Looking professional as a working woman during the summer months is challenging. I mean, you’re supposed to look put together in the middle of the sweltering heat outside, and as you battle the icy cold of air conditioners blasting inside. Your clothes are supposed to remain immaculate, as you gracefully lodge your freshly manicured toes in elegant open-toed shoes. The reality is that many times, you’re clutching your underarms for fear some unwelcome stress sweat will drown the room, as you’re blotting your face for the umpteenth time before getting mistaken for the corner mirror.

You’ve probably noticed that summertime is also when company and departmental dress codes magically reappear after the winter. It’s because it’s also the time when some pretty interesting, and inappropriate fashion choices, are made in the workplace, from lazy flip-flops to eyebrow-raising tank tops. As a general rule, you may want to check your office dress code, to ensure you’re abiding by the rules.

How to look professional in the heat

Although you certainly don’t wake up like Beyonce (none of us does), there are a few things we can do to actually look professional in the heat:

1. Hello summer dresses

The easiest and quickest piece of workwear in the summer is the proverbial summer dress. When in doubt, throw one on, which will avoid you the headache of figuring out which pieces to pair together. My favorite dress shapes in the summer are easy sheath dresses, like this fresh French Connection Whisper Ruth sheath number from Nordstrom. I also like fit-and-flare shapes, such as this Elie Tahari fit-and-flare shirt dress from Saks Fifth Avenue. The point is to be comfortable, fresh and still polished.

You may want to avoid too short dresses or dresses that are overly revealing. Preferably, you would pair it with a cardigan or light blazer to combat the air conditioning assault inside building (see tip#6).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Pick the right fabrics

The last thing you want as you head in to work is to literally suffocate as you’re trapped in some too-heavy fabric for the weather. Make sure to pick breathable and comfortable fabrics, including cotton, linen and silk.

Flowy silhouettes also tend to be more comfortable and versatile, especially at work. I love this Cos A-line short-sleeveshirt  for its basic simplicity. This Akris Punto Kodak stripe wrap blouse from Saks Fifth Avenue is perfect from the meeting room to the after-hours gathering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Pay attention to details

Details are ultimately what make you look polished in any season, but especially so in the summer. As the layers tend to come off in the summer, details such as your nails and even undergarments are more apparent.

Keep your manicure and pedicure fresh and polished for a professional look. My favorite nail polish shades for the summer include this Guilty Pleasures cheery shade from Essie,as well as this  gorgeous lavender shade from OPI.  You also can’t go wrong with clean nude shades like the iconic Christian Louboutin Nudes collection from Nordstrom, or the Burberry Nude pink No. 101 from Net-A-Porter.

In the same vein, make sure your undergarments are supporting and complimenting your figure adequately. The 24/7 Lace Perfect Coverage Bra from Third Love is great to achieve the comfort and support you need at work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Put your right footwear forward

As a general rule, if there is more shoe than foot, you’re probably dressed too casually for the office. When wearing peep-toe pumps or sandals, pick dressy ones that look polished enough. Avoid flip-flops or overly open footwear.

My favorite footwear for the summer is elegant  and comfortable wedges, preferably peep-toe style. For work, I like these classic Cole Haan patent leather peep-toe wedges from Saks Fifth Avenue, or these Lucky Brand Jestah beauties from Nordstrom.

 

 

 

 

 

5. Carry some summer essentials with you

The heat definitely makes it necessary to carry some beauty essentials with you, including a small deodorant, blot paper and antiperspirant wipes. My favorites are these Aburatorigami Japanese blotting papers from Sephora, made of natural abaca leaf and gold flakes to absorb excess oil without damaging your make-up.

These IGK charcoal dry shampoo hair blotting tissues, also from Sephora,  also come in handy when you don’t have time for more frequent shampoos in the summer.  While you’re at it, grab these Dermadoctor Med E Tate antiperspirant wipes from JC Penneyas well, and this Fresh sugar roll-on deodorant anti-perspirant from Nordstrom.

 

6. Mind Your Layers

I’m still not sure why the air conditioners are set to blast arctic air inside when the temperatures rise outside. The point is, it’s always recommended to plan for layers in the summer. This may mean carrying along a light blazer or cardigan that you can quickly throw on in the office, and take off when you step outside.

One of my favorite is the cotton, three-quarter Clare cardigan from J. Crew Factory. I also love floral cardigans such as this Karen Scott printed number from Macy’s.

 

 

7. Work your do

As a curly girl, summer is one of my least favorite “hair seasons.” Between excessive frizz and rebellious edges, it can be hard to keep a professional hairstyle all day long. I’ve found that it takes the right products to keep your locks in place and look the part.

My go-to’s to tame your curls into professional and elegant looks are the Cantu leave-in conditioner from Sally Beauty, as well as the Cantu coconut curling cream, also available at Sally Beauty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Over to you: how do you manage to look professional in the summer months?

 

 

To Your Success,

The Corporate Sister.