Dressing for Business in the Heat

With the temperatures rising in the UK and in anticipation of some warmer weather over the next few weeks – we come to the tricky problem of what to wear to work.

With the relaxing of corporate dress codes you may feel that you can wear your “summer” 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 still applies even when working from home – so although you may be able to wear shorts to keep you cool, your top half still needs to look appropriate if you are online.

Dressing professionally in the heat can be especially challenging 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 for 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 or dress; cotton chinos or shirt; or a silk blouse

2) Avoid anything too tight and restrictive – belts, ties, body con dresses or any tight fitting 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. Watch the video for an example of what this looks like!

Ideas to consider

Linen Suits, lightweight dresses, sandals, fluid trousers, tunic tops.

And for men…

Avoid going sock-less. Not a great idea as we tend to focus on your ankles! This linen suit might work but it would be better with no turn ups and worn with brown loafers and beige cotton socks.

When dressing for business, avoid plain white, short sleeved shirts – you will look like a school boy.

The best option is to wear patterned or coloured (predominantly) cotton long sleeved shirt. 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. If allowed, look for linen jackets and cotton chinos.

If you need any help to look cool and professional this summer click here for options on how to work with me or give me a call on 01442 262696

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