The Challenges of Summer Professional Wear

Summer professional wear definitely has its challenges.  We want to look professional, in charge, and savvy, however there is that pesky thing called SUMMER HEAT.  Outdoors of my South Texas home, temps can easily be anywhere from 90 to 108 from now until almost October.

Yet, with that said, some offices have air conditioning set at the low 70s, and it can get a little chilly at times.  I do keep a shawl in my office now, but do not go dressed too summery in case I freeze.  Summer work wear is more casual, but I still want to communicate to everyone that I am a strong, intelligent worker who has showed up to work, and present me and company well.  It is still amazing to me how casual some go to work now…in professional offices!  If they worked at a car wash, I might understand.  My youngest son even commented on how surprised he is at the way some dress for work.  I guess they have not heard “dress for the job you want and not for the job you have” adage.

I like this simple look from my JJill section of my wardrobe.  The white tunic has a tuxedo design to the top and the pants are a black and white check with a cuff at the bottom.  Add some simple silver jewelry, ballet flats and I am good to go.  This works on days I do not have meetings with higher ups.  On those days, a more classic, suit-type style is required.  This outfit would also be a keeper whenever I retire.  It is a great way to go out to volunteer meetings or lunches with friends.

I have a few similar styles in the slide show below.  Hope everyone has a great week planned!

KEEP SMILING, LADIES!!

 

9 Comments

  1. Nothing like a great classic look! You look great in this outfit. I wish I would have had access to these clothes when I was working. I agree that it still would work great for other occasions when being retired.

  2. Very nice outfit and good look for the weather. I was often astounded by what women wore to work. It looked more like they’d be going to a picnic. Being one who dressed up to show respect for myself, my job and my employer, I never went to work dressed casually. When they instituted a dress code, there was so much push back, even stories in the newspaper of how “wrong” that was. I don’t get it. I like the JJill pants you’re wearing. Their styles are comfortable while still maintaining the professional look you’re going for. And nothing like a white shirt! They are appropriate for just about everything!

  3. My solution to southern California desert heat at work: retirement. Dressing professionally in that awful heat was always challenging to me, every summer. I’m happy to be free of it.

  4. My son-in-law worked for an employment placement service, & he often had to tell people how to dress for an interview. ( “No, you shouldn’t wear your flip flops.”) It is always harder to dress for the summer heat than cooler temps, but you have done a great job with this outfit. It would be appropriate for many occasions outside the workplace.

  5. This is a great summer office look! I love the tunic. It looks fresh & crisp, not too hot.

  6. Yes, summer professional dressing was always a challenge. You look terrific. I agree about the too casual look. We were told Friday was casual day and some people went to work looking like they had just fallen out of bed after a hard night on the town.
    Still I attended a funeral recently and the casualness was off the charts. Even the priest wore beaten up sneakers with his clerical garb.

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