It’s easier to do dress business casual when you can pull your ensemble together with a sassy jacket. You’ll get away with wearing just about anything underneath if your jacket is fab and you won’t be taking it off. But what do you do when it’s too hot to wear a jacket, but you still need to look professional? It’s all about incorporating the right amount of tailoring and finishing the look off with punchy accessories.

Here are some guidelines for keeping it cool and chic:

• Blouses become your best friend because they’re airy and versatile. Leave them voluminous if you prefer that look and keep it streamlined with straight leg pants on the bottom. Add a waist belt for a bit of extra tailoring and pop a camisole underneath for added interest or if the fabric is sheer.
• Wrap-tie shirts are a modern-classic choice and forgiving around the mid-section. Ann Taylor has perfected these.
• Better-end styled knitted tops that are dressed up with eye-catching accessories and tailored bottoms will give you all the polish that you need.
• Wearing knee-length skirts and tailored walk shorts instead of slacks automatically keeps you air-conditioned.
• Consider sleeveless work-appropriate day dresses with cropped cover-ups if necessary.
• Carry a statement handbag even if you end up sitting at a desk most of the day. You’ll want to make the best impression when you do occasionally see clients.
• Finish it off with dressy open-toed sandals, sling backs or wedges and make sure that those feet are buffed.
• Finally, on fabrics: pure woven cottons, raw silks and linens will keep you cool but crease uncontrollably, so opt for fabric blends instead.

Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!

These trendy blouse options are suited to a less conservative environment. They will have you looking professional, polished and appropriate, even as temperatures soar. Enjoy their versatility and wear them under jackets when it starts to cool down.