Choosing appropriate clothing for the business environment can be challenging at the best of times. It becomes more difficult when temperatures rise and we feel being fully covered is uncomfortable and downright hot. It becomes even more of a challenge when we leave home in sweltering heat and then move into an air conditioned work environment. How do we dress? What should we wear?

Knowing how to dress for the summer heat and still remain comfortable and professional has the potential to boost your professional image and maybe even move you up a notch or two.

The Rules of Summer Dressing in a Business Environment:

1.Focus on professional: Resist the urge to wear clothing that shows bare skin. Low necklines, short skirts, sleeveless tops, sheer tops, bare legs are great for summer weather but are more fitting for barbecues and nightclubs than a day at work. When choose our clothing we are also choosing an image to project. If your intention is to move up in the business world keep your business clothes professional.

2.Wear lightweight clothing: You can still stay cool and not show skin. Choose fabrics that are lightweight such as cotton and linen. For example wear a cotton jacket over a lightweight blouse or wear a sweater set. If it gets too hot you can remove the jacket and still be covered underneath. If you work in an air-conditioned environment you will appreciate the added layer while you are inside and the option of removing it when you move into the heat.

3.Choose the proper footwear: Just because its summer doesnt mean that sandals can be worn everywhere. Sandals are not appropriate in a professional setting. Wear only closed shoes such as pumps and sling backs.

4.Stay away from clothing that spells summer: That means bright jewelry, cropped pants or skorts. Summer clothing can be worn in a professional environment but ever so subtlety. Wear lighter colored accessories and clothing but nothing that brings attention. For example, choose a pastel blouse or light colored professional handbag.

5.Wear loose clothing: Choose to wear skirts and pants in a light fabric so that the fabric glides over your hips and tummy. White is great for summer but will show every bump and lump if worn too tightly.

Copyright Sheila Dicks 2005

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook Image Makeover at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report 7 Things Your Girlfriends Wont Tell You About Beauty and Fashion.

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1.What you wear under your clothes is just as important as the clothes you wear. Bras or panties that are too small or tight will create bulges; as well, underwear that is worn out will not give correct amount of support creating a sagging look. To look fabulous on the outside you have to wear the right undergarments.

2.Dont draw attention to an asset if it exposes a bad one. For example, if you have a small waist and large hips you might like to wear belts to show off your tiny waist. A belt will draw attention to the difference between your waist and hips and make your hips appear larger. A better solution is to wear shaped tops that flow over the waist.

3.When you update your wardrobe at the beginning of a season have needed repairs done on your shoes. Also, remove clothes from your closet need mending or altering and get them ready for the coming season.

4.Thin fabrics like crepe, linen or wool jersey fall better and are more slimming than wool tweed or suede.

5.Dont shop for an outfit the same day to have to wear it to an important event. You could end up with an outfit that just does not work and I dont need to tell you the stress shopping at the last minute or ending up with the wrong outfit will cause.

6.Proceed with caution when you choose a top, skirt or dress that is made from a clingy material. Stretchy, lyrca materials that are too tight will show bulges and bumps that can be easily hidden in a similar top, skirt or dress made from a heavier, different type knit.

7.A cardigan can be worn in place of a jacket if it looks great. A great cardigan fits well and keeps its shape. Dont wear cardigans to work that are stretched, or just plain worn out.

2005 Sheila Dicks

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women feel more confident by dressing to suit their body type. To get tips on how to dress slimmer and find your best styles get a copy of her ebook Image Makeover at http://www.how-to-dress.com or go to http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com to get the Free Report 7 Things Your Girlfriends Wont Tell You About Beauty and Fashion.

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Do you see white in your future? No, Im not referring to a wedding but rather your summer wardrobe. Nothing spells summer like white. While the temperature rises you can stay cool and look fantastic in white. White will add impact to your summer wardrobe and will keep you looking fresh and inviting. To get the most from wearing white I have a few suggestions.

1.White reflects light so wherever you wear it you will bring attention. Having said that, if you have any body parts you dont want to appear larger dont accentuate that area by adorning it in white and wearing a dark color next to it. What you can do is wear white from head- to- toe so no particular area has focus. For example, if you have large hips dont wear white bottoms with a dark top because the eye will be drawn to the bottom. Instead, wear a white top and white pants and use accessories to take the focus away from the problem area. Or wear white on top and black on the bottom.

2.Wear black and white combinations with accessories to create impact. Wear a white skirt with a black top, black shoes, white handbag, and a black/white necklace. Handbags and scarves that have a black and white pattern will also bring some pizzazz. Experiment.

3.To change your look, wear white with bright colors such as pink and green. Again, choose accessories that will add interest. A pink or green bag, pink jewelry, pink shoes etc. You can also try 3 color combinations such as pink/black/white green/black/white or red/black/white.

4.Wear white only until the end of the summer season and dont wear white to a wedding unless you are the bride.

5.Wear white T-shirts with jeans and choose a finer fabric to wear with suits for a more professional look. When you wear whites pay attention to your undergarments avoid lacy bras choose to wear nudes, they will not show under white.

Sheila Dicks is an Image and Wardrobe consultant who helps women learn how to dress to suit their body type and look fabulous. You can reach her at http://www.sheilasfashionsense.com and get the Free Report 7 Things Your Girlfriends Wont Tell You About Beauty and Fashion.

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