Office Attire for a Heat Wave
When it's hot and humid out, one wants to wear as little as possible. Give us an oversized, strappy linen dress that barely brushes the body, flowy satin shorts, threadbare white tees. Unfortunately, these sartorial choices aren't exactly office-appropriate, especially when the office has (thankfully) cranked the A/C.
Dressing for work at the peak of summer can be a conundrum. You shouldn't have to choose between being covered in sweat or covered in goosebumps. Luckily, we have lots of experience (and some amazing attire options) to solve this seasonal puzzle.
Dresses
The easiest and breeziest of summer attire, dresses are a refreshing professional choice. Look for lightweight fabrics (we can't stress linen enough, across the board of attire) and flowy, airy cuts. To keep it office-appropriate, avoid super thin straps, transparent materials, or anything that hits above the knee.
Cover-Ups
Now, to address the office air conditioning. Aside from keeping a lap blanket tucked under your desk, a cardigan or light jacket will help regulate the temperature. Consider loose-fit blazers or open-knit sweaters to stay cool but not stuffy.
Trousers
You might be sensing a theme: lightweight fabrics and silhouettes that don't hug your body. For trousers, look for wide-leg styles in a soft color palette. If you choose linen, ensure the fabric isn't see-through or overly wrinkled to avoid looking more beachy than boardroom.
Tops
Easy, breezy, beautiful button-ups (that's the saying, right?). Choosing an office-worthy top to withstand the heat is all about fabric and sleeve length. For long-sleeve blouses, take extra caution to choose breathable materials. And when pairing tops and trousers, go for looks you won't have to tuck in.
