How To Stay Cool and Still Dress Professionally!
Theo Pace
I miss the days of a professional look. Even when I was in retail and had more leeway with my clothing, I loved “dressing for work.” It’s no secret that, upon first glance, people “size you up” and make assumptions about you based on “how” you look.
I just talked about this in “Teaching My Teens How They Dress Matters.” I tell my kids all the time, it’s important to think about what you wear and what it says about you. When working in a professional environment, you should dress how you want to be perceived: knowledgeable, mature, and experienced.
I have to apologize. How could I go through Summer and tell you how to dress cool in the steamy heat without covering professional dress?!
So, how’s your summer wardrobe? I don’t mean your weekend casual looks of sundresses and beachwear. I have been thinking about your office. Life in Florida can be so casual that I often forget about professional dress! I met my friend a couple of weeks ago, outside an office building, to snap some photos for the blog. I was a little early, so I was walking around looking for some areas to take pictures. I couldn’t help but notice women coming in and out of the building and what they were wearing. It was upwards of 95* but I was surprised by their outfits. Flip flops? Really? Ribbed cotton tank tops? It is fair to say that I don’t know how “casual” the offices were in the building and there are so many office “dress policies” maybe this was “ok?” Maybe not.
You might not be the woman wearing flip flops or tank tops. However, you may find it difficult to find items that will keep you cool and also look professional. If you aren’t sure, follow my list of guidelines below to help you dress in a professional manner that will also help you stay cool.
So, here it is, my list of Do’s and Don’ts for the office.
No Flip Flops, or for that matter any sandal that exposes all of your toes.
No Shorts.
No Spaghetti Strap Tops. No Tops where any part of your bra is exposed.
No Mini Skirts. Skirt lengths are difficult because there are so many and even really long skirts can look unprofessional. I would suggest going as close to the knee as possible.
No cleavage.
No strapless tops, strapless dresses or tube tops.
No sheer fabrics, unless it’s a top with a cami underneath.
No to anything that has a naturally wrinkled look. I love the lightweight washable linen items but save those for the weekends.
Okay, so what’s left?
Peep toe pumps, wedge peep toe shoes, loafers, ballet flats.
Ankle pants
Breezy blouses. Washable silks are always great because they don’t have to be dry cleaned and are super cool.
Sleeveless knit tops or blouses. Be sure to look under the arm to make sure your bra doesn’t show.
Pencil skirts.
Lightweight fabrics and lighter colors are important
My favorite professional, keep cool items to recommend are dresses. They are the easiest items to wear, they don’t require extra layers. If they are sleeveless you can always add a cardigan or blazer to wear over them in the ac.
I love dresses so much I created a “catalogue” of looks that are all shoppable. You can access them here…Professional Summer Dresses!
These are the dresses in my shoppable catalogue-Professional Summer Dresses!
While I will always select the best items for you, some of the links included may be automatically affiliated. This helps support my business. If you choose any, thank you!
Happy Shopping and Keep Cool!
Fashionably yours,
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