. It’s a clean and classic look and it will keep you cool.
- Choose lightweight clothing – cotton and linen are always good bets (although remember than linen wrinkles).
- While big and baggy clothes are not a good idea, do feel free to wear loose-fitting clothes. Anything too tight will be hot.
- Avoid anything sheer, sloppy, or revealing.
If you’re unsure of what is appropriate in your office, ere on the side of the conservative. It’s the safest option until you’re sure.
 |
