Dear Jacquelyn,

With summer finally here, I could use suggestions regarding appropriate summer office attire for work. I work in a professional environment and want to make sure I don’t dress inappropriately. What do you suggest would be appropriate summer office attire?

Dear Reader,

It’s important to strike a balance between comfortable and appropriate when it comes to work attire.

The first thing you’ll want to do is consult your company’s dress code. Businesses can have a variety of policies regarding summer office attire.

If your company handbook doesn’t give specific dress-code instructions, you are always safer when you err on the side of caution and choose conservatively. Summer is not the time to take a vacation on professionalism.

There are a few simple rules to keep in mind. Start with summer staples that are appropriate. Use your judgment and enjoy lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen. Lighter colors, khaki, and cream are good options.

The classic white shirt works for everyone and should be included in your summer work wardrobe. Sheath dresses and A-line skirts with the hemline at your knees would be appropriate.

Business suits made of cotton or linen fabrics are perfect for summer. Appropriate doesn’t need to be boring, use pops of colors and accessories to brighten up outfits.

There are choices that are never appropriate for the office. Crop tops, and rising hems are types of garments that are generally considered too bare for a work environment.

Your lack of clothing shouldn’t be a distraction at work. You want the focus on your good ideas, not on the amount of skin you’re exposing. Save the tank tops, spaghetti straps, and shorts for the weekend. As a general rule of thumb, if it looks like you could wear it to a barbecue, it’s not the look for the office.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2021 Jacquelyn Youst