by
Corinne Pulitzer
Executive Vice President
Associate Broker
Prudential Douglas Elliman
WITH TEMPERATURES RISING, the challenge of choosing stylish and comfortable clothes that are appropriate for work can be daunting! This is especially so if there is a formal or implied dress code in your office or profession. For many, the summer months trigger a total release of hibernating inhibitions that have been built-up over the grueling winter months. Summer signals the time to cast aside the dark colors and the heavy turtle necks of winter past. It is the season that heralds color and for many, the temptation to take it off, take it all off….NOT! Regardless of your profession, flashing a lot of flesh, wearing revealing clothing, or donning bold and colorful prints may attract attention, but not necessarily the kind you want. There are plenty of summer fun occasions for wearing tee shirts, sundresses and stripy sandals, but your career-wear needs to reflect your professional persona.
Summer weight fabrics such as cotton, cotton blends, silk and linen are all good choices to ensure your comfort in air conditioning and when you hit the pavement, but be cautious not to wear anything too sheer. Lighter weight fabrics tend to be see-thru and require wearing the appropriate undergarments or else you’ll be showing off more than just your keen fashion sense. Look in the mirror before you leave the house….if you feel you’re border-line, change your clothes. Good remedies for some of the sheerest of problems are Spanx products and undergarment accessories found in any department store or shops like Victoria’s Secret.
Much like athletes have always done, layering in the summer is a smart thing to do. Short jackets and light weight leathers are very “in” this season. For many they've replaced the cardigans popularized by First Lady, Michelle Obama, but the concept is the same. It’s
always a good idea to have a layering piece handy so you can cover up when needed. Last minute meetings in the Board Room or unexpected business opportunities tend to pop up all the time. Don’t let your summer wardrobe choices put you at a disadvantage. Be prepared.
This season there is a definite emphasis on color and accessories. Bright turquoise and yellow are everywhere as are some very attractive prints. There are so many wonderful beaded necklaces, bracelets and rings that can brighten the most basic of wardrobes and make a solid fabric pop! Shoes too are the perfect opportunity to perk-up a professional wardrobe, but with open-toe and sling back options, it’s very important that your toes are polished and your feet and legs are well groomed. Flip Flops are never appropriate and you might want to bring lower heels or flats along to the office to calm your screaming puppies after they've been perched on six inch heels all day! Ballet slippers are very fashion forward as are platforms this summer, so you can be comfortable, trendy and appropriate all at the same time.
Hand and hand with your choice of shoes, is your handbag. This summer, bags are smaller and it is important to find one that is chic and that also holds all your essentials. If you don’t also carry an additional brief case, choose a handbag that has good compartments so that you can easily access your handheld devices, makeup touch-ups and a bottle of H20. Most important, choose a bag that closes. Open totes are an open invitation to criminals particularly if use public transportation. Print bags, bright leathers and straw compliment the professional women’s summer wardrobe, but don’t select one that looks like you’re bringing your beach bag to work!
This year Gucci is reviving their iconic bamboo handle bag and many other bag manufacturers have picked up on the trend. Stores like Daffy’s, TJ Maxx and Loehmann’s are excellent handbag resources for designer labels at a discount and stock an excellent selection of handbags from which to choose.
Another accessory that compliments a summer career wardrobe may be a pair or two of au courant sunglasses, or a collection of fun and colorful eyeglasses (if you frequently wear eye glasses). Be sure that your choice of sunglasses is UV protected. Healthy choices can be fashionable too! This summer Ray Ban Aviators are still choice among fashionistas as are the classic Wayfarers. Another great outfit maker staple is a great hat! Straw Fedoras and Panama hats in Black, White or Khaki go well with everything from prints to solids. Also very trendy this summer are big floppy hats. They're also fun and a good way to protect yourself from the sun if you spend a
lot of time outdoors. Always wear a sun screen and when choosing makeup, check to see that it has a sun block built into the formula!
This summer dresses are back with a vengeance! Pencil skirts and blouses are also big and are making their way to the workplace; as well as summer suits and separates. Whatever you choose, hemlines, in a work setting should not be the same as you might wear to a nightclub; nor should pants be as tight as skinny jeans.
As working women, we want to look attractive, but not have what we wear detract from who we are. While the temperature may be on
the rise, we want to keep our cool! We may only have one chance to make a first impression and our fashion choices speak volumes
about us! Have fun putting together a summer wardrobe that makes a statement about you as a business professional and gives you
the confidence that what you’re wearing will empower you!
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