Summer is the season we all welcome with open arms; however what used to mean 6 weeks of freedom now means hot, stuffy days spent inside the office. Isn’t being an adult fun? We all know that the only thing worse than spending three quarters of your summer daylight hours stuck inside is spending three hours of your summer daylight hours stuck inside whilst sweating uncontrollably. Hence, workers are tempted to push the office dress code boundaries to their limits around this time of year. Whilst a little rule bending is ok in moderation, there are some summer staples that should absolutely be reserved for weekends. So here’s our guide to pushing the dress code boundaries by just the right amount…
Women:
Spaghetti straps
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These are the tops and dresses that have thin, noodle-like straps (the clue is in the name) and therefore reveal a lot of flesh. If you’re going to take your spaghetti straps for a spin in the office, be sure to cover up with a shawl, blazer or cardigan.
Sun dresses
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As long as your sun dress doesn’t have the aforementioned spaghetti straps, and isn’t short of hem, then it should be fine to wear to the office. Sundresses in linen fabrics can actually be quite smart and office appropriate whilst keeping you cool and comfortable throughout the summer months.
Flip-flops
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Unless you’re wearing them for your commute and changing them before you even step foot inside the office, then this particular footwear is strictly weekend only. Flip flops have an informal, beach vibe and hence look out of place and unprofessional in many offices. If you want to wear open shoes then espadrilles or smart, buckle-up sandals are a much better choice.
Tank tops
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Tank tops come in a range of different shapes and styles, making it tricky to give them the office go-ahead or veto them as a set. If a tank top has a logo/slogan on it, is low cut/revealing or made of clingy/see-through fabric then it goes without saying that this won’t be office appropriate. If however your tank top is a smart, structured shape in an office appropriate fabric such as cotton or silk, then it should be good to wear alongside some smart trousers.
Chiffon/see through fabrics
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Although chiffon dresses, maxi-skirts and shirts may seem like fabulous choices when hanging in the ‘work-wear’ section of Zara, they’re just not office appropriate. Co-workers should not be able to see your undergarments, nor should your clothing cling to you.
Skirts/dresses without tights
As long as your skirt/dress is below knee length, wearing it without tights in summer shouldn’t be a problem unless your office rules explicitly state otherwise.
Men:
Shirts
When summer comes around the thick, flannel shirts can be banished to the back of the wardrobe and thinner fabrics such as linen and cotton can take their place. Depending on your office’s specific rules, you may be able to wear short sleeved shirts or simply roll up long sleeves to keep you cool.
Ties
Ties at some offices are always mandatory, but there are ways to make the winter to summer transition. Rather than heavy fabric ties, choose lighter, more delicate styles. These won’t sit as heavily on your chest or as tightly around your neck, making them a more comfortable choice.
Shoes
Thick socks and heavy shoes are the last thing you want to be wearing on a hot summer’s day, but thick leather lace-ups aren’t the only things you can wear if you want to look smart. Loafers are a great choice for summer as they can be worn without socks, hence giving feet room to breathe, and they will still look smart.
