With the temperatures rising in the UK and in anticipation of warmer weather over the next couple of months – we come to the tricky problem of what to wear to work when it is hot…
With the relaxing of corporate dress codes and working from home, you may feel that you can wear your “summer” or even “holiday” clothes. But if you are in a position of authority in the workplace you could lose all your credibility and destroy your personal brand simply with one or two bad choices during the hot weather.
This is especially so for women…
We have so many options in our wardrobe that it is hard to know what to choose…
BUT would you ever see a man in business wearing a vest top?!
Therefore leave all your strappy tops for socialising and always wear a sleeve at work.
Dressing for Business when the Temperatures Soar
1) Choose natural fibres
Think cotton, linen or silk.
These fabrics will generally be cooler than synthetic fibres.
Try a linen jacket, shirt, trousers or dress; cotton chinos or shirt; or a silk blouse
2) Avoid anything too tight or restrictive
Belts, body con dresses or any tight fitting garment will just make you uncomfortable and hot.
Look for looser tops and dresses or maxi skirts that will allow some air to flow!
However avoid anything too voluminous as it could swamp you and make you look bigger than you actually are. So look for soft tie belts ot some shape to the garment…
3) Avoid showing too much skin
As previously mentioned, you are in a business environment.
So you don’t want to undermine all the time and effort you have put into creating your personal brand by wearing shorts, flip flops or flashing your bra strap.
And for men…
Avoid going sock-less
I know it is currently trendy, but it’s not a great idea as we tend to focus on your ankles!
This beige linen suit looks great but it would be smarter with no turn ups, and worn with brown loafers and beige cotton socks.
Avoid plain white, short sleeved shirts
When dressing for business in the summer it is best to avoid all short sleeved shirts and plain white ones will make you look like a school boy!
The best option is to wear patterned or coloured (predominantly) cotton long sleeved shirts.
If you need to, you can roll your sleeves up. If you think you might need to do this, wear a button cuff shirt rather than a double cuff.
Also avoid shorts and sandals in a professional environment.
Linen jackets and cotton chinos are cooler, smarter options!
If you need any help to look cool and professional this summer click here for options on how to work with me.
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Gail Morgan Style, 2022
