Today it was 95 degrees out.

HOT 🥵

Battling the summer heat AND the summer AC levels can be a serious juggling act. Dressing for the office or a work event can be challenging to find something that is comfortable for the temps and appropriate for the event.

Here are some things to consider for dressing for the office in summer:

Wide leg pants are perfect for summer days in the office. A wide leg has movement and is going to be more breathable than a fitted trouser for when it’s hot out, but still will provide warmth for indoor temps. The wide leg is also a current silhouette and is here to stay! So if you still haven’t found your favorite pair, add that to your list ✏️. Making sure your wardrobe reflects the current styles will also translate to your skill set and abilities. A dated wardrobe projects an image that your skills are also dated, leaving you open to being passed over for new and greater opportunities.
Layer intentionally. I’ve heard it too many times before… ‘Oh, that’s just my desk sweater’ while a client shows me a stretched out, pilly cardigan. It kills me to see an outfit ruined by a shapeless, worn out cardigan! It seems like wasted efforts to put thought into your outfit just to have it hidden under your stretched out desk cardigan. Adding that third layer to your outfit elevates your look, it also can change up a look, and in this case add warmth while indoors. My personal favorite layering piece is a blazer. It adds structure and sophistication to any outfit.
Keep it appropriate. It might be hot out, but if you’re attending a work event be mindful of what you choose and the dress code. This is not the time for short dresses, shorts or tank tops.
Know that you can control the narrative for how you show up each day. Often I hear that offices have a casual dress code and co-workers wear leggings, sweatshirts and sneakers to the office. Understand that while this may be 'good enough' for them, it doesn't have to be for you. I have seen a client completely elevate the dress code for an entire office! She wanted to show up and improve her image for her self confidence, which started a trend in the office for others! I've also seen clients get a raise just because her boss thought she was interviewing because she was showing up with authority! Another client of mine was recognized by the partners in her office for taking her image seriously after a promotion. When we dress well we can show up with confidence, make better eye contact, are more productive and can focus on the important things at hand.

Shop these hot summer office looks here.