Summer Style at Work
By Mary Mitchell

As temperatures rise, the signs of summer emerge: skimpy tank tops, shorts and flip-flops. But while some offices loosen their ties, figuratively speaking, such an outfit is anything but acceptable for departmental meetings.

"People often prefer to dress more comfortably during the summer than is even appropriate in a casual business environment," says Ann Marie Dimino, human resources director for Wolf, Block, Schorr and Solis-Cohen, a Philadelphia-based law firm with eight U.S. offices. "There is a fine line between looking professionally casual and comfortably sloppy."

Everything you put on represents a decision you have made and says something about you. Wearing appropriate attire is simply good manners, showing colleagues that you respect them and the workplace. But you can still easily pull together summer office wear, tailored to your work environment. Just follow these do's and don'ts for a foolproof look.
 

Do's 
Do ask yourself what role you're playing and how you want to be perceived.
Actors always ask themselves four questions before they take on a role; so should you.

• Who am I? In other words, what is my role here?
• Where am I? What is my stage - an office, a sporting event, a cocktail party?
• Who is my audience? Am I dealing with clients today, or bosses, coworkers, subordinates?
• What do I want from them? Do I want to impress them with my competence, accessibility, playfulness or warmth?

Do keep in mind ...
... the people you want to impress favorably, and look at what they're wearing. If your boss is a suit-and-tie guy year-round, you should follow his lead, no matter what your peers are wearing. But if your supervisor breaks out the khaki skirts and polos come May, feel free to do the same.

Do choose fabrics that are lightweight, yet not transparent and not too form-fitting. Test fabrics by standing in front of a light or going outdoors and looking at them in the sun. Even holding a piece of fabric up to the light indoors can tell you just how revealing it will be. (Hint: Don't wear anything you can read through.)

Do layer for seamless outside-to-office comfort. 
"Layering is just as important in summer as in winter," says Jillayne Stockwell, a New-York-based image consultant, stylist and makeup artist for executives at companies such as Avon, Time-Warner and Disney as well as celebrities such as Gloria Vanderbilt. "Scarves are great for protecting your neck and shoulders from air-conditioning drafts. A wrap or a light cardigan can professionalize a sleeveless look when you need to."
Do choose modest light cotton sundresses.

As long as dresses are pressed and don't show too much skin, they're great office options, say experts.

Do pay attention to footwear. 
Corporate norms are changing in regard to footwear, Dimino says. "Last year, not even backless slides were permitted at my company. This year that rule may be relaxed."

According to Stockwell, high-end executives generally wear sling-backs instead of mules.

Etiquette icon Letitia Baldrige has relaxed her view on open-toed shoes in the summer workplace and deems them appropriate for the relaxed office. "A good-looking pair of leather sandals with a low or medium heel can add a lot of style and pizzazz to office wear," she says.

Do keep toenails tidy. If your office allows open-toed shoes, feet must look clean. Toenails should be well shaped, and skin should be smooth and moisturized. If you enjoy pedicures and can afford them, visit the salon regularly. If not, simply use a pumice stone in the shower every morning to whittle calluses and file toenails weekly. As for chipped polish, take it off or fix it. But don't you dare step foot in the office with it. Do check with human resources to see if there is a written dress code or informal rules all departments abide by.

Don'ts 
Don't skip the slip. Or the bra for that matter.

Think of the scene in Bridget Jones' Diary when Bridget descends the office stairs in a transparent top that reveals a sexy bra. Her boss, Hugh Grant, had anything but professional regard for her at that moment. We're talking perceptions here. If you want to be taken seriously in the work arena, we can't appear that we're there to play. Ironically, summer clothing often requires more undergarments to accommodate the seasonal floatiness and sheerness of the fabrics.

If your undergarments are bound to show somehow, perhaps an outline under a sheer material, take care to keep them both in good repair and simple in design. Too much laciness or bosom-popping bras can be distracting - and uncomfortable. Cotton camisoles have worked well for me; they're cool and comfortable and don't have to be boring. 

Don't bring your weekend wear to work. 
That means no capri pants, no T-shirts, no spaghetti straps, no midriff-baring outfits, no spandex and no shoes that can be worn for sports, says Dimino. Dress for the occasion. After all, you don't wear your best suit to the beach.

Don't bare unsightly arms. "If your arms aren't in good shape, think again about going sleeveless," says Stockwell. Instead, slip a light sweater over sleeveless dresses or employ overblouses in linen, cotton or silk or brightly colored lightweight shawls. Many of this season's cardigans are short-sleeved or three-quarter sleeved, which is a perfect seasonal solution. Don't forget about hosiery and socks.

"Grooming is all-important," says Baldrige. "If skin tone is blotchy and the skirt is fairly short, think about sandalfoot hose to even things out." But if you are in a conservative business such as banking, bare legs just don't work. Many hosiery lines have very sheer versions that circumvent the "foundation garment" feeling.

Don't let makeup melt. Steamy sidewalks call for updated summer makeup. "Nothing is worse than looking either wilted or dried out with smudged eye makeup that's run because of perspiration," says Stockwell. "For summer, think sheer. Trade your foundation for tinted moisturizer, one that gives just a little coverage." Bronzers and self-tanners give a natural glow without damaging tanning, she said. And remember sun block. "We get hit with UV rays even through the car window. Look for moisturizers that have at least a 15 SPF so you start your day protected."

Don't forget your best accessory. 
No matter how hot or in a hurry you are, remember to enjoy the season and smile. When you smile your eyes brighten and your mood lifts. It's your all-weather asset.