With summer still in full swing, it is tempting to relax your work attire and adopt a more casual wardrobe. However, there is a fine line between appropriate and inappropriate work attire, with items like jandals firmly off the list. Here is our guide on summer office style.
Take the cue from management as to appropriate office wear. If your colleagues and your boss are still dressed in full-suit pieces, follow their lead and dress accordingly. However if the office generally relaxes the dress code during summer (or if your boss turns up in a sarong), feel free to dress more casually. However, keep in mind that you should always dress better than you think, as first impressions are important in the workplace.
The key to cooler clothing is fabric choice. opt for cotton, linen, and other lightweight breathable pieces. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, layering is a good option. Temperatures range from boiling outside to cold in the office, and a few light fabrics layered on top of one another gives you flexibility and variety. Remember to check your underwear for visibility with light fabrics, and be aware of pieces that crease easily.
Don’t…
Although it may seem obvious, don’t show too much skin. Not only does it appear unprofessional, it won’t put you in the right frame of mind. Instead opt for shortened versions of your normal office wear. For example, full length pants can be swapped for three-quarter lengths, and long sleeve-shirts for cap sleeves.
Neglect your feet. If you are wearing sandals or open-toe shoes, make sure you don’t have chipped nail-polish or unkept nails.
Wear short shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops (these are different from sleeveless work tops), jogging suits or extremely low cut tops. If you have to wear a t-shirt, make sure it is plain, with no writing or other graphics. opt for darker colours, and match with a formal bottom.
Do…
Store an emergency outfit. Whether it’s an unexpected meeting with a client or a surprise performance review, you will thank yourself for preparing a formal outfit, complete with shoes. Check that the pieces are clean and ironed.
Keep a blazer or jacket on hand. You can throw this on for unexpected rain or a quick morning meeting.
Accessorise. This is an easy and effective way to bring summer to any outfit. opt for brightly coloured bags, necklaces, brooches and bracelets.
4 fool-proof summer work outfits
- The all-in-one printed dress
Pick a lightweight, mid-length sleeved dress in a bold pattern. Be mindful of the length – the ‘sweet spot’ is the area just above your knees. Keep everything else simple with this look, let the dress speak for itself. Pair with plain sandals or heels.
- The tucked in sleeveless
Going sleeveless means aiming for formal everywhere else. For the top, choose a plain block colour with a decent fabric (not jersey or spandex), and tuck into an a pencil or tulip skirt. The right shoe can make or break this outfit – black platform pumps are a good option.
- 50’s inspired
A two-toned button up blouse tucked into a plain flowing 50’s skirt is perfect for a hot day at the office. To keep it professional, make sure the cut of the blouse is right – it should be fitted, but not tight. Cinch the skirt in with a thin, no-nonsense belt and match with formal shoes. Because the skirt is floaty, you can get away with slightly shorter lengths.
- The shirt dress
It is important to get the right material for a shirt dress – go for linen, cotton and other ‘stiff’ fabrics. Choose a block colour rather than a pattern, and opt for a longer length as shirt dresses sometimes ‘ride up’ during the day. Cinch at the waist for a feminine touch, and add a matching belt and heels for a Katharine Hepburn inspired look.
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