Summer brings long days and nights of fun for the whole family. But for most of us, work continues on through the season as usual. The summer heat makes it challenging to stay comfortable and stylish in high temperatures, but it’s not as hard as you think to have everything you want in a summer business outfit! Rest assured that the summer grind doesn’t have to be faced in stiff, uncomfortable clothes. Under the right circumstances, you might even enjoy working the summer days away. These tips will help you stay comfortable, cool, and collected as the thermometer climbs higher in the dog days of summer. Keep these tips in mind as you plan your season business wardrobe!
When it comes to work, looking professional is at the top of the priority list. Particularly for women working in a male-dominated field, it’s important to present yourself in a professional light. It seems like a daunting idea, but it’s not hard to achieve! People say to dress for the job that you want. So style yourself to the tens in your business wear, and you will feel as powerful as you look. The ultimate goal is to dress comfortably and professionally without compromising style and wearability. A good mental test is to ask yourself whether you’d wear the outfit in an important meeting or event. But generally, a good rule of thumb is to avoid shorter hemlines and more revealing necklines—minimal cleavage is optimal! Get the comfortable coverage you need in work dresses, light-material pantsuits, or long skirts. For hotter days, consider outfits that move and breathe, like dresses and skirts that are breezy and loose-fitting. Length and coverage balanced with staying cool in comfortable, breathable fabrics is the ideal place to be.
On the hottest summer days when the temperatures are climbing, the fabric you choose will determine how comfortable and cool you’ll feel during the workday. Depending on the normal operations of your office or workplace, it could either reflect the summer heat by being too warm or overcompensate with air conditioning. For the hottest summer days, the best options are fabrics that breathe, like cotton or linen. A top in either of these will be much cooler than other fabrics. Choose something light and flowing for full coverage that doesn’t add heat. If it’s on the cooler side in your workplace, the same top could be styled with a nice open cardigan or button-up sweater. Either way, the fabric will be soft and comfortable for all-day on-the-job wear.
For the worst of the summer’s heat, the fabric and materials of your clothes matter. With the light, breathable cotton and linen, your clothes will help you stay cooler without you even doing anything! It’s just the way the fabric works. To stay even cooler in your work outfit, consider cotton dresses or skirts to keep the airflow optimal and still have you looking professional. Dark, neutral colors have a classic professional feel to them, so go with black and dark grey for the best business-friendly look. A dark-gray pencil skirt with a matching jacket or a cardigan is a forever favorite outfit; it’s timeless and classic while maintaining and presenting your business look.
Summer weather can go in many different directions. Summer storms, rain, and bright sun are just a few of the weather issues you might face during the season. To be prepared for anything the weather throws at you, prep for everything! Light layers are great for long summer days that become cooler evenings. Adding light women’s rain jackets or trench coats are great options for rainy and stormy days. Pick a color that matches everything and feels professional: black, gray, and khaki are all good colors for this. Another bonus for rainy days is you get to add more accessories. Choose an umbrella and rain boots for extra personality flairs.
When choosing shoes for summer workdays, comfort is key. It’s crucial to prioritize wearability for jobs where you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet. It doesn’t matter how stylish your shoes are if they hurt your feet or you can’t work in them. Find something in the middle ground between chic and comfortable, and invest in a long-wear shoe that fits your job and your level of movement at work. Believe it or not, there are a lot of great work shoes out there that are comfortable and cute.
Work is long, summer is hot, and some things just can’t be avoided. The heat is one of these things. With the right clothes and preparation, you can maintain your cool all summer long and avoid compromising comfort and professional style. This summer, prioritize your work wardrobe, and when the temperatures climb, you can still thrive.