Tips for Dressing Professionally in the Office for Spring & Summer

With warm weather beginning to appear, it is time to start thinking about changing your seasonal wardrobe. In some climates, workers are already wearing spring work clothes, and there is still time to consider incorporating summer work attire when the temperatures begin to climb. If you work in an office environment, it can be more challenging to figure out how to dress professionally while staying cool, but there are various tips you can take advantage of.

Understanding Your Office Dress Code

Before spending a lot of money on clothes, the first thing to consider is your office dress code. Some workspaces are more casual and allow for creativity, while others require more formal attire. Also, read over other dress code restrictions. For example, some offices may require that dresses/skirts be of a particular length or longer. Some offices may not allow shoulder-revealing shirts, such as tank tops.

Shoes are another consideration, as some environments may not allow open-toed shoes. If you work in a particularly strict and professional office with a long, hot commute, there are ways to remain relatively cool. Wear lighter and more revealing clothes and sandals for the commute and change once you get to the office. It may help to keep extra clothes, such as blazers and heels, at the office.

Focus on Fabric & Material

Fabric and material make a huge difference in staying cool during the warmer months. Natural fibers make great fabrics for summer work clothes, including linen, rayon, silk, and cotton. Man-made fabrics, such as polyester, should be saved for fall and winter.

Appropriate Spring & Summer Staple Items

There are various staple summer and spring work attire items that you should have in your closet. Throughout the warm months, you can dress up differently. A short-sleeved sheath dress works great for many types of settings. You can wear it independently for a more casual look or dress it with a tailored blazer for more professional environments.

A three-piece suit keeps you cool and professional. When outside the office, you can remove the jacket, so you are cooler in just the vest.

A pantsuit made with lighter material is also suitable for summer. You can spruce it up with various light blouses or camisoles.

Lightweight summer pants are a staple that you can dress up or down. Even in casual offices, they will keep you much cooler than jeans.

A pencil skirt is another versatile item that fits almost every work environment. Pair it with a lightweight blouse (sleeveless if allowed) and add a blazer for a more professional look.

Choosing Seasonal Colors

Spring and summer call for lighter colors like white, beige, peach, and pastels. These colors also prevent heat absorption and help you stay cooler than darker colors, such as navy and black. Even if you wear a darker suit, a seasonal-colored blouse makes things pop.

Importance of Personal Care & Grooming

Proper personal care and grooming are essential at all times of the year, but warmer months, especially summer, can make them more challenging. If you walk or bike to work or ride in a hot, stuffy subway/bus, bring cleansing wipes, deodorant, and makeup in your bag to freshen up before work. In humid climates, your hair may also become limp or frizzy, so you may want to wear your hair up more often. You may also want to buy a personal fan to cool off quickly after arriving at the office.