It’s one thing to wear suits, ties and long-sleeved blouses to work in the winter, but when the temperature gauge breaches 100 degrees, those polyester pants and tweed jackets can be a nightmare. Summer office attire is a tricky business, even if your office maintains a “business-casual” policy, but you don’t want to be sweating buckets while you’re sitting at your desk or walking to a nearby deli for lunch.
The issue of summer office attire is further complicated by the fact that appropriate clothing will change depending on the industry and company for which you work. For example, the dress code for a prestigious law firm would be different from that of a middle school or a real estate office.
Most of the experts encourage employees to look to their superiors when determining appropriate clothing. If your boss is wearing jeans and short-sleeved shirts to work, you could probably follow in his footsteps. It is also appropriate to ask your employer about summer office attire. That way you can’t go wrong.
Deciding what to wear to work when it’s hot is often more difficult for women than for men. For one thing, a man can wear a suit to work, then take off the jacket and roll up his sleeves once he’s fully ensconced behind his desk. Women, on the other hand, must deal with heavier fabrics, multiple layers and the lack of available options. Men can wear the same thing to work as they do to an office party or social engagement while women must buy two separate outfits.
The reality is that you can get away with less formal summer office attire if you work “behind the scenes” away from the prying eyes of customers and associates. If most of your time is spent on the phone or at your computer, you can probably dress down and avoid a reprimand. However, if most of your work involves face-to-face meetings, you’re going to have to suffer a bit more.
For Men
Summer office attire for men can include lighter-weight suits, wearing shirts open-collar and removing suit jackets. Many men’s clothing stores, particularly in the south, have sections devoted entirely to hot weather clothes, which can help to narrow down your options.
For Women
The experts suggest that women look to short-sleeved alternatives for summer office attire. A short-sleeved sweater with a long skirt or pants can be appropriate, as can short-sleeved blouses under light-weight jackets. When it’s hot, you might also look for linen or cotton clothing that breathes more efficiently than other fabric blends.
What to Avoid
Summer office attire should not resemble what you’d wear to the zoo or a Saturday afternoon picnic. Shorts and capris, for example, should be avoided, and although open-toed shoes might be acceptable, flip-flops are not. Experts warn against wearing sleeveless shirts, unless worn under a jacket or over-shirt, and t-shirts are rarely considered acceptable.
If you still aren’t sure what you can get away with concerning summer office attire, take a trip down to your HR department and simply ask. It’s better than showing up in something that makes your supervisor wince.
