When the temperature starts to rise, many professionals struggle to find clothing that will keep them cool without breaking the office dress code. As you are looking for professional clothing to round out your summer wardrobe, it is crucial to focus on pieces that will look crisp and feel comfortable on the hottest day of the year.
Material is one of the most crucial considerations for warm-weather professional clothing. Choose fabrics that are breathable but wrinkle resistant. Such fabrics will allow air to pass, without looking disheveled after a hot train ride or a long meeting. Cotton-polyester blends, linen blends (particularly silk-linen blends), and rayon all fit the bill. Avoid 100-percent cotton or linen, as they tend to wrinkle easily.
For women, the trick to choosing professional summer clothing is to find items that allow air flow without exposing too much. Knee-length dresses are an excellent option, as long as the neckline isn't too revealing. Whether or not your dresses should have sleeves depends on your office's dress code. If you can safely wear sleeveless garments at work, bring a light suit jacket or crisp sweater to put on top during important meetings. In offices that require suits, opt for a sleeveless blouse, which looks more pulled-together than a camisole or tank top.
When the temperature and humidity rise, women can safely ditch their stockings and tights. Bare legs are acceptable in most modern offices, as long as your skin is presentable and moisturized. If you plan to wear open-toe shoes, make sure to get a pedicure, as feet that are not properly cared for can ruin your professional image. According to Business Insider, flip-flops are never appropriate in a professional setting. Instead, opt for wedge sandals or flats.
In the summer, many men have trouble finding professional clothing that stays cool. Unfortunately, men have fewer options for office-appropriate summer clothing. In a casual workplace, a short-sleeved polo shirt can help you look professional without overheating. For companies with very relaxed dress codes, crisp shorts can keep you cool. Cotton suits, "tropical" wool suits, and seersucker blazers are all cooler and more breathable professional clothing options. Stay away from short-sleeved dress shirts, which look dated.
When summer fashions hit stores, it often comes with an explosion of color. Both men and women should choose their colors carefully. In younger companies and trend-conscious industries, bright colors are usually acceptable. If you work in a more conservative industry, like banking or law, opt for professional clothing in more traditional colors. A fashion designer can get away with a neon-green shirt, but a lawyer might not have the same leeway. When in doubt, observe the colors that your superiors wear. To add a touch of personality, opt for a bright tie or a bold necklace.
When the temperatures start to rise, many professionals struggle to find clothing that will keep them cool without breaking the office dress code. As you are looking for professional clothing to round out your summer wardrobe, it is crucial to focus on pieces that will look crisp and feel comfortable even on the hottest day of the year.
(Photo courtesy of stockimages / freedigitalphotos.net)
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