Lauren Conrad One of the biggest style dilemmas many of us will come across is how to dress appropriately for work when the temperatures are high.
With the mercury rising, we are thinking about what is and isn’t appropriate for the office. Add to that the fact that more and more workplaces are adopting a smart/casual dress code. So there is the dilemma. How to dress for the weather whilst still looking professional.
Here are some of our top tips to help you navigate this style dilemma!
DO choose your fabrics wisely
Natural fabrics like cotton, will be more lightweight and more comfortable during a long day sitting down; meaning you’ll look more put together and well presented, even after a hard day of meetings and calls.
If you are in a smart/casual environment you could opt for a shirt dress or linen trousers, which tend have a more relaxed cut and therefore are cooler to wear. Ensure that the material you choose isn’t too lightweight or sheer, as this can look too casual and reveal more than you may have intended.
With the mercury rising, we are thinking about what is and isn’t appropriate for the office. Add to that the fact that more and more workplaces are adopting a smart/casual dress code. So there is the dilemma. How to dress for the weather whilst still looking professional.
Here are some of our top tips to help you navigate this style dilemma!
DO choose your fabrics wisely
Natural fabrics like cotton, will be more lightweight and more comfortable during a long day sitting down; meaning you’ll look more put together and well presented, even after a hard day of meetings and calls.
If you are in a smart/casual environment you could opt for a shirt dress or linen trousers, which tend have a more relaxed cut and therefore are cooler to wear. Ensure that the material you choose isn’t too lightweight or sheer, as this can look too casual and reveal more than you may have intended.
DON’T show too much
It may be hot, but this doesn’t mean your hemline can be too high. A skirt or wide leg trouser is a great choice for keeping cool in the heat and midi-lengths are fabulously flattering on many body shapes (just be sure yours cuts at a flattering point on the leg). You’ll be able to move around with ease and look professional at the same time. The midi is a big trend for Autumn 2016 but if the midi isn’t your thing just be sure not to go any higher than just above the knee.
There is a huge trend for off-the-shoulder tops and dresses at the moment, but keep this look for the weekend – it exposes too much flesh, even for a casual workplace. Similarly, leave your backless, asymmetric, spaghetti straps and batwings tops at home. Sleeveless is fine, but cover up by wearing trousers on your bottom half to balance the exposure of your arms (and keep a cardigan or jacket to hand for meetings).
It may be hot, but this doesn’t mean your hemline can be too high. A skirt or wide leg trouser is a great choice for keeping cool in the heat and midi-lengths are fabulously flattering on many body shapes (just be sure yours cuts at a flattering point on the leg). You’ll be able to move around with ease and look professional at the same time. The midi is a big trend for Autumn 2016 but if the midi isn’t your thing just be sure not to go any higher than just above the knee.
There is a huge trend for off-the-shoulder tops and dresses at the moment, but keep this look for the weekend – it exposes too much flesh, even for a casual workplace. Similarly, leave your backless, asymmetric, spaghetti straps and batwings tops at home. Sleeveless is fine, but cover up by wearing trousers on your bottom half to balance the exposure of your arms (and keep a cardigan or jacket to hand for meetings).
DON’T forget footwear
Leave your flip-flops and gladiator sandals at home! Thanks to Chanel, classic, ladylike sling-backs are making something of a comeback at the moment and these are an elegant option for the office during the Summer. Open toed shoes are fine in most workplaces now, but make sure your toes are immaculate if you decide to go down this route (a great excuse to book in for that pedicure!)
DO dress up
A dress is a great option during the Summer. Choose a cut that is flattering for your body shape and it will help to keep you cool and comfortable on hot, sticky days. Opt for one of the brighter shades from your colour palette if you can, ensuring you balance the tone of shades you’re wearing, depending on your dominant colour category. Visit one of our Colour Me Beautiful consultants to find your best colours.
Leave your flip-flops and gladiator sandals at home! Thanks to Chanel, classic, ladylike sling-backs are making something of a comeback at the moment and these are an elegant option for the office during the Summer. Open toed shoes are fine in most workplaces now, but make sure your toes are immaculate if you decide to go down this route (a great excuse to book in for that pedicure!)
DO dress up
A dress is a great option during the Summer. Choose a cut that is flattering for your body shape and it will help to keep you cool and comfortable on hot, sticky days. Opt for one of the brighter shades from your colour palette if you can, ensuring you balance the tone of shades you’re wearing, depending on your dominant colour category. Visit one of our Colour Me Beautiful consultants to find your best colours.
DO layer
Most offices have air-conditioning, meaning you may be going from sweltering heat to icy conditions at the touch of a button. If this is the case you will need to cleverly layer your look to keep warm. The danger here can be that you end up looking too casual (if you choose a loose-fitting cardigan for example).
Invest in a fitted cardigan or lightweight jacket that is cut to suit your figure or add a lightweight scarf in your best colours. This will keep you warm but still looking smart and it is easy to remove once you leave the office to embrace the glorious sunshine!
Get some office chic inspiration over on our Pinterest board here.
If you are thinking about your company dress code and would like to explore having a Corporate Workshop to show your team what is acceptable in the workplace, please click here to visit out website.
If you would like advice on how to develop your own corporate image, we offer one-to-one consultations to review how you can look your very best in the office. Get in touch with us to find your own personal consultant in Asia here.
Love everything about fashion, style and image?
Click here to find out about how to become an Image Consultant!
All images courtesy of Pinterest.
Most offices have air-conditioning, meaning you may be going from sweltering heat to icy conditions at the touch of a button. If this is the case you will need to cleverly layer your look to keep warm. The danger here can be that you end up looking too casual (if you choose a loose-fitting cardigan for example).
Invest in a fitted cardigan or lightweight jacket that is cut to suit your figure or add a lightweight scarf in your best colours. This will keep you warm but still looking smart and it is easy to remove once you leave the office to embrace the glorious sunshine!
Get some office chic inspiration over on our Pinterest board here.
If you are thinking about your company dress code and would like to explore having a Corporate Workshop to show your team what is acceptable in the workplace, please click here to visit out website.
If you would like advice on how to develop your own corporate image, we offer one-to-one consultations to review how you can look your very best in the office. Get in touch with us to find your own personal consultant in Asia here.
Love everything about fashion, style and image?
Click here to find out about how to become an Image Consultant!
All images courtesy of Pinterest.
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