I’ve seen some sights recently!

The heat wave we are experiencing this summer has made it challenging for many working people. 

Deciding what to wear to work that is both comfortable and acceptable in the workplace can be challenging. I recently had this discussion with one of our @Pabasso business leader members, and we decided that the best solution is to have a summer dress code for your business. If you don't, you may have a downward spiral into unprofessional, ultra-casual wear, or people may be uncomfortable and therefore not work well.

Some years ago, when I was growing my Tech company, we were an early adopter of ‘Dress Down Friday,’ but we introduced it with some minimum standards. Even then, I had to occasionally remind someone that it was ‘Dress Down Friday’ and not ‘Scruff Down Friday.’

If you do not have a summer dress code, here is an extract from a very useful article which you could adapt to form your own Summer Dress Code.

• Do avoid mini-skirts, Daisy Dukes, and other types of cut-off jeans. Whether you’re a man or a woman, super short attire is entirely too bare for the office setting. Plus, cut-off denim gives a messy impression.

• Don’t avoid shorts or skirts altogether. Both men and women can wear shorts (especially when it’s nice weather) Just make sure they’re no shorter than knee length, and opt for khaki or chino shorts rather than basketball shorts. Women can wear skirts, so long as they’re at least knee-length. If a skirt has a split in it, make sure it’s a modest one.

• Don’t wear flip-flops. Sure, they’re comfortable and cool. But they’re overly casual, plus, they make distracting “flip-flop” noises when you walk.

• Do invest in the right footwear. Strappy sandals are fine for women, but men should avoid wearing sandals to the office. Women shouldn’t wear Crocs. Sneakers are fine in casual settings, but loafers or semi-formal shoes are a better option for business casual.

• Do invest in a couple of business suits made of light fabric. Even if your work environment is casual, there are bound to be occasions when it will pay off to dress more formally. If you’re meeting with a client whose company culture is more conservative or if you’ll be giving a presentation at a seminar, you really shouldn’t turn up in shorts and a T-shirt. Instead, purchase a few suits made out of light, blended fabrics that look formal but don’t leave you uncomfortably overheated.

• Don’t go sleeveless or strapless. Men should avoid shirts and T-shirts without sleeves—but short-sleeved shirts and nice T-shirts are fine. Women can wear sleeveless blouses but should avoid strapless tops or dresses since they could be considered too bare. 

• Do be modest. Many women like to wear sheer clothes, crop tops, or ultra-slim halter tops during the summer because they’re comfortable and can look great. However, these types of garments are generally considered too bare for a work environment. Instead, wear nice, form-fitted blouses or tops.

• Don’t wear sports gear. Even if you’re a dedicated sports fan, it’s best not to wear your club’s shirt to work. Opt instead for shirts with a collar, preferably without any loud print. Tip: Keep a couple of ties in your desk drawer just in case you have to go into a formal meeting unexpectedly.

If you’re still having trouble making up your mind about whether a piece of clothing is appropriate or not, just ask yourself if a client would take you seriously if he or she met you wearing this outfit. When in doubt, always err on the conservative side. It’s better to be safe than sorry—and nobody wants to lose a project or even a job over a wardrobe slip-up!

If you are a Business Leader, who would like to interact more with other leaders of established businesses in the region, to experience the benefits that come from the shared knowledge, expertise and experience that exists in such a group, then why not come along to our next FOC Exclusive Roundtable for Yorkshire-Based CEOs & MDs on Wednesday, 17 September at 10 am in central Leeds? 

Simply click this link.

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