Workplaces inevitably turn more casual in the summer. Folks are in and out of vacation. The temperatures soar. All too quickly, you can look unprofessional, sloppy or frumpy. No Bueno. So today’s Fashion Friday tackles how to keep your work wardrobe summer chic.
Here’s a few simple solutions:
DRESSSSSSSSSSSES! Dresses for days. Seriously! Dresses can, if styled right, stay professional but are cooler and more comfortable.
Shirtdresses, in my humble opinion, can go without a blazer/sweater topper to work in the summer.
Take this fresh tropical shirtdress from Ann Taylor. I would replace the fabric belt with an oversized leather belt, maybe in melon or green if you want to pick up the more subtle colors, and high heels. Add a few gold bangle bracelets, small gold hoop earrings, and tie your hair back (if it’s long). PRESTO! You are summer chic.
Do not wear wide open sandals or floppy shoes, and do not repeat the unfortunate mistake of the model and fail to button it all the way down (ACK!).
In the alternative, you could take a dress that’s a smidge too casual and make it a day-to-evening look. I love Ann Taylor’s dresses this summer and this leaf swirl halter is one I grabbed. Now, it won’t work for work on its own, but paired with a khaki blazer, nude heels, and oversized coral dangling earrings, you’d look perfectly summer chic for work. Throw open toed sandals and a long gold necklace in your handbag when you leave for work in the morning. Then don them after work, while you toss your blazer in the backseat, and you’re ready for dinner out with friends.
Don’t pair busy shoes, scarves or jewelry with patterned dresses like these. It quickly overwhelms you, and you’ll lose your lovely focus piece.
Next, WEAR BOLD PANTS!!!
I may do this a little already on Fridays (reds, blues, ahhhhh), but in the summer you can really play with color and textures. Take a look at those navy textured pants paired with the khaki blazer above. Ann Taylor knows how to style them so you play to the cool pant accent. You don’t have to spend hundreds on cute croppeds from Theory, you can pick up either of these for under $80 from Ann Taylor.
While there are lovely options from Ann Taylor, don’t start browsing on-line (there or anywhere else) without a few cautionary reminders. Do not wear oversized patterned gaucho pants. I don’t know who thought these were a good idea but they are neither slimming or work appropriate. Don’t wear oodles of flowers all over your trousers. And I know I’ve said this before, but under no circumstances should you don lularoe leggings with donuts, armadillos, or any other such nonsense (at work OR at play). So don’t wear this:
Finally, find ways to infuse light into your wardrobe! Wear a silk flower in your hair. Add bright bangles to your arms or a small floral scarf to your neck (or ponytail). Paint your nails a fun color. Buy new eyeshadow or blush with some shimmer to it. Try a style outside your comfort zone – a top knot or long skirt or new color!
And remember, have fun! It’s summer. We don’t get summers off anymore, so we should at least get to dress for work with a little joie de vivre!
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