This time of year – the time after we’ve all hauled our sorry bums off the beach, out of swimsuits and into regular clothes – is one of the most difficult times in which to dress.
I’m pretty lucky. I work from home so I can keep things casual most of the time but next week I’m off to Sydney for a spot of work so I’ll need to dig deep into my summer work wardrobe for inspiration – not perspiration.
So, I really do spare a big thought for those of you returning to The Coalface {Faux Fuchsia, hope you don’t mind me borrowing the FF language here but it seems even more appropriate when conditions outside air-coned offices are hot, damn hot}.
Getting all suitably frocked or suited up for the office really does seem like so far removed from choosing a kaftan and a blinged-up necklace for a night of beachside cocktails. The irony being that outside the office the weather is so sizzling, that that’s all your feel like wearing … and drinking.
And should you venture outside to the shops during your lunch break, your favourite stores will taunt you with “must-have” winter items because the fashion industry has so MOVED ON from resort wear. I tell you fur vests have no place in store in February. No place.
Oh, and if you’re returning to work after maternity leave {like a lot of mums do at this time of year}, it’s going to be even more of a shock. I remember not even remembering what I used to wear before I went on leave. And when the brain did finally kick in and I did remember, I thought to myself, that’s just not me anymore.
So, in the greater working women’s community interest, I thought I’d help your back to work outfits along with a few tips and shopping suggestions for pieces that you can add to your wardrobe to keep you fresh until the mercury dives to vaguely bearable levels.
Even just adding one or two new pieces will inject a bit of tran-seasonal fashion excitement into your working day. True.
5 summer work styling tips
1. Unless you have a private driver dropping you from your air-conditioned home to the door of your air-conditioned office, you are going to have master some layering. Murphy’s Law says that when it’s hot, hot, hot outside, inside it’s so bloody freezing you’re lips are turning blue. A light half-sleeve or three-quarter sleeve jacket or cardi is your office water-cooler friend here. Make sure your wardrobe is stocked with a good selection.
2. Stick to natural fabrics as much as possible. Synthetics will stick and cling to you more easily than a seven-year-old trying to wrap his own sandwich in cling wrap.
3. Skip the hosiery, unless your workplace is still operating in the 1950s and dictates it. Use a gradual tanning moisturiser on those legs instead.
4. Opt for skirts, or better still – dresses – over pants. Much better for increased ventilation.
5. Keep outfits interesting with statement accessories.
Shopping suggestions
Here are 12 office wear shopping suggestions available now. Click on each image for a link in the caption to buy the item online.
Do you work in an office? What’s your tip for holding on to your office style when it’s hot outside?
PS. If you missed this post from late last year, you might like to check it out for more corporate style tips.
