Summer is here, which means higher temperatures and higher humidity. Most offices have some form of climate control, but that doesn’t mean your fall peacoats and heavy blazers won’t be too warm for work. Most summer fashion is made without the workplace in mind, making it hard to build a wardrobe of weather-appropriate business attire that won’t get you in trouble. However, it is possible if you keep a few things in mind.
Follow Office Dress Code
Regardless of the season, following the office dress code is always the most important part of developing a work wardrobe. Maintaining the level of professionalism expected of you in the workplace not only secures your current job but will help you climb up the ranks. If you work in a business professional workplace, make sure you stick to the classics of button downs and trousers or sheath dresses and pantyhose. For business casual workplaces, the options are less limited. But keep in mind that unprofessional clothes such as T-shirts, jeans, and shorts aren’t appropriate for everyday wear in the office.
Choose Lightweight Fabrics
Most modern business wear is made from synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, which can trap heat or not be breathable. Natural fibers such as linens and cotton provide a lightweight and breathable ensemble that will keep you cool during the summer months. Linen or cotton suits and dresses are perfect since they’re breezy yet professional. However, both linen and cotton need more care when washed than most synthetic materials. It’s important to find fabrics that work best for you.
Utilize Bright, Whimsical Colors
Summer is a perfect excuse to wear brighter colors and whimsical patterns. The darker the color, the more light it absorbs from the sun, trapping more heat and making you warmer. Wearing creams, beiges, pastels, and lighter colors like greens and yellows reflects more light keeping you cooler in the sun. White is also recommended for summer activities, especially white cotton or linen pieces. In fact, the “no white after Labor Day” adage was partially influenced by the color’s utility during the summer months. Bright floral or botanical patterns are also useful since they’re season appropriate and blend well with summer fashion. Avoid dark colors like black or navy as these colors keep you warmer than you might want to be.
Wear Proper Seasonal Footwear
As summer comes along, the temptation to wear flip flops increases. However, a lot of summer footwear is not appropriate for a professional workplace. A good rule of thumb is no tennis shoes, no flip flops, and no open-toed sandals. Some workplaces might allow open toed heels or dressy sandals during the summer, but not all do. When in doubt, closed-toed heels or loafers are always good choices. However, in more casual work environments you might be able to get away with canvas espadrilles, boots, or boat shoes. Remember to always consult the employee dress code before expanding your work wardrobe.
Remember Proper Hygiene
Summer means heat, which means sweat. Staying clean is important to your professionalism and to be honest, no one wants to be in an office with someone who smells bad. A proper shower schedule, facial grooming, and deodorant or antiperspirant will all keep you presentable as the heat ramps up. And if you don’t have the time or sweat a lot, perfumes and dry shower products can help control order and sweat if you can’t hop into the shower.
Practicality Over Fashion
Modern fashion trends don’t always fit into workplace clothing standards. Long blazers with matching shorts may be in vogue, but they do not fit into a business professional workplace. Crop tops, cut outs, and plunging necklines are also no-goes, regardless of the season. It is important to stay cool and be comfortable but chasing trends does not correlate to a practical work wardrobe. Instead, invest in well-made office staples that can last you years.
As the seasons change, what we wear to work changes as well. And it’s tempting in the summer to follow seasonal fashion trends and begin dressing more akin to a vacationer than a salaryman. And although staying cool and comfortable is important, being professional in the workplace supersedes any trends.
Are you looking for a new summer job? Area Temps has hundreds of temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct hire jobs on our job board. If you’re interested in registering with us, read about our employment process or contact one of our Northeast Ohio locations.
