Dressing
for the office can be tricky when the temperature rises. Keep your cool while
maintaining a professional look in your workplace with our summer office outfit
tips. (Find this Article in this months PA Enterprise Magazine!)
Do’s &
Don’ts
Dress
the part
The
levels of formality will vary by corporate culture. The best indication for
what to wear is by looking at how the executives, managers and authority
figures are dressing where you work and follow their lead. The cliché counts
year-round; ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you have’.
A
polished look
The
dress code during summer months may be slightly more relaxed, however, it
doesn't mean you can be a slob. Make sure your clothes are clean and pressed.
If a suit is expected to be worn, opt for a lightweight suit, with a smart top
underneath, when you step out of the office, you can remove your jacket, yet
still look business-like.
The
Shoe situation:
Flip-flops
are a definite no-go in any business, however, where to draw the line is not
always easy. Image Consultant and Executive Assistant Linda Pitts warns: “be
cautious when wearing peep toe or open shoes – not always appropriate for
office wear, however in any event when showing your feet please, please make
sure they have been pedicured, or have them in tip top condition!”
Risky
Business
Women
in all professions should know they're not advancing their careers when they
wear revealing clothing. This may get you attention, but not necessarily the
raise or promotion you want. Linda
advises:
“Shift
dresses are a polished and professional look for the summer and easy to take
you from the office to the evening by changing your jewelry or shoes.
Avoid anything too short or exposing too much flesh. If it’s right
for the beach it isn’t right for the office!”
Love
the layers
The
difference between outside temperatures and the indoor office air-conditioning
can be 10 degrees or more. Wear layers, which you can strip off when outside,
and layer up in the cool of the office.
When
shopping for your summer work wardrobe opt for lightweight materials such as
silk, cotton, linen, or summer-weight wool and cotton blends.
“If
the office air-con gets you down, why not keep a stylish pashmina in your best
colours in the office? You can easily use this at your desk either around
your neck or to wrap around your shoulders”…Linda suggests.
It’s
also not a bad idea to keep a neutral coloured suit jacket near your desk, as a
back-up, in case you have an important client or company executive come in.
Shapes
& Fabrics
If
you have a full bust try to avoid dresses or tops with a high or round
neck. A scoop/v-neck will always look better. With a curvy figure
avoid stiff fabrics. These can be warm and uncomfortable in the summer heat.
Rather look for flowing or drapey fabrics instead.
Barely
there
Tights
may not be demanded by your office dress code, but our image consultant presses
that they are always favoured over bare legs.
“If
wearing a classic summer dress or suit avoid the white pastey leg look.
Summer tights are available in all shades and deniers and not only make the
legs look better, they also feel better in the heat than bare legs.“
Make-it
work
Surveys
show that women who wear makeup earn more money. Summerize your makeup
look with a tinted moisturiser instead of a foundation. As with clothing,
makeup needs to compliment your unique colouring and face shape. A
polished look will always give the impression that you care about your
appearance.
Summer
is a great time to ditch the heavy make-up and opt for a softer and lighter
look.
Style
Options:
The summer shift dress is one of the best sellers at online
clothing boutique www.wearittowork.co.uk. Women love the
classic silhouette, which is ideal for the season. With short sleeves, it’s
easy to wear with a jacket, but cool when on its own. Choosing a fun colour
gets you in the summer spirit, while still looking perfectly professional.
Polka dots were abundant on the catwalks for this summer
season. As inspiring as the latest fashions are, they are not always easy to
translate to the work wardrobe, especially when it comes to the summer trends,
which often bare plenty of skin. The silhouette is key to keeping it
professional. This dress is a cotton and linen mix, which can be trusted to
keep you cool. Dress it up with a black blazer, and you’re in business.
A light coloured suit is ideal for your summer look. It combines well with lovely pastels, or darker shades if
desired. You'll feel much cooler if you stick to light colors in the summer.
White, off-white, pastels and light neutrals won't draw heat to you the way
darker colors will.
Ruffle blouses are on trend this
summer. Opt for colour rather than print, and keep all other items simple and
sleek. This fuchsia number is fun yet professional.
Linen materials are expected to
wrinkle, as long as they are well pressed before wear, you should be fine.
Beige is often a safer bet than white, as they are not likely to be see-through
(always check the mirrors before you leave the house).
Often
you can use many of your staple winter wardrobe pieces year-round by combining
them accordingly, and vice-versa. This lovely pencil skirt is fully lined, and
combines equally well with a light beige top, as well as darker materials.
Invest in key quality pieces, and pick up summer or winter styles to bring them
up-to-date.
Linda
Pitts is an Image Consulant (Colour me Beautiful) and the Executive assistant
to the chairman of Cable & Wireless. www.lindapitts.com