How to Beat The Heat in Smart Casual Workwear – Women’s Edition
Look Cool, Feel Cool IN SMART CASUAL DRESS CODES
In the summer months, it can feel absolutely impossible to look chic.
There are no sweaters for layering, and your favorite jackets are gathering dust in your closet or making you a sweaty mess.
Forget putting a look together, all you're focused on is not making sweat stains on all of your shirts.
Working in tech, media or fashion doesn't mean you have to swelter through the hotter months or lose your daily office outfit
Let's end this cycle and beat the heat! There are so many creative ways you can dress for summer without sacrificing professionalism or style.
Time to dive in!
1. Warm-Weather Silhouettes: Keep it Easy, Breezy, Beautiful
One of the best ways to create breathable outfits is to go for looser shapes and silhouettes.
This doesn't have to mean baggy, but the roomier your clothes are, the easier it will be to feel cool. Tight clothing, especially tops and blouses, will show sweat much faster and trap heat close to your body.
So, whatever you normally wear, do the same thing but loosen up the fit a little.
Office Wardrobe Smart Casual Hot Weather Tips:
Blouses and Tops: Look for roomier blouses or shirts made of breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen. Opt for simple, muted colors for versatility to lend that professional touch.
Blouses and Tops
Look for roomier blouses or shirts made of breathable fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen.
Opt for simple, muted colors for versatility to lend that professional touch.
Dresses
Perfect for those days when you can't imagine putting on more than one article of clothing.
Linen and Cotton Trousers
Loose natural fiber trousers will give you both freedom of movement and temperature control.
Wear Lighter Colors
Dark colors absorb heat and light from the sun, and lighter colors will reflect, keeping you cooler naturally.
2. Layering: The Secret to Versatile Office Style When The AC is Freezing
Hear me out! Layering isn't just for the winter months- it can help you adjust to varying temperatures throughout the day and add visual interest to your silhouettes without adding unnecessary bulk or too much heat.
Office Layering For Women: Smart Casual Outfits that Beat The Heat
Extremely Light Layers: Layer a sleeveless silk blouse with a lightweight linen blazer or vest. An extra layer can keep you warm in an air-conditioned office without feeling heavy. Plus, it's easy to take off or on and isn’t difficult to carry or stuff into a bag.
Other Jackets: Opt for a light jacket or trench coat while you're on the go that you can easily take off and on.
The key to layering in the summer is choosing " sheddable " pieces.
Any layer you choose should be easy to take on and off in fluctuating temperatures!
Think loose-knitted cardigans, button-ups, and thin pullovers that will protect you from that insane gust of cold air that hits you as soon as you walk into work.
This light button-up adds visual interest and modesty without trapping too much heat!
3. Season-Specific Materials: Your Secret Weapon To Dressing Professionally When It’s Super Hot Out
The most important tip for adjusting your wardrobe in warmer months is to pay close attention to the fabric of your garments.
Cotton, linen, and silk are the go-tos for a reason!
Try your best to avoid synthetic blends such as viscose, polyester, and nylon, as they don't breathe well and will trap your body heat.
Aim for at least 50% natural materials in your product tags or descriptions. Even wool can be more breathable and lightweight than polyester!
Spring/Summer Fabrics That Help You Stay Cool at Work During Hot Weather:
Cool Fabrics: Cotton, linen, and silk are your new best friends. These materials will keep you cool while looking professional and put together.
Shoes: Footwear that lets your feet breathe (and doesn't suffocate them) like woven ballet flats, loafers, simple sandals, or strappy heels are perfect for the office on hot days.
Work-friendly shoes like these add color and contrast to basic outfits.
Choose Cooler Fabrics
Cotton, linen, and silk are your new best friends. These materials will keep you cool while looking professional and put together.
4. Bonus Stylist Tip: Less is More When Dressing For Work During Summer
When in doubt, take these tips from a professional stylist who has helped people dress comfortably chic every day for 15 years!!
Buy Less, But Better: Focus on building a wardrobe of timeless, versatile pieces that work in various settings year-round. High-quality natural fabrics in neutral colors like silk, linen, and cotton can be layered and mixed easily no matter the season..
Fit is Everything: Even the most expensive clothes won’t look good if they don’t fit properly. Consider tailoring key pieces like blouses or trousers to get a more perfect-for-you fit.
Embrace Your Own Style: The best style is the one that makes you feel confident. Whether it’s a classic blazer or a relaxed dress, own your look and wear it with pride.
Take Time to Build Your Wardrobe:
Be patient with yourself. Revamping a wardrobe takes time and effort.
The best-dressed people either have a stylist or have been curating their style for years!
Embrace Timeless Confidence
Dressing for the office in the warmer months doesn't have to be a frequent, sweaty struggle. You can stay cool and confident at work by focusing on fit, layering smart, and breathable fabrics!
To find more pieces that suit your body, lifestyle, and personal taste:
Ignore the price tag
Try it on
Check the fabric blend
Invest in high-quality pieces
Make sure you love, love, love it
