This month's guest columnist is Dana Lynch, the
owner of Elements of Image, an image consulting firm
specializing in teaching professionals how they can
use the power of image to gain an edge in the
workplace and achieve their goals. Elements of Image
works with individuals and corporate groups. For
more information, contact Dana at 303-463-4839 or
visit www.elemen
tsofimage.com
It's no secret, it's HOT outside! Now, let me share a
secret. Some days when it's really hot, and I'm trying
to decide what to wear for work, I stand in front of my
closet thinking, "All I really want to wear is a pair of
shorts, a tank top, and flip flops." However, since this
isn't a reality, I've put together some great tips for what
to wear to the office to beat the summer heat and still
maintain your authority, credibility, persuasiveness,
and overall professionalism.
The first thing to do when deciding how to dress in
these "dog days of summer" is to consult your
company's dress code. Unfortunately, many of the
dress codes are a bit nebulous these days, so your
next strategy is to "Follow the Leader." Look to
executives, mid-level managers and other authority
figures in your industry, and take your cue from their
mode of dress.
Certainly, light colors are much cooler than dark
colors. Think of camel, tan, khaki, off white/winter
white, or white for your suiting. Fabrics to rely on
include cotton, linen, silk, tropical weight wool, and
cotton blends.
Since many offices relax their dress code in the
summer or follow business casual year-round, men
can switch from their dress slacks into khaki pants
and a nice polo shirt or golf shirt, (no country club
logos, please.) If you know you're going to be out and
about a good portion of the day, pants made of a
lightweight cotton/polyester or silk/cotton twill can be a
cool alternative to your every day Docker-type twill
pants. An alternative to the polo shirt, depending on
your industry norm, is a short sleeved, subtly printed,
rayon shirt. No matter which of these styles you
choose, being neat and well pressed is paramount.
Also, make sure you always have a neutral colored
sports coat on hand for impromptu meetings.
Of course, you always need to think about each day's
agenda when getting dressed and make sure you're
not compromising your authority and credibility in the
heat. Although a little more on the casual side, a new
warm weather option I've seen in the stores for
women is the short sleeved sweater set. Choose one
in a fine-gauge knit, and you'll benefit from the clout of
the sweater set while staying a bit cooler. Beware;
this isn't the best option for serious meeting days.
Keep a neutral colored jacket in your office at all times
for unexpected meetings and client visits.
Most of us are lucky enough to work in an air
conditioned office; so often times it's coming and
going from work that poses the biggest challenge. If
you prefer blouses over shells under your suits,
sleeveless and short sleeved blouses are an option.
Sleeveless and cap sleeved shells, along with tank
tops made from a fine fabric, are suitable as well.
Keep in mind that it's acceptable to take your jacket off
in your personal workspace, but keep your jacket
handy for strolls down the hall and interaction with
others.
If you have an extremely casual dress code or you're
engaging in activities where you need to be able to
move easily, a long sleeved, crisp, cotton blouse worn
open over a modest tank top is a cool, comfortable
option.
Skirts also provide some relief from the heat. The
important thing to remember is that skirts should
remain tailored no matter how high the mercury rises.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of very lightweight, cotton
skirts with large prints on the market this season.
These just seem to scream, "summer and leisure."
As with all of your business wear, the messages you
want to aim for are that you're serious about work and
ready to do business. Look to more traditional,
structured styles with a small print if any. Knee length
and longer will always be the most appropriate for the
office.
Dresses are back in style! A tailored dress is a
wonderful, easy alternative! Again, "tailored" is the key
word. Short sleeved and ¾ length sleeved shirt
dresses made in firm fabrics are a great choice. Wrap
dresses are another good choice. Be sure they're not
too tight, clingy or low cut. A camisole underneath is a
great solution if this is a concern. Lastly, classic
sheath dresses worn with a matching blazer work well
for traditional, professional environments.
Although summer is hot, and playtime is so alluring,
following these tips can help you feel fresh, look
professional, and maintain your professionalism you
worked so hard to gain all winter, spring and fall.
Sending out non-verbal messages through your
image that you're serious and ready to do business
even in the sweltering heat can give you the
professional edge that will help you achieve success.
