Royale journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more
British people are cranking up their fans in their houses and the AC in their cars to maximum as the UK continues its blistering heatwave.
However, while the sunshine may be good for trips to the seaside and catching a tan in the back garden, it poses a problem when it comes to dressing for work.
For many women, dressing for summer can be daunting as the high street fills up on holiday essentials such as skimpy bikinis, flip flops, crop tops and denim shorts – all of which would not go down well in the office.
The last thing women want to wear are heavy polyester trousers with matching blazers while they step onto crowded public transport in balmy 33-degree weather.
Shoes are also another issue. Every year, women working in corporate jobs ask themselves the age-old question of whether it is appropriate to get their toes out.
There is a fine line between suitable sandals for work and footwear that is only appropriate for vacations.
But how does one dress in an appropriate manner when there is seemingly a lack of options in affordable stores?
To avoid getting a HR complaint, MailOnline have put together a list of summer office Do’s and Don’ts with help from our etiquette and fashion experts…
Tailored city shorts can be a good option for women if they want to maintain professionalism while also keeping cool
What NOT to wear
World-leading etiquette expert Jo Hayes said that workers can often mistake the summer heatwave for a summer holiday dress code – but says that dressing as though you’re off to Glastonbury or the beach for the day won’t cut it when you’re in the office.
She said that casual wear should only be worn on your weekends to the seaside, along with short shorts, flip flops and jelly shoes.
‘No bikini tops [should be] visible underneath other layers of clothing. No sarongs, tank tops, spaghetti strap tops or dresses [should be worn],’ she told MailOnline.
Hayes added: ‘No crop tops, no mid-riffs, no cleavage, no mini-skirts. Modesty and professionalism, always.’
She said that open-toed shoes can be appropriate, but only in certain circumstances.
‘Toes on show are not necessarily a deal breaker in the office. But ensure the toes are clean and well maintained [with] a coloured polish – nothing too wild.
‘Ensure the sandals are professional, nothing close to a flip flop. A heel, even if very small, is generally better than a flat sandal for women.
Personal stylist Shauna Colaci says that many people often make the mistake of wearing sheer clothes without lining, especially when it comes to white linen trousers.
She added: ‘Linenis great, but overly creased clothes can cross into scruffy territory if not styled right.’
Those climbing the corporate ladder should also not opt for leggings or cycle shorts.Colaci said: ‘They be comfy, but they usually read “gym” not “team meeting.”
‘Tight clothes restrict airflow, show sweat marks faster, and can make you feel self-conscious.’
What to wear
Hayes says that people often mistake professional workwear as heavy and bulky clothing when in fact the smartest attire can be light and airy.
She said: ‘Keep layers as light as possible. Choose light, natural, breathable, fibres and materials, over thick, heavy, and synthetic materials – for example, light cottons and linen work wonders in summer.’
She said it’s also important to make sure that you wear lighter hues instead of black and navy as darker colours attract the heat more.
White cotton shirts, floaty maxi skirts and delicate dresses can be styled into your wardrobe for clothes that are work-appropriate but that you can also sport while meeting friends on the weekend.
Hayes said that it is important to have loose flowing clothing with short sleeves or sleeveless but said that there should not be any spaghetti straps or excessive cleavage on display.
The broderie anglaise cotton blouse from H&M, the cotton crochet dress from M&S and the light blue and white striped shirt from George at Asda all provide airy comfort but also still look chic.
She said it is also crucial to have the right jacket that is season-appropriate. She recommends investing in a light linen blazers instead of dragging out winter jackets for windy summer days.
She added: ‘For ladies – good news. The Capri pant is bang on trend this summer, presenting an in-style, cooler option to the full-length pant.
‘But, caveat. No skin-tight, athleisure options here. Think sophisticated, feminine, Audrey Hepburn, circa 1950s.
‘Linen or cotton are excellent options. Pair with a light blouse, and / or light linen blazer for a sophisticated, professional look.’
& Other Stories offers a good array of smart, crisp linen blazer that will keep you cooler than cheaper polyester options.
Stylist Lisa Talbot says that even though it may be 28-degrees outside, offices often love to crank up the AC, meaning you can spend eight hours a day wearing structured blazers or lightweight knits without breaking a sweat.
She said: ‘Summer work style isn’t about baring more, it’s about wearing smarter. By choosing light fabrics, soft tailoring, and clever layers, you can look put-together and professional without melting before your morning meeting.
If you want a more practical piece of clothing that will keep you cool, Hayes recommends city shorts.
The garment is similar to tailored suit trousers and area plausible option for men and women, unless your workplace have a strict suit-only policy.
Nobody’s Child has a stylish pair of white Bermuda shorts made from natural materials – 55 per cent linen and 45 per cent organic cotton – and for men, M&S and Moss Bros provide good options.
To maintain a level of professionalism, Hayes said: ‘Ensure they’re tailored, and cut to the knee, or just slightly above.’
For those who want an option that is in-between city shorts and trousers, Capri pants may be worth looking into.
They usually come just below the knee, fit like a tailored trouser and are versatile enough to be styled with many different shirts, blouses and tops.
The White Company have slightly stretchy black Capri pants, made of mainly organic cotton and elastane – a wardrobe basic – but if you want to mix things up, Nobody’s Child has a monochrome gingham option.
Gingham print has also been sweeping across many clothing stores, with New Look offering a good all-rounder midi dress perfect for picnics and strolls in the park on a hot day.
Butter yellow is currently one of the hottest colours and has been seen on an array of celebrities and royals since spring. Daisy Street on ASOS has a good all-rounder boho-chic pale yellow maxi skirt that, along with a £26 long-sleeved shirred buttermilk blouse, a decent price for 100 per cent lightweight cotton.
Jumpsuits are another way to effectively combine office wear with a summer wardrobe, without compromising on style.
Hot pink is another hue that has been seen at high society events such as Ascot, and it will certainly make you stand out in your neutral office. Phase Eight and French Connection are two stores that have an array of bright raspberry-coloured clothing on offer.
For shoes, Hayes said women should opt for enclosed ballet pumps, court shoes or Mary Janes as they provide a smart option without having to struggle with heels in the heat.
Slingback heels also open up your feet more to help them breathe in the heat, without showing any toes.
She said: ‘For men, you may have fewer options than women, but, if your workplace standards allow, you may be able to ditch the heavy socks and brogues, and go for a cooler, leather deck shoe, with thin invisible socks.
‘Or, if you’re style-savvy and can pull off the smart leather sandal, there are some professional-standard men’s leather standards that could [work] when paired with a professional city short, or long chino turned up at the ankle.’
