Dress for work, not the beach

Summer is here, and relaxed dress codes in the workplace often accompany the season’s warm temperatures. But before you put away those business suits and pantyhose, consider these warm-weather fashion tips from business-etiquette expert Barbara Pachter.

Most importantly, even if your company allows for a more relaxed dress code during the summer, remember that you still must dress professionally. Short skirts and skimpy tops are never professional, and they can damage your credibility at work.

“Sexy is not a corporate look,” Pachter cautions.

Based on this principle, never show cleavage at work, and pay attention to your hemline. Short skirts are never appropriate for the office, so avoid high slits. As a general rule, skirts should never be shorter than the top of your knee.

If you do wear a skirt, don’t forget the pantyhose. Pachter contends that just as men have to wear socks with their shoes, women have to wear pantyhose with skirts. If you’re wearing slacks, feel free to leave the pantyhose at home.

Also, consider size and color. Make sure your clothes are the right fit — skintight outfits leave too little to the imagination and often create unflattering bulges or pulled buttons. While summer allows for lighter and brighter colors, don’t overdo it. A bright top paired with a black or gray slack looks great, but that same top with a bright skirt could lead to color overload.

Don’t overlook your shoes, either. Since shoes can help polish your professional appearance, avoid sandals and flip-flops. Remember, you’re at work, not the beach.

Finally, keep in mind one simple rule that can help guide you in all of your fashion decisions: less is more. The less skin you show, the more professional you’ll appear, during summer and beyond.