It’s important to dress appropriately when you are going to work. Appropriately would depend on where you work and what you do. Maintaining the professional look can be easy to pull off when the weather is cool. The problem is that when the temperature starts increasing, it gets trickier to find the right clothes that will be suitable for the weather and still look professional.
What, then, are the best outfits to wear during the heatwave? Here are some heat-friendly yet professional outfits you can wear to work, depending on your job:
Light coloured clothing
Work attire is usually known for its dark colours. Dark colours absorb more heat than light colours do. Wear more light coloured clothing like pastels and neutrals to reflect the sun’s rays and keep you cool yet professional.
Lightweight fabrics
Aside from the colour of your clothes, the type of fabric you use is also important when it comes to choosing the right work clothes during the heatwave. Lightweight fabrics like cotton, linen and chambray are ideal to wear when its hot. Such fabrics allow for easy passage of air thus keeping you cooler.
Sleeveless blouses or tops
Sleeveless blouses or tops that can be worn with a blazer are ideal for work when it’s hot and humid. A lovely sleeveless blouse paired with a skirt would give you a professional look. The good thing about having a blazer on is that you can put it on and off when needed.
Skirts and dresses above the knee
Skirts and dresses, which could be short-sleeved or sleeveless, are great when it’s hot and humid. They are more comfortable to wear instead of trousers as they allow air to flow. As a rule, I only wear skirts and dresses when it is hot.
Take note of the type of skirts and dresses you pick for work. It’s more preferable to stick with a single colour. They look more professional. Light flowy skirts and dresses made of materials like chiffon are also great to wear when the weather is hot. You can style your dress with a waist belt and still look stylish and professional.
Light tailored jacket
Jackets are always part of a corporate attire and they are as useful as blazers. You can wear a light cotton tailored jacket over a sleeveless dress, or a blouse and maintain the professional look.
Lightweight trousers
If you have to wear trousers, go for lightweight trousers. Trousers made of light breathable material are great to wear to work. Materials like cotton or linen are ideal for trousers. Linen blended with other light fabrics helps minimize wrinkles. Go for trousers that are loose and that do not cling to your legs. This will help prevent you from overheating!
So there you have it! Feel free to be creative by adding lovely accessories to complement your dressing. A matching bag or purse wouldn’t hurt as well. How are you dressing for the office in the heatwave? Feel free to drop your style tips in the comment section.
Thanks for reading.
I am lucky to work for a company where they are really relaxed in office wear in UK (not so much in the states) and I can getaway wtih pretty much anything other than gym or pool side outfits lol. Great ideas
Lucky you.. Thanks for reading.
Im lucky to be able to run my own business but still need to wear smart on occasion and this is just what i have been looking for, as soon as ive got down to my goal size im taking this post shopping 🙂
Ah nice one..
Excellent post! Really informative!
http://www.afashionholicslife.blogspot.com
Thanks for reading.
Love these tips. I would add to wear dark bottoms… just in case of embarrassing sweat stains lol.
Ah nice tip there..
Being a full-time blogger, I work from home so I can wear what I like. But there are so great tips here for office workers.
Yea I work from home too so I can work naked if I want, lol..
I’m lucky, our office is air conditioned and I drive to work in an air conditioned car, so I tend to have to layer up for the hot weather as the office and car are freezing! x
Lucky you Stephanie.
This is so helpful. Our office is like a greenhouse, no air con or anything. Literally, we can be dripping in 30+ degree heat. Thanks for thinking to write this post!
Glad it is Jo..Thanks for reading..
Working in the office when you are in the middle of a heatwave can be tough but I agree that wearing lightweight fabrics help!
Yea it does help..Thanks Ana.
I’m so glad I don’t have to go out to an office. Actually, the office itself is fine, but I remember commuting on the tube in London at the height of summer and it was totally grim.
The underground would be dead warm now..
Luckily for me I’m off work until September so I don’t have to worry about it too much x
Lucky you..
I can imagine how difficult it must be to be stuck in an office when it’s really warm… We haven’t had the sun though in ages, so wouldn’t mind a heatwave on our end right now 😉
Yea so hard..
I’m lucky to work for a company that provides uniform. I would hate having to pick something to wear every day
Yea it can be hard some days.
This post is really helpful, I really struggle to think about what to wear in the office because it’s either hot and stuffy or freezing cold when the air conditioning is on so I really struggle to find a balance between the two. Normally I stick with summer clothes when it’s hot but bring in a throw 🙂
Yea it can get really confusing with the air conditioning at work, and not on the bus on train.
Thank you for these beautiful tips. It is really hot here and I worry about what to wear but with your helpful tips I am up and running now.
Thanks for reading Osime xo
Good tips! I try to wear sleeveless, light blouses with a jacket I can take on and off for the office!
http://www.thewanderingbrunette.com/
Ah nice one.
I used to hate having to do this every day, especially when the commute included a train journey before getting there!
Ah commuting can be hell in the summer. I remember.
Fortunately the majority of the time I can wear what I want. I do have some loose fitting outfits for the warmer times. I hate being sticky and sweaty. Great tips Stella
Thank you..
Some great tips here. Sometimes it’s hard to stay cool in the hot weather at work.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Yea it can be Jordanne.
I’m so glad I work from home in the summer so I don’t have to worry about this. Today I took my laptop to the beach. A big sunhat helped me to see the screen and my work clothes was my bikini! Some really great tips though. Loose blouses are so good for summer. xx
I am glad I work from home too..
These are great ideas! It can be so uncomfortable to dress for work in the hot weather. I love cottons as they are much lighter for the summertime. x
Yea they are.
I am always happy about smart casual dress code at the office. It makes life so much easier. But thanks for some ideas, what could help to improve my business wardrobe.
Thanks for reading Nika.
Lightweight fabric is the best solution for hot weather. Your tips prove that you can look fabulous even in a heatwave.
Yea they are the best.
Pingback: The Essential Guide to Dressing for an Interview - fashionandstylepolice fashionandstylepolice
Pingback: Navigating Office Dress Codes - fashionandstylepolice fashionandstylepolice