Keeping Your Style Cool and Business-Casual During the Summer Months at the Office  

Everyone knows that frustrating struggle of opening your closet, perusing the “usual” outfits, and realizing you have absolutely nothing to wear. This is a horrible occurrence, but here’s one thing that makes it worse: struggling to ensure your final choice is both weather- and work-appropriate, especially in the sunny, humid months of summer.

Here are a few tips and tricks to make the task of choosing your clothes for work this summer just a little bit easier:

Step 1: “Go Shopping!”

In order to have the perfect work wardrobe for summer, one has to shop for it first! If you are one of those people who is store-averse, this can actually be a fun outing if you prepare for it strategically — i.e. both financially and emotionally.

• Save up for a few weeks each year leading up to summer. This will make the shopping spree more of a fun chore as opposed to a pricey burden.
  • Thrifty tip: Shop the clearance and holiday sales – you’ll find some gems at lower prices. Go to the store’s website or make friends with the manager in-person to get advance news on when the sales occur.
• Make a detailed list of what items you’d like to purchase.
  • Going into a store can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you’re seeking. Having it all written down will also help you keep your budget in check: don’t pick up things you don’t need/aren’t on the list.
  • Look through a few boards on Pinterest for inspiration!
• Let your personality shine! Buy clothes you genuinely like and in which you feel great. If you buy the boring, sensible pieces, you’ll never wear them. Every item should barely make it out of the store before you want to rip the tags off and show it off!

Step 2: Be Prepared

I’m sure most of you have experienced the phenomenon of trying something on, loving it in the store, and quickly regretting the purchase the moment you step out into the real world wearing it. You work hard for your money and, as just noted, should only spend it on items you love and that make you feel fabulous!   Therefore, both before you leave the store and after you get home:

• Try on each piece to make sure you bought the correct size and like the look of it.
• Pair pieces with items you already have! Pair a new blouse with a pair of jeans to wear this coming casual Friday! This will reassure you that something you’ve purchased fits right into your wardrobe.
• Accessorize: Trying on shoes, belts, hats, and jewelry with new clothes gives you multiple outfit ideas to use in the future.

Step 3: Dresses are a Girl’s Best Friend

A dress is an entire outfit. Talk about easy! In the hot summer months, dresses allow you to strut your stuff and show off your personality, while still abiding by work wear rules and best practices.

• Make sure each dress fits you appropriately. Pay close attention to hem length and how much you’re showing off in the bust area. Even the heat shouldn’t get in the way of looking professional and presentable.
• Invest in some plain pieces (ex: a black prom dress) that can be mixed and matched with different shoes, cardigans etc.  This piece can become the main focus in a slew of outfits.
• Always keep a pair of work-appropriate flats or sandals in your desk drawer if those new wedges you bought start to hurt your feet during the workday.
• Layers are crucial! In the summer, most places (including your office) will crank the air conditioning! Keep a cardigan at your desk, just in case.
• Make sure to cover up any spaghetti straps etc. Wearing the right bra is crucial for this reason, so invest in a good quality strapless bra for the season. A bandeau is also a less expensive option that serve the same purpose as a strapless bra!

NEVER (under any circumstances):

• Wear shorts
• Wear a romper
• Wear a crop top

Overall, use your best judgement and, those three rules aside, don’t be afraid to be original! Wear the pattern you’ve been too nervous to showcase. In fact, if you work in an industry where it would be okay, buy the neon pumps – why not? Summer is a time for fun, and that should be reflected in your wardrobe – even at the office!