![\"\"](\"https:\/\/blogs.holycross.edu\/careerplanning\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/29\/2011\/06\/20090601052514Northwestern_University_lacrosse_team_flip_flops1-300x208.jpg\" "\\"Flip")
<\/a>Dressing for summer in the office can be tough. Ninety-degree weather and a suit jacket don\u2019t exactly mix, but neither do guys in shorts and corporate boardrooms. Not to mention the fact that, at any given point during the summer, it\u2019s about 40 degrees cooler in the average office building than it is outside.<\/p>\n
But it is possible to create a summer work wardrobe that\u2019s comfortable yet professional, and cool yet collected. Here\u2019s how.<\/p>\n
1. No flip flops: <\/strong>Ladies, this faux-pas is typically committed by you, so listen up: \u201cFlip flops are beach wear which transpired into \u2018commuter-wear\u2019 and then slowly into office wear,\u201d says Lizandra Vega, author of \u201cThe Image of Success: Make a Great Impression and Land the Job You Want.\u201d<\/p>\n Not only do they look unprofessional, but their namesake \u201cflip-flop\u201d noise is an easy way to drive your co-workers nuts every time you walk by their desks, so opt for strappy sandals, espadrilles or ballet flats instead.<\/p>\n 2. Choose light colors: <\/strong>\u201cLighter color garments help you keep cool during hot summer months,\u201d Vega says. \u201cDark colors absorb heat, while light colors reflect heat.\u201d That said; make sure the color isn\u2019t too <\/em>light. See below.<\/p>\n 3. No peep shows:<\/strong> Summer clothing is often made of lightweight, lightly colored fabric. This can make for a comfortable commute, but it can also make for awkward over exposure. \u201cAvoid apparel in fabrics that are so lightweight that they are see-through,\u201d Vega says.<\/p>\n 4. Wear an undershirt:<\/strong> It may seem counter-intuitive to add an extra layer when it\u2019s hot out, but (men especially), if you don\u2019t already wear an undershirt, you might want to start now. The extra layer will help absorb sweat during a mid-summer commute.<\/p>\n \u201cWearing a cotton undershirt actually helps men feel cooler as it will absorb perspiration,\u201d Vega says. \u201c[Plus],if a lighter fabric shirt is chosen, the undershirt will prevent it from being see-through.\u201d<\/p>\n 5. For women, dresses are best: <\/strong>Women are at a serious advantage when it comes to dressing for summer at the office for one simple reason: They can wear dresses.<\/p>\n \u201cDresses are a great option because it avoids having to wear a jacket,\u201d Vega says. \u201cA wrap dress, a sheath or shift dress are appropriate options.\u201d<\/p>\n If you will be forgoing the jacket, look for styles with short or three-quarter length sleeves, even sleeveless if you feel comfortable. Tank-style dresses are too casual for the office without a jacket or cardigan, though.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>6. Keep an extra layer at work:<\/strong> Women can keep a wrap or lightweight, neutral-colored cardigan in their desks in case the air conditioning is kicked into overdrive. Men can do the same with a blazer or sweater.<\/p>\n \n\n