The Office In Summer Time

As temperatures rise, it’s important to update your office wardrobe for summer while taking care not to overdo it. Choosing an outfit for work in the dead of summer can prove a bit of a challenge: It’s hot out, so there’s the urge to wear as little as possible, but it’s also, well, work(!) and you’ve got to look appropriate. And then there’s the arctic blast of air conditioning that greets you once you get into the office. The Weekender looks at how to dress your best this summer…

Do Relax a Little

Achieve a more relaxed business casual look in the summer by wearing lighter fabrics like cottons and linens in creams and khakis. You can also work casual pieces into your normal work attire, by pairing a nice t-shirt and blazer or dark-wash jeans and professional top.

Don’t Go Too Casual

Experts say shorts are never appropriate in the office, as they look too laid back and can reveal too much. Also stay away from tank tops, golf shirts and bathing suits under your clothes. If you look like you’re ready for the beach, you do not belong at the office.

Do Dress Up

Summer dresses are generally flattering on women and help keep you cool on sticky days. Opt for those with some structure in light or bright colours and soft, friendly patterns.

Don’t Under-Dress

Avoid spaghetti-strapped and strapless dresses and those that reveal too much of the chest, shoulders and back. Also, be careful about the fabric choice. Thin, barely-there sundresses should be saved for the weekend.

Do Bare a Little Skin

In most workplaces, particularly on the creative side, sleeveless tops are acceptable in warmer months for younger women, but keep a cardigan on hand for client meetings. Meanwhile, hemlines should be no shorter than at the knee or just above.

Don’t Bare It All

Open backs, plunging necklines, rising hems and peeking midriffs are always inappropriate at work. Also, be careful not show too much skin at once. If you opt for a sleeveless top, for example, pair it with pants instead of a shorter skirt.

Do Have Fun With Shoes

Stylists say chunky heels and wedges are in this season and can help update your look and add a little personality to your outfits. Open-toed shoes are generally acceptable, as long as your feet are clean and manicured.

Don’t Let It All

Hang Out

Workplace dress experts universally confirm that flip flops are never appropriate in the office. Similarly, too-casual or strappy sandals are a no-no, and if the shoes are too high to walk in comfortably, leave them at home.

Do Accessorize

One of the best and most affordable ways to work the latest trends into your work wardrobe is to use accessories to brighten and update your look. Start with your basic staples as the foundation and then add items like an electric-coloured skinny belt, a great necklace or a warm-toned bold lipstick.

Don’t Go Too Dark

Stylists say the black, charcoal and metallic bags that worked in winter will look too heavy in the summer. Plus, they soak up heat. Opt instead for something lighter.

– Forbes; Elle

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