Stay cool, calm and collected in summer business attire
Choosing an outfit for work can sometimes be chore in itself, and the summer months don’t make dressing appropriately for the office any easier. Clothing for work should be both appropriate and comfortable, and sometimes finding that balance can be difficult.
Consider your office environment when you choose your outfit each day and think about the image you want to portray of yourself and your company. The best way to decide your summer wardrobe for work is to ask: would a manager wear this? If the answer is no, then the outfit should stay out of the workplace.
Examples of inappropriate business clothing would include halter and tube tops, midriff-bearing shirts, mini skirts, workout wear, bike shorts, cutoff shorts, swimsuits and beachwear. Wrinkled, stained and torn clothing can be included in this list as well. Noisy jewelry can be a distraction to those around you, so be aware of the jingle of earrings, bracelets or other accessories.
Appropriate clothing in cotton, lightweight wool and silk fabrics will help keep you cool during the workday. Choosing clothes in bright colors will also help you celebrate summer while at work. Clothes that are clean, in good condition and comfortable will keep your appearance professional. Women should consider blouses, shirts with short or cap sleeves, Capri pants and A-line skirts. Men should consider layering t-shirts under business shirts to absorb perspiration.
It’s also a good idea to think about the temperature inside your office. Dressing in layers can help you stay comfortable while moving from the warm outdoors to the air-conditioned indoors. If you know your office can be chilly, bring a sweater with you to work.
Summer can be a fun time to express your creative fashion side, but it is important to maintain your professionalism on the job. Remember, less is not more!
Do you have a favorite summer outfit? Tell us about it!