The summer months can introduce a whole new set of standards for getting dressed for business, especially if you work in a corporate office. If you are fortunate enough to work in a casual and creative environment, you may have a little more leeway to embrace summer business casual. Here are some dos and don’ts to consider…
Do:
- Add a fun bag, scarf or statement necklace in brighter colors.
- Wear whites and lighter colors, as they reflect heat on hot days.
- Relax a little more – if your company dress code allows.
Don’t:
- Go too casual – tank tops, leggings, shorts and flip flops are a no-go.
- Overdo a current trend – too much neon, for example. It can be distracting.
- Wear summer dresses with spaghetti straps or anything overly revealing.
Marienbad navy and cream silk blouse, $169
Alberto Makali navy flat-front pull-on crop pant, $129
Alberto Makali floral applique jacket, $339
Orange beaded earrings, $19
Frock
612 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.372.9935
Nik & Zoe pink/cream/gray print dress, $168
Nik & Zoe cream sweater, $158
Grey Vintage Hyde tote bag, $298 (includes dust bag)
UNOde50 Beaded Sterling Silver necklace with dragonfly accent, $250
Eric Michael leather/silver espadrilles with black strap, $125
Charlotte Shoppe
4600 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring
610.678.4800
EJ Samuel Madras plaid blazer, $165
Vinci grey flat-front trousers, $50
Stacy Adams, est. 1875, lace-up dress shoes with navy animal print-embossed leather, $75
Sharp Dressed Man
408 Penn Avenue, West Reading
610.685.4381
Chaps gingham plaid button-down, $60
Dockers® signature khakis, $62
SONOMA Goods for Life™ Warren men's oxford shoes in denim, $69.99
Kohls
2700 Papermill Rd., Wyomissing
610.371.0237
Two local shop owners provided a few tips for looking cool and professional when the temps start to soar:
Says Lisa Balaci, owner of Charlotte Shoppe in Sinking Spring:
- Make a statement with accessories, scarves and footwear.
- Keep your look professional with simple, closed-toe shoes and skirts or dresses ator just above the knee.
- Don’t forget to reflect your personality inyour outfits. Have fun!
Susan Golembiski, owner of Frock on Penn Avenue in West Reading , suggests:
- Be aware of your company’s dress code – bare arms or shoulders may not be acceptable.
- Wear natural fabrics such as cotton, silk or linen to keep cool, especially if you are uncomfortable showing bare arms and prefer to wear ¾ or long sleeves.
- Layer a blazer or cardigan over your outfit to keep warm in chilly, air-conditioned offices.
