August 20th, 2007
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.
8 Replies
Posted on Monday, August 20th, 2007 at 8:25 am
Great advice. Thanks Angie! This was desperately needed as we enter a(nother) week of 90+ degree weather.
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 10:09 am
Great advice! It’s been 90+ here, too. It definitely affects what I can wear, but I have yet to wear short shorts or tube tops or even tank tops. If only the Orlando tourists I saw last week had read your advice. The heat is not an excuse for looking skanky (for those who want to know how bad one must dress for me to say that, you can read my post at http://www.allaboutappearances.....on-earth/). Meanwhile, I had on a white blouse (with a bra), a skirt, and a pair of open-toe shoes – and I was pretty comfortable considering the heat. I’ve spent most of the summer in dresses and that has been a lifesaver.
Don’t forget hats, though! A nice, dressy hat keeps the sun off your face and neck while still looking stylish. And it is a great cover when you have sweaty hair.
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
O.k.. Now, how about the other direction? How to keep warm, but summery looking in cold climates. This 60 degree Seattle “summer” is wretched. Happy October. 
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Here’s something I have been wondering about: Is it okay to wear a dark, knee length denim skirt with a nice blouse and shoes (and jacket when it’s cold)? Or is all denim off limits?
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
Good question Maya. This will depend on the company and how strict the dress code is. Some business casual dress codes allow you to get away with trouser jeans and others not. My guess is that you go for a very dark, smart looking denim skirt with self colour top stitching and dress that up appropriately. They have some fab ones in at Banana Republic at the moment.
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
[...] it has been around here in Florida. Fortunately, Angie at You Look Fab wrote a post about wearing Business Casual in Warm Weather. It’s a great list of ideas for weather you are looking for office appropriate summer wear or [...]
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Yes! I had my eye on a skirt that’s on sale now at BR. Guess I’ll add that to my cart.
Posted on August 20th, 2007 at 8:53 pm
[...] necktie blouse is a superb way to maintain a professional look in warm weather. Pop it over a pencil skirt, slacks, jeans or clamdiggers and you’ve got a great little look [...]
Posted on July 3rd, 2008 at 6:58 am
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