How To Dress For Work In The Summer

Figuring out how to dress for work in the summer can be challenging in many professional settings. Expectations and rules will vary from company to company, and the new guy can often feel lost as he debates his summer dress. No matter where you work, adapting a few guidelines can help you feel cool and breezy while remaining professional in the workplace.

1. Look to your boss and supervisors. You never want to dress down when your superiors are dressing up. If you notice the upper-management dressing casually for work in the summer, this can lead you to do the same. If you are wondering if a certain outfit is appropriate, compare it to your company's top dog's style.
2. Layers will be your best friend this summer. If you walk to work or take substandard public transportation, adapting a summer work appearance that can go from covered and professional to breezy and cool will be indispensable. Strip layers when appropriate, and add them back during the work day.
3. It's time to learn how to do your own laundry and use that iron. No matter how casual your work dress gets during the summer months, it needs to be clean and smooth. You might be in shorts one Friday, but those shorts should be stainless, fresh smelling and wrinkle-free.
   
4. Bring along a professional jacket, no matter what. You might not need to wear it, but the ability to cover up in a pinch might save you from an embarrassing or unprofessional summer wardrobe blunder during a meeting with an important client.