Between the hot and sticky days Buffalo’s summer is known for and that frigid air conditioning in your office building, getting dressed for work during the summer months can present a challenge.
While many companies relax their dress codes during the summer, especially for those of you lucky enough to get summer Fridays, it is still important to be mindful of what you’re wearing to work everyday.
Here are some basic rules to keep in mind:
- Don’t wear something you would wear to the beach. This includes short shorts, crop tops, strapless dresses, etc.
- Know the limit when it comes to hemlines. Dresses and skirts should be no more than a few inches above the knee. Still confused? Think back to that rule we all had in high school where your dress or skirt had to pass the finger length test. Apply that to the office too!
- If your office is cold, keep cardigans and light weight blazers on hand to cover up your short sleeve and sleeveless blouses. Just remember to keep your blouse underneath appropriate for work, so you still look professional if you get too warm and have to remove your outer layer.
- Check with your company dress code to see if open toed shoes are permitted. If they are, pick dressier looking shoes made out of leather over foam/athletic style flip flops.
- Guys, We didn’t forget about you. Leave your gym shorts, sandals, swim trunks and muscle tanks at home. Unless it’s spelled out in the company handbook, assume you are NOT allowed to wear shorts to the office. Even if you are allowed, take your cues from your managers, and strive to dress like them. Stick to khakis and chinos and a polo in a more casual environment, and lightweight dress shirts in a more professional setting.
To summarize:
- Nothing see through
- Nothing too short
- No inappropriate branded shirts
- Be comfortable, but don’t dress sloppy
Take into consideration your role in the company, any interaction with clients when figuring out how to dress. Still unsure of what is appropriate in your office? Check in with your HR department for any specific guidelines.