Dress for Summertime Success

Summer is the time for kicking back, relaxing and being cool. Or at least trying to stay cool. If you work in a retail setting and don’t have to wear a uniform, you probably are tempted to go a little too casual just to stay cool. Even with air conditioning, summertime conjures up visions of the beach, shorts, t-shirts and sandals. Smart picks for vacation, but not when you have to put in eight hours on the sales floor.

Every company has some kind of dress code, whether written or merely understood, but there are some clothing choices that just don’t work in the workplace—ever. A Fast Company article, “10 Things Not To Wear To Work In The Summer,” give 10 clothing faux paus to avoid if you want to stay employed after the summer is over.

Unless you work for UPS, shorts in the office or on the sales floor don’t work. Some guys and girls can look good in khaki shorts that are clean, pressed, about knee length and paired with a button-down oxford shirt and classic leather belt. Even in that tasteful outfit, you’re still better suited to a tennis match or lunch at a classy resort restaurant. Bare calves in the office are a little more skin that most people want to see. Socks with sandals scream fuddy-duddy or tourist. Guys, if you’re wearing shoes, be sure there are socks between them and your feet.

Sandals may look good on the beach and save your feet from the burning sand, but no one (and I mean no one) wants to sit in the boardroom and have to stare at your toenails during the afternoon staff meeting. Mandals, those big, thick, chunky sandals men wear (mostly with socks) don’t really go anywhere.

Wearing sunglasses indoors makes people wonder if you have some eye condition or if you’re in the witness protection program. 

Your clothing shouldn’t make people wonder where you were the night before. If you slide behind the cosmetic counter wearing mesh anything, they may wonder if you ever made it home after a night of clubbing. Sparkly clothing dripping with sequins or gold lame look like leftovers from a night of partying. 

Casual is one thing, but wearing sweatpants, yoga pants and headbands are suitable for your day off at the gym, but not for the workplace. Take your gym bag and change for your spin or yoga class after work. It’s difficult to be taken seriously at a strategic planning meeting when you’re dressed in fleece or spandex. Your toned body will be evident in well-tailored professional attire as much as a tank top and leggings.

Even if you work for a super-relaxed company where everyone wears jeans and t-shirts, dressing a step up makes a difference in how you walk, sit and interact with others. And Murphy’s Law will get you every time. The day you wear shorts and a t-shirt because it’s 100 degrees outside and you don’t have any meetings, the boss will call on you to handle a big sale with an wealthy or influential customer. That person could have been your next employer. Looking the part makes people see you in a position of influence. Don’t let your clothes give the wrong signals when your appearance matters most.

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