The Smart Girl’s Guide to Business Casual This Summer
By Yael Kohen
Spring is here and it’s already hot and humid outside. Yes, your company’s dress code is business casual. In fact, one in 10 companies allow for a dress-down day at least once a week, according to a survey by the Society of Human Resource Management. But what is it about summer that makes women think that spaghetti straps, jeans skirts, and flip-flops are suddenly appropriate office attire? Business casual is not a catchall term that includes the same stringy garb you’d wear to the beach, even if you work at Google.
In fact, in this post-dot-com era with its dress code hangover, how you look is important again. Wardrobe is an increasingly important factor in determining whether or not you’re going to get ahead, according to a survey from Yahoo! Hot Jobs. Eighty-two percent of human resources professionals believe that the way you dress affects your place at work, according to the survey. So what can you wear this summer that won’t offend the boss? We asked MC’s fashion director, Tracy Taylor, to give us the lowdown on summer rules for dressing appropriately for work once the mercury rises.
Chic Blazer
Summer Business Casual, work clothing, blazer jacket
chic blazer
No exposed spaghetti straps or tank tops. A chic blazer is the season’s most stylish cover-up.
Denim Miniskirt
denim mini skirt, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
denim miniskirt
No denim cutoffs or denim miniskirts. Save them for the weekend.
Flip Flops
flip flops, work shoes, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
flip flops
No flip-flops. Choose sandals or flats that don’t show too much skin.
Sheer Clothing
summer sheer clothing, business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
sheer clothing, white linen dress
Do not wear sheer fabrics (linen or chiffon) without appropriate undergarments. No one -- especially your boss -- should see your panty lines or bra straps.
Shorts
shorts, bermuda shorts, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
shorts
No shorts. Shorts this season are supershort or superbaggy. Both are super no-no’s at the office. Cool, work appropriate Bermudas are so last summer.
Carryall
carryall, brief case, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
carryall briefcase
Do not carry your beach totes to work. Try a lightweight carryall in a neutral leather.
Cotton Shift Dress
cotton shift dress, sundress, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
cotton shift dress
Don’t wear cotton sundresses. A shift dress is still sleeveless, but far more refined.
Black Pantsuit
black pantsuit, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
black pantsuit
Mix up your winter stalwart -- the black pantsuit. Lighten the look by pairing the jacket with a khaki pencil skirt, or wearing the slacks with a pretty blouse.
Cardigan
cardigan, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
cardigan
Don't drop your neckline as the temperature rises. Keep your cleavage covered with a lightweight cardigan.
Bold Prints
bold prints, summer business casual, work clothing, what not to wear to work
bold prints
Don't let this season's bold prints take over. Pair a print skirt with a solid blouse, or break up a print dress with a solid cardigan.
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