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What to Wear to Work this Summer? When weather heats up and people’s attitudes relax, what’s appropriate?
June 27, 2007
No flip flops. No beach attire. Okay, that’s a given. But what about other summer outfits?I found a few places online with some great advice:
In this news article, Betsy Thompson, fashion spokeswoman for Talbot’s brings up a good point to keep in mind when selecting your summer wardrobe, “Be sensitive to things that detract from the great job you are doing. If it is too tight or too revealing, it can call attention to things that have nothing to do with your competence at work.”
If you travel to vendors for work, be familiar with their dress codes. While your company may have “casual Fridays,” your clients’ office may not. Have a great jacket to throw on over your dress to be safe.
The Style for Success website offers the following tips to enjoy the summer without undermining the power of your image, plus one of the best career-enhancing moves I’ve heard yet when it comes to dressing for success: “Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.”
Summertime wardrobe tips:
1. Sandals or Mules
Sandals are okay if your corporate culture is creative/less formal, but your feet will become a focal point so they should look like you’re getting regular pedicures.
2. Revealing Victoria’s Secret
With more whites and summer’s sheerer fabrics, select undergarments that are smooth with a ‘skin tone’ shade so they don’t show through.
3. Capris or Culottes
Best worn for casual Fridays. If you’re in a more conservative office environment, team them with a coordinating jacket to maintain your authority.
4. Don’t Bare All Your Assets
It’s all about your business credibility. Your face should be the center of communication. Do the dip test for cleavage, remember the creep factor for short/slit skirts and think twice about bare shoulders.
5. Casual Hair
Don’t neglect to maintain your hair. Just pulling it back in a ponytail may be fine for the weekend; at work it will diminish your professionalism.
Lisa Quast
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