Summer. Don't you love it? The time for barbecues, picnics, vacation, water activities, relaxation, sun and warmth ... and with all of these come light casual clothes and flip flops ... Sure, but not necessarily at work.
That all-important first impression sends a strong message and when others look at the way you dress, they draw conclusions about you. Without saying a word, you are sharing your thoughts and feelings about your professionalism, the seriousness with which you take your job and the nature of your job. Your main goal is always credibility and just because it has warmed up outside doesn't mean it's time to abandon
your professional image; it's simply time to adjust your wardrobe to
accommodate the higher temperatures and keep that image intact. - Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures as you move from air conditioned buildings or cars to the warm outdoors.
- Keep in mind that the more skin you show, the more casual you appear.
- Footwear: are you working or heading for the beach? Flip flops are noisy and unprofessional. Period.
Acceptable dress for your workplace depends on both the culture of your work environment and the expectations of the people with whom you do business. Regardless of the temperature or what others may wear, you are representing both yourself and your organization.
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Remember...
What you wear has an impact on how you are perceived and the summer sun and heat doesn't change that. Consistency in your appearance establishes trust and credibility; people know what to expect from you and will treat you accordingly.
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