What to Wear: Summer Dressing in a Business Environment

Choosing appropriate clothing for the business environment can be challenging at the best of times. It becomes more difficult when temperatures rise and we feel being fully covered is uncomfortable and downright hot. It becomes even more of a challenge when we leave home in sweltering heat and then move into an air conditioned work environment. How do we dress? What should we wear?

Knowing how to dress for the summer heat and still remain comfortable and professional has the potential to boost your professional image and maybe even move you up a notch or two.

The Rules of Summer Dressing in a Business Environment:

1. Focus on professional: Resist the urge to wear clothing that shows bare skin. Low necklines, short skirts, sleeveless tops, sheer tops, bare legs are great for summer weather but are more fitting for barbecues and nightclubs than a day at work. When choose our clothing we are also choosing an image to project. If your intention is to move up in the business world keep your business clothes professional.

2. Wear lightweight clothing: You can still stay cool and not show skin. Choose fabrics that are lightweight such as cotton and linen. For example wear a cotton jacket over a lightweight blouse or wear a sweater set. If it gets too hot you can remove the jacket and still be covered underneath. If you work in an air-conditioned environment you will appreciate the added layer while you are inside and the option of removing it when you move into the heat.

3. Choose the proper footwear: Just because it's summer doesn't mean that sandals can be worn everywhere. Sandals are not appropriate in a professional setting. Wear only closed shoes such as pumps and sling backs.

4. Stay away from clothing that spells "summer": That means bright jewelry, cropped pants or skorts. Summer clothing can be worn in a professional environment but ever so subtlety. Wear lighter colored accessories and clothing but nothing that brings attention. For example, choose a pastel blouse or light colored professional handbag.

5. Wear loose clothing: Choose to wear skirts and pants in a light fabric so that the fabric glides over your hips and tummy. White is great for summer but will show every bump and lump if worn too tightly.

© Copyright Sheila Dicks 2005

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook "Image Makeover" at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report " 7 Things Your Girlfriends Won't Tell You About Beauty and Fashion".

---

Why is Orlando So Popular?

Lets clear up a few misconceptions about Florida in general... Read More

Each Watch Band is Unique and Tells Its Own Story

Anyone who possesses a valuable and unique watch will also... Read More

Staying Professionally Chic In The Heat

Whether you live in a warm climate year round or... Read More

Do My Ugg Australia Boots Put Me Ahead of Fashion or Behind?

Ugg Australia boots are not just for winter anymore. These... Read More

Look Fashionable At The Beach!

It's that time of year when we pack up our... Read More

Bling Bling on a Budget

A nice piece of jewelry can brighten up your entire... Read More

Fashion with a Conscience

While wristbands have become a fashionable way to show our... Read More

How You Can Be The New It Girl

I was reading an Instyle magazine article featuring Sharon Stone.... Read More

Womens Sandals Add a Touch of Elegance and Sex Appeal to Your Feet

Womens sandals are no longer simply the rubber thong style... Read More

What is Your Fashion Style?

When it comes to clothing do you usually stick to... Read More

The Pearl Necklace -- A Timeless Beauty

It has been said that of all the pieces of... Read More

The Skys the Limit when it Comes to Buying Sunglasses Online

There is a never ending supply of quality sunglasses options... Read More

Chandelier Earrings: Cascading Elegance

Earrings come in many forms, and the complexity of the... Read More

Sterling Silver Jewelry Fashion Trends for the New Year and Beyond

Each year, on fashion runways from New York to Paris,... Read More

Five Must-Knows When Getting a Kanji Tattoo

Japanese tattoos are cool. But if a personal translator is... Read More

Sunglasses! Does Fashion Compromise Your Eye Protection?

With models and movie celebrities showing off their trendy attire... Read More

10 Tips to Stretch Your Wardrobe Dollars

1. Buy what works for you! - Don't waste your... Read More

Body Art

There are several forms of body art. Body art can... Read More

Give Your Jeans Some Attitude

These days, jeans are becoming a basic building block of... Read More

Sterling Silver Jewelry Today

Sterling silver jewelry: silver and gemstone rings, sterling silver earrings,... Read More

Pretty in Pink Contact Lenses

Want a different eye color than the one you were... Read More

Roberto Cavalli: The Fashion King

Roberto Cavalli was born on November 15th, 1940 in Italy.... Read More

Helpful Suggestions for Purchasing Sunglasses

There are so many styles to choose from, just how... Read More

Belly Rings: Sexy is as Sexy Does

Body piercings have been the object of much controversy --... Read More

How to Look Slimmer

No matter what their size, most women want to look... Read More

Five Mothers Day Gift Ideas

Books1. If mom is a collector, whatever her passion -... Read More

Fashionable Clothing That You Choose

Clothing encompasses a wide range of apparel. From big and... Read More

Womens Fashion Ponchos Get Sexy This Summer

Ponchos have come down from the high plains and back... Read More

The History Of Jewelry

Rhinestones have a glittering past. Originally rhinestones where referred to... Read More

Black - Fashion Constant But Do It Correctly

Fashion is changing. But one thing is should be constant... Read More

How to Dress for the Business World

1. Treat your business clothing as an investment and choose... Read More

Looking Fab at The Beach!

It's that time of year when we pack up our... Read More

Using Silver to Enhance Fashion on a Budget

Fashion is not about being safe, no. It is about... Read More