It’s getting hot. In general, it’s hard to be stylish in the heat - but it’s even harder with a dress code. In today’s vague office dress culture, many have defaulted to the Lululemon ABC pant and golf polos (I am looking right at you, my husband). But I think we can do better. Let’s talk about how to battle the sweat factor while still keeping it smart.
LIGHT WEIGHT BREATHEABLE FABRICS
First and for most, its all about the material of your clothes when you are trying to stay cool during the summer months. I wanted to state this at the beginning so I don’t have to keep repeating it with each section. These are the materials you should be looking for when searching for business casual pieces:
Cotton and linen: Both fibers are highly breathable, absorb a decent amount of moisture and are fairly open in weave to allow air to circulate
Poplin: The cotton used is densely woven into a criss-cross shape - which gives the shirt strength and breathability. It also makes in incredibly light weight.
Seersucker: Inherently airy and breathable fabric. Also, inherently bold and preppy. Its naturally puckered texture makes it “wrinkle free”, because, well… its already wrinkled.
PANTS
In my opinion, todays most stylish office wear achieve comfort the old school way - with looser cuts, softly slouching fabrics and pleats. So obviously, we want a cotton and/or linen trouser.
If your office allows for denim, I would go ecru/white or dark denim - in a classic cut.
For air circulation purposes, having a cropped pant would be most ideal.
TOPS
Short sleeve polos and button downs are the obvious choice. If you want something a bit more elevated than a regular cotton-pique polo, maybe go for a knit polo.
I realize this post is about how to dress in warmer months, but just hear me out. There is something just inherently business casual about sweater vests and cardigans. Especially when they are made in an open knit format. Leave it off for your commute, but put it on before entering your artic tundra of an AC’d building.
SHOES
We need to ditch the boots, that’s a no brainer. The key here is a low profile shoe. I know the 2-3 inches of exposed ankle might not seem like it will dissipate much heat from your body, but paired with a cropped pant you will circulate more air than with a lace up oxford or derby.
When adding sneakers into the business casual equation, I would air on the side of timeless-ness. Go for simple, sleek styles made from leather or suede. It’s a lot cooler on the feet than a chunky Jordan.
BAGS
Now, the bag you carry to work might seem like a none factor, but it is. That expensive leather bag you take to work every day - attracts A LOT of heat in summer. That backpack on your back just adds an extra layer to your body that can so easily make your back sweaty. So ditch them both, and instead, go for a light canvas brief/bag - something you can hold in your hand, away from your burning body.
Below I have created 6 outfits and linked all of the items above for my paid subscribers.
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