It’s hot outside, and with July quickly approaching, it’s only getting hotter. When the temperature rises above a cool and comfortable 75, out come the tank tops, flip flops and other summer threads that keep us cool and breezy during the hot summer months.
Unfortunately, these summer duds don’t exactly qualify as work or office appropriate.
But have no fear, there are easy ways to incorporate the breezy and light styles of the season while remaining cool outside and comfortable at work.
Cotton and linen are lightweight summer materials that breathe, allowing you to stay cool even on the hottest days. These materials are rarely clingy and help avoid that sticky-summer heat, particularly in areas notorious for high humidity. For offices where long sleeves are the norm, pull your outfit together with a cotton or linen blazer. Finish off the details with a piece of statement jewelry to add some color and expression.
A cropped, skinny-cut pant can be a trendy and work-appropriate stand in for the traditional capri pant. A light, neutral color like khaki or grey can be paired with a bright color top for a pop of color and personality. Tie the look together with a skinny belt and minimal jewelry for a seasonal look that is comfortable, yet polished.
If long sleeves are a definite faux pas in your summer wardrobe, throw on a loose-fitting tank top with a wider shoulder strap, about two inches. While walking to work in a hot and crowded city or across a blacktop parking lot, you can avoid any unwanted perspiration. Pair it with a breathable cotton cardigan with a quarter sleeve once inside, to remain comfortable in the air-conditioning.
Relative to the fashion climate of an office, strappy sandals may be an alternative to ballerina flats during the summer. In either neutral tones or a bold color, sandals with a minimal buckle around the ankle can be paired with anything: skirt, dress, or pants, the strappy sandal compliments them all.
Sport the colors of the season. There are only a few months out of the year allotted to white-pant wearing. Why not make the best of it? Brighten your wardrobe with yellows, pinks and oranges. Save the dreary and drab colors for winter.
