Many people interpret soaring temperatures as license to dress more casually. This may be permitted in some offices, but not all. Although you may be longing to be oceanside, as a professional woman, you do not want to come across as though you are off to the beach. You need to appear to be leaning in even if you would prefer to be laying down.*

Also, don’t believe the myth that companies don’t hire over the summer months. Plenty of job seekers sit back which could give you, the highly motivated individual that you are, an advantage. Showing up to your next job interview appearing polished despite the hot weather looks good on you. Moving up the corporate ladder? When you’ve got these must-have pieces, it’s no sweat!

5 Spring and Summer Closet Essentials for the Professional Woman

 

Warm Weather Trouser

When I think of spring and summer hues I think of pastels, but I also think bright and cheerful colours. Besides wearing soft shades, try mixing in other colours and alternative neutrals from your seasonal palette that play nicely with items you already own. This can help your wardrobe feel fresh.

Summer Dress

The office is not the place for a maxi dress, sundress or anything with spaghetti straps or halter top neckline. Your hemline should be just above or below your knee. Mid-Calf is acceptable too, but you might want to pair that with heels to compensate for a visually shorter leg line. Look for a cap sleeve or thicker strap on a sleeveless dress. No visible bra straps at the office. That being said, if a jacket on top of your sundress takes your look from NSFW to office appropriate then, by all means, maximize the pieces in your closet. Just remember you are committed to wearing the jacket throughout your workday. (A good rule of thumb: if your dress or top requires a particular type of bra, it’s not office appropriate.)

 

 

Layering Pieces

Your morning commute can be chilly and air conditioning can make your workplace feel frigid. Having a light-in-colour-and-weight jacket will complete your outfit, add warmth when you need it, and keep you looking sharp.

 

 

 

Bag

A structured bag will always come across as more professional than a slouchy bag. Put your black purse on the shelf for a while. Choose one in a light neutral or a bright colour or pattern.

 

Office Appropriate Shoes

It’s never okay to wear flip-flops to the office. Furthermore, most offices with a business or even business casual dress code require you to cover most of your toes. A little toe cleavage or peep-toe is generally fine. These beauties caught my eye. Check this out for a more detailed post regarding office appropriate summer shoes.

 

 

Lighten (and brighten) up!

This time of year, our mood is generally more relaxed and we want our clothes to feel less weighty and unfussy. That doesn’t mean you have to compromise your professional image. Mixing a these few of these keys pieces into your professional woman work wardrobe will give you multiple warm weather outfits and make dressing easy breezy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simplify your life and make stylish dressing effortless. Contact me today to arrange your free discovery call.

 

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*Borrowed from comedian Ali Wong.