Dressing for work in the summer can be stressful, especially when you live in a climate that has very hot summers. Here are our top tips for work-appropriate summer outfits that will heat up your summer fashion.
1 – Keep it Covered
In hot weather, people are inclined to wear as little fabric as possible in an attempt to stay cool. This is always inappropriate for work, no matter what size you are.
When it comes to workwear, less is not more. As a general rule of thumb, you should not display too much cleavage or leg.
With curvy women, cleavage tends to happen no matter what you wear. There are a few things you can do to help fix this and not overheat:
- Layer a short-sleeved (or sleeveless) loose cardigan made of a super-light fabric over your top. Fabrics such as thin cotton breathe in hot weather.
- Wear a top that has a neckline other than a V. The V-shaped neckline tends to accentuate cleavage, whereas a scoop, boat, or cowl neck does not. This will allow you to wear a top without layering, and it has short sleeves you won’t overheat.
- Add a camisole or tank top underneath your top. While layering is counter-intuitive in hot weather, putting one camisole underneath your regular top means you can leave a couple buttons undone without showing off everything you’ve got. Again, find a natural fabric such as cotton, and make sure it is a material thin enough to prevent overheating without being see-through.
To determine if your skirt or shorts are an acceptable length, rest your arm by your side, and hold it completely straight. The hem of your bottoms should reach the tips of your fingers. If it doesn’t, it is probably too short. Or, opt for a maxi skirt that will let in a breeze.
2 – Remember to Care for Your Skin
Sandals are a great option for keeping your feet cool during the long workday. If sandals or open-toed shoes are acceptable at your office, don’t overlook caring for your feet. There is nothing like dry skin and flaked polish to make a professional outfit look cheap.
If springing for a pedicure isn’t an option, do one yourself at home. All you’ll need is an orange stick, nail file, pumice, and polish.
Some offices are more formal and don’t allow employees to wear sandals. Never fear, you can still wear them as commuter shoes to keep cool on the way to work.
Caring for your skin doesn’t stop at your feet. The sun can quickly dry out any skin, especially elbows and knees. Moisturize your skin regularly, and always put on sunscreen to keep your skin glowing throughout the year.
3 – Accessorize
Accessories are an easy way to dress up any outfit. If you have an outfit that is nice but not quite formal enough for work, add some accessories. The key to properly adding to an outfit is moderation – going overboard will look like you fell into your jewelry box on your way out of the house.
Here are a few items that quickly dress up an outfit:
- Diamond studs (whether or not they are real). Studs add some glitter to your outfit without looking like miniature chandeliers.
- Bangle bracelets. These are perfect for summer as they are more casual than tennis bracelets, but a mix of metals will add flair to your ensemble. Layer five or six of different materials to get an eclectic look.
- Watches. A metal watch, whether a classic shape or as part of a charm bracelet, instantly dresses up a work outfit. Plastic, leather, or ceramic watches are more casual, so consider saving those for the weekend. Want more bling? Get one with rhinestones on the face.
Now that you know how to work your summer style, your fashion will be hot while you stay cool.
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