Summer Dress Tips to Look Cool and Professional

Do you find it difficult to keep cool and look professional in summer? Personally I find summer to be one of the hardest seasons to dress for when you’re a businessperson.

You can leave your house looking fresh and lively but after riding a crowded bus and/or train, you arrive at the office flustered, hot, and just feeling untidy.

After working in Japan and spending many very humid summers travelling to work, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work when it comes to professional looking summer clothing.

Below I’m going to share with you some of my top tips for your summer work wardrobe.

1. Do Wear Clothing That’s 100% Cotton

Cotton is the fabric you should be wearing in summer. It’s cool, lets your skin breath, and will allow you to be as comfortable as possible when you move around the office.

2. Don’t Wear Clothing That’s Too Tight

On a hot summer day, the last thing you want is uncomfortable, tight clothing that makes even sitting down unbearable. To feel cool, you need to have clothing that’s loose enough for your skin to breath and for you to move freely.

3. Don’t Wear Transparent Clothing

No matter how cool you are in your favourite transparent top, it’s not professional to see your undergarments or too much skin in the office. This is a major dress mistake in summer and will immediately detract from your professional image.

4. Do Keep a Cardigan or Light Jacket at Your Desk

Even though it may be hot outside, your office probably has the air-conditioning turned on inside. To make sure you don’t freeze when you’re at your desk, keep a cardigan or a light jacket at your desk to keep warm.

5. Don’t Wear Skirts That Are Too Short

It may be tempting to wear a short skirt so you can tan your legs in summer, but it’s not something you should wear to work. Keep your work skirts to a standard professional length of, at minimum, just above your knees. You’ll have plenty of time to tan on the weekend.

6. Do Avoid Bright Coloured Tops or Shirts if You’re Prone to Perspire

Some colours will show perspiration much more than others. Even if you’re wearing the latest top-grade antiperspirant deodorant, it may not be enough for those hot summer days.

If perspiration showing on your shirt is a problem for you, I suggest you wear a 100% cotton white shirt on those risky days.

With those above tips, you should be ready for the summer months ahead!

Do you have an extra tips for keeping cool at work during summer? I’d love you to share your comments in the section below.

Check out my other articles on professional dress.

Don’t forget to check out my other two very popular articles on summer dressing: “How to Power Dress in Summer Without Black for Men”, and “How to Power Dress in Summer Without Black for Women”.

 

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