5 Tips on Professional Attire for the Summer Season
\5 Tips on Professional Attire During the Summer Season
As the temperatures rise across the country, many of us have begun to focus our attention on the summer months. Unless you’re a teacher, this also signifies the need to make an adjustment to our season based professional attire. This can be a very tricky time for professionals, and it’s when we’ll usually skirt the thin line of what is and is not appropriate in a corporate setting. I have a few tips that should make the transition from the cooler temperatures of spring to the warmer summer days.
1. Review your employee manual: Most Human Resource departments do a great job of reminding employees about dress code guidelines at the beginning of the summer months. However, it is always a good idea to check your employee handbook for clarification. Are sleeveless tops okay? What about open toe shoes?
2. Consider your position and environment: Even if (for example) sleeveless tops are permitted, if you are a high level executive, or an assistant to one – you may want to think twice about wearing one. You should always be conscious of your position and setting yourself apart from those who report to you. You will want to use the same judgment depending on your work environment as well. This is particularly so if you are the only woman in an office full of men.
3. Opt for lighter clothes: Trade your black and navy slacks for khaki colored linens, cream colored trousers and office appropriate skirts. Make note of how your clothing fits, avoid inappropriately tight blouses, baby-tees, and bottoms.
4. Check your hemlines: Summer wardrobes are usually full of fun skirts and feminine dresses. As you add these pieces to your office wardrobe, be aware of your hemline – while sitting and standing. Your company probably has a guideline on skirt and dress length. Usually the “thin line” for hem length is above the knee while sitting. Tea-length dresses and skirts are safe bets.
5. How low does it go? : …. Your neckline that is! Whether you be an A cup or a DD cup – the office is not the place to show off cleavage. Opt for scoop necks, boat necks, and high v-necklines. Always pack a light cardigan or sweater in your tote bag for days when your neckline may be a bit questionable.
No matter how hot the temperatures outside, you must always maintain a certain level of professional decorum. These 5 tips are simple guidelines to be used in conjunction with common sense and the rules of your specific company!
Here’s some great choices to wear to work this summer!
::This article was contributed by Belle. Please visit her site Beaches and Bikini’s - where she discusses all the latest trends in women’s swimwear and the hottest beach destinations::
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