leeroy mupariri
Fashion 263 Writer
If you’re still in holiday mode but have returned to work, you’re probably tempted to go into the office wearing your shorts and flip-flops.
Of course, that’s not possible especially if you work in a corporate environment.
Maintaining a professional image in the office is essential.
With the start of a new year, now is a good time to re-evaluate your summer workwear wardrobe.
Here’s a guide to essential summer workwear that will keep you cool, comfortable, and stylish.
Breathable fabrics
Cotton: A classic choice for its breathability and comfort. Look for lightweight cotton blends for added durability.
Linen: Linen is incredibly breathable and perfect for hot climates. However, it can wrinkle easily, so consider blends or wrinkle-resistant finishes.
Silk: While luxurious, silk is also a natural temperature regulator, keeping you cool and comfortable.
Summer staples
Lightweight blazer: A blazer can instantly elevate your look while providing a layer of coverage. Opt for linen or cotton blends in light colours.
Dress pants or skirts: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or lightweight wool.
Consider wider-leg pants or skirts for increased airflow.
Dark-toned jeans are a great option as well — just stay clear of skinny jeans.
Summer dresses: Flowy dresses in breathable fabrics are perfect for the office.
Look for styles with sleeves or consider a light cardigan for added coverage.
Blouses and shirts: Opt for short-sleeved or sleeveless tops in breathable fabrics.
Consider blouses with interesting details like lace or embroidery.
You can never go wrong with a crisp white shirt.
Knee-length skirts: A classic and versatile option, knee-length skirts can be paired with a variety of tops and jackets.
Footwear
Closed-toe shoes: While sandals may be tempting, closed-toe shoes are generally more appropriate for the office. Look for leather or breathable fabric shoes with good arch support.
Pumps: Classic pumps in neutral colours are a timeless choice.
Ballet flats: Comfortable and stylish, ballet flats can be dressed up or down.
Oxfords: For a more androgynous look, consider leather oxfords.
The basics:
Business professional is the “old fashioned” way of dressing for work — the suit and tie look. This dress code is characterized by its conservativeness. Keep things simple and don’t overthink it.
The expectations of business professional are the most standardised — no matter where you go, the expectations are generally the same:
Charcoal or navy suits (pant suits or skirt suits) where the jacket matches the pants/skirt
Button down shirts (always tucked in for a clean look)
A necktie, bowtie or some other simple accessory
Dress shoes, black or brown (depending on your suit)
On a budget:
This dress code is all about simplicity, so there’s no need to buy a huge amount of clothes. Get one or two suits and build around that. Get a few button-up shirts to match, pantyhose (if you’re wearing a skirt) and a pair of dress shoes that match your suits.
Taking care of business professional attire can be time-consuming and expensive. Suits (both jackets and pants/skirts) almost always need to be dry cleaned every four or five wears (or about once a week).
This is especially true if you intern during summer months when DC is hot and humid. While it can be a pricey recurring expense, it’s best to obey the “dry clean only” label. The quickest way to kill the suit you just bought is to toss it in your washing machine at home.
Mixing it up:
This will really come down to the kind of office environment you’re in — you should take the time to observe your colleagues before you start to mix things up. If there’s space for it, you can always inject colour into your outfits with accessories, jewellery, pocket squares, watches or even fun socks!
Variant: Business formal
This dress code isn’t very common and will likely not be a daily requirement, but it may be a recommendation for special occasions (like big events or important meetings).
Business formal is the next step above business professional — just apply the same principles you’d apply to business professional but keep it as clean and simple as possible.
This is the time to break out the nicest clothes you own.
Online Reporter
