How to Go Sleeveless at the Office

Summer is upon us. It can be difficult to wear business attire during this season, especially if you need to wear suits to work. However, there is hope. You don’t have to give up sleeveless shirts in fear that you may get written up. Just stick to these three rules during working hours. Not only will you be stylish in your business attire, you’ll be able to pull off rather summer friendly cut in fashion.

1. Modest style. Remember to keep it simple during your 9-5 working hours. Showing too much skin can scream “flirt” instead of setting a professional tone when working with clients or with business colleagues. As a general rule of thumb, if you bend forward and you have to check your cleavage, you probably should keep this shirt for your off hours out of the office.

Showing too much skin on top may draw attention in a negative way and other’s may not take you seriously. So, keep to a cute ruffled neck top or a slight scoop neck when choosing a sleeveless blouse for work. Tank tops and low cleavage shirts shouldn’t be worn in the office whether you are fully endowed or not. These styles are too casual and show too much skin.

For a good example, visit Piperline to view the Gamma Fern Sleeveless Printed Blouse. This to is a great way to pull off a sleeveless blouse that is modest in style and offers a bit of frill. A great compliment to any drape suit.

2. Sophisticated prints and colors. Be mindful of the type of print you chose for your sleeveless top. A print can set a tone for your entire outfit. For example, leopard and zebra prints should probably kept for weekend wear. They are fun and flirty, but can draw too much attention and set a wrong vibe in the office. Using polka dotted prints or floral prints as well as muted colors would be work appropriate. In addition, colors bright in fashion such as red, yellow, and orange can be too loud for the office, so keep it clean and simple with neutral colors.

Luxury Diva’s has an adorable top that would be appropriate to wear especially with a black pant suit or skirt. This blouse adds a splash of fun through it’s print and tiered ruffled neckline yet, very work appropriate.

3. Expensive material. What type of material your clothes are made of can have a huge impact and can set an impressive tone to potential clientele. Material can show class, sophistication, and can make an outfit look rich.

However, certain materials can also make a sleeveless shirt look dressed down. For example, it is not recommended to wear flannel or plaid. Although comfortable, the material lacks a serious tone and is more for a casual setting. Silk or certain cottons can look tasteful when pieced with a suit. For example, The Limited has ruffled, sleeveless top for $39.50. This cotton fitted top offers a clean, crisp, yet very feminine look. Perfect when paired with a skinny belt on a skirt or pants for the office.