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I was chatting with blogger RoadWarriorette the other day about dressing professionally for summer — it can be a challenge when you’re trying to look polished and not sweaty or wilted!
So I thought we should have an open thread with people’s best tips for dressing for summer.
These are my 7 personal tips for dressing professionally for summer:
{related: what to wear to work in the summer}
1. Layer, layer, layer.
This helps with commutes in hot weather, and if you do it intelligently you can add and remove layers as needed throughout the day. For example, I frequently will wear just a cotton t-shirt and my pants or a skirt to work, as well as sandals or flip flops.
Once at work, I’ll give myself time to “air out” if I need it, and then pop on my blazer and a good pair of pumps. I keep a lot of blazers and pumps at the office so I don’t have to lug them around the city with me — for example, my current office has a basic black blazer, a white one, a beige one, a black/gray/silver leopard-print one.
I do the same with pumps — basic black, really high black ones, purple pumps, brown pumps, a low pair of silverish/gray pumps, a nude-for-me pair of pumps, a red pair of really high heels) as well as a bunch of flats that I keep at the office (a black patent leather pair, a red patent leather pair, a brown lizard pair, a light pink pair, and a royal blue pair).
April 2023 Update: These are some of our latest favorite white blazers...
Similarly, a lightweight scarf (such as one made out of linen or silk) can be a great addition — it’ll provide warmth if you’re freezing, and not that much bulk if you need to take it off and tie it around your work bag.
{related: 9 ways to use an office pashmina}
2. Choose your fabrics wisely.
Natural fibers like cotton, silk, and linen are going to be much better in the summer than polyester or most man-made fabrics. Particularly if you have to actually be outside for a work-related event, a linen, light-colored blazer is going to be a million times more comfortable than a polyester, black blazer.
Some of our favorite lightweight linen blazers:
Hunting for lightweight blazers in linen and other fabrics? As of 2023, J.Crew’s Parke blazer is available in linen, as is this super affordable Quince blazer. Along related lines (all machine washable!), check out Uniqlo’s Airsense jacket (lightweight and stretchy), Madewell’s Drapeweave line (lightweight and drapey) and Brooks Brothers’ Soft Icons line (lightweight and drapey).
3. Know thyself — and your route.
If your morning commute leaves your makeup streaked across your face, and your hair limp or frizzy, plan in advance. Switch to waterproof makeup, or if you can, put your makeup on at the office. (Here are all of our favorite summer makeup tips!) Do your hair in an up-do or pulled-back look when you leave the house.
{related: how to commute to work on a bike and still look polished}
4. Keep your colors seasonal.
This doesn’t really help with heat, but I always like to swap my colors when the weather changes. In the spring I’ll pull out my pastel blouses and t-shirts, and my white and beige blazers, which I’ll wear into early summer. Around the Fourth of July I’ll switch to darker colors — more jewel tones, dark reds, maybe browns — and wear those into fall. (I live in NYC, so I wear black year-round, but that’s me!)
{related: summer work clothes}
White is a great color for spring and summer — and the humble white tee is a great way to stay seasonal.
Hunting for opaque white t-shirts for work? As of 2023, we’d suggest checking the double layer lines from Boden, Express, Old Navy, and Hobbs, as well as great sources for basic Pima cotton such as LL Bean, Uniqlo, Everlane, and Talbots. (This $268 tee also gets great reviews for opacity, and Elizabeth swears by this tee under $30!)
As of 2023, the best spots to check for nude-for-you undergarments are Gap, Old Navy, or Nubian Skin for tons of options – Victoria’s Secret also has a bunch!
5. Know how to cool down quickly if you have to.
You can frequently pick up a noisy, small fan at the local office supply store for as little as $15 — they’re not ideal to keep a regular, quiet breeze going in your office, but they are great for when you need to blast yourself with some cool air upon your arrival.
Similarly, I like to take something cold (a can of soda, a bottle of water) and put it against the inside of my wrists. I forget the exact reason (pressure point? acupuncture point? major artery?) but it really does help cool you down more quickly than, say, putting the can of soda to your forehead.
These are some interesting products to help you cool down or stay cool on your commute… see more clever products like this in our Amazon shop!
6. Ditch your jeans.
Assuming denim is appropriate for your office… denim is among the heaviest materials! Wearing stretch or slim jeans could be too warm for your summer wardrobe. Instead, look for lightweight cotton or linen pants. Wide-leg jeans, which nevertheless allow for some airflow, are the best choice if you must wear denim.
(Psst: These are some of our favorite lightweight summer pants:)
7. Minimize your accessories.
In hot and humid conditions, wearing too many necklaces or bangles that dangle can be irritating since they tend to adhere to the skin and cause irritation. Consequently, it is preferable to use a single statement accessory, such as hoop earrings, to provide a touch of style without overdoing it. Whether you’re trying for a casual or formal mood, hoop earrings are adaptable and can effortlessly improve any ensemble.
They are available in a range of sizes, from little and delicate to enormous and bold, so you may choose the pair that best complements your personal style. In addition, hoop earrings can give flair to a basic clothing, making it appear more put-together and refined. Consider selecting a pair of hoop earrings as your go-to accessory the next time you get dressed in the summer.
These are some interesting products to help you cool down or stay cool on your commute… see more clever products like this in our Amazon shop!
Readers, what are your tips for dressing professionally for summer — while staying cool?
Updated images via Stencil. Previously pictured (woman in beige sleeveless dress walking down stairs): Deposit Photos / IgorVetushko.
This post was originally written in 2011 (aww!) but substantially updated as indicated.
JuliaBee
Sorry for early threadhijack – I bought this dress from Anthro and was wondering if anyone had an shoes/jewelry stying suggestions:
http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=20977914&catId=CLOTHES-DRESS-STRAP&pushId=CLOTHES-DRESS-STRAP&popId=CLOTHES-DRESSES&navAction=middle&navCount=108&color=001&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&templateType=D
Thanks in advance!
Leslie
My thoughts: Nude or tan shoes (like the color of the belt on the model). Black is too matchy, and red is too predictable.
Ru
Cute dress! First thing that popped into my head was bright red patent slingbacks. Any bright color would be good with this – yellow, green, blue, orange, whatever you like. As for jewelry, I think a statement necklace would be great – huge faux pearls or big turquoise stones. I like to balance jewelry so if you go with the big necklace, than a big ring and small earrings would go nicely. If you want to go for a more delicate necklace with huge earrings, then a cuff bracelet would look nice.
AIMS
I think dark red, almost burgundy shoes, could look really cute. Esp. patent leather.
JuliaBee
Thanks everyone – great suggestions!
anon
pretty! dark red shoes. or any bright color.
Erin
Bright blue or teal shoes would be really fun.
Ameila
I love that so many of these tips center around how to cool yourself off. I have this terrible problem with sweating (luckily it’s only my face and not my armpits or anywhere else that might leave me smelling as bad as I look).
Kat-I’m super jealous that you have such an amazing stock of go-to clothes at work. So far all I have is a sweater and a pair of black pumps, but as the budget permits I’d love to have something like what you’ve described.
My tips from my summer as an SA at a big firm:
1)Make friends with your well dressed female SAs, because you never know when you’ll need to borrow something last minute, or need someone to do a spot check for embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions before a meeting.
2) Know where your nearest drug store and clothing store is, in case you have a wardrobe malfunction that requires you to buy something on your lunch break.
3) Don’t try to go too far from your comfort zone and buy a whole new wardrobe for summer. You will look and feel uncomfortable if you are wearing a bunch of stuff that you would never normally wear. Try for a more business/formal version of stuff that you usually like to wear.
4) Utilize personal shopping services at stores like JCrew and Nordstrom. It will save you time if you have to build a new work wardrobe from scratch, and you get personal service and input. JCrew will let you come into the store early or after closing if you want.
CT
Slightly off-topic but a huge second to the Nordstrom personal shopper suggestion! I thought it’d be weird but it was so, so helpful for me.
A
I’m completely new to the personal shopper idea…so how does it work? Do you have to make an appointment in advance? Is there a minimum you have to buy? I’m thinking of Nordstrom in particular…would love to try it, just not sure how to go about it.
Daenerys
I definitely agree with the personal shopper suggestion as well! Before my internship, my wardrobe consisted almost entirely of the college uniform (jeans, t-shirt, flip flops), and my personal shopper at Nordstrom was a godsend. The way it worked for me was that I made an appointment (you can generally start shopping with them before the store officially opens), but there was no minimum purchase or fee or anything. They work entirely on commission, but after the time she spent with me putting together a summer wardrobe that worked, she more than earned every penny of that.
RKT
For Nordstrom, you call their personal shopper service in advance (I think it’s called Personal Touch but here is a link:
https://secure.nordstrom.com/services/personal_touch.asp) The service is free, and there is no amount that you are required to buy.
Someone will talk to you about what sizes you generally wear, your style, what you’re looking for. When you go in for your first appointment, there will usually be a selection of items waiting for you (although the first time I went in — and this was different than what my friends experienced — the shopper took measurements, walked me around the store a bit to look at things, and then asked me to come back in in 1/2 an hour, when she had pulled a room full of items for me). You can try things on, figure out what brands fit, or don’t — the shopper will get you different sizes if needed, and make alterations suggestions. And can suggest accessories too.
It’s a tremendous service (or at least it has been for me). I’ve used it, in no particular order for the following things:
1) trying to liven up my warddrobe when I felt it had become too staid, too old for me.
2) getting ready for a [blank] year college reunion
3) moving into a more formal job in a more formal office.
The only reason I don’t use it more often is that I always buy more than I might have planned to. On the other hand, I don’t regret it at all, as the clothes I’ve picked up then have become my “go to” items for a lot of different settings — even items that I was surprised I liked. In fact there was a blouse, a while back, that I didn’t get that the shopper suggests. I thought it was too far from what I normally wore, but I regret it on a regular basis…
Definitely give it a try — Nordstrom has a range of brands, in a range of prices, so you should be able to find things that work for you. Good luck!
BigLaw Refugee
I live in NYC, where we sadly have no Nordstrom, but I had a similarly positive experience with a personal shopper at Macy’s. I believe I had to make the appt quite a bit in advance, but once I did it was great. Macy’s in NYC can be overwhelming, and the lines are annoying. Using the personal shopping service, you get to see lots of stuff in your size, all brought to you in a comfortable, private dressing area. It’s fantastic.
I definitely felt some pressure to buy at least some things – I wouldn’t do it if you only had the budget for one or two items. But using that kind of service a couple of times a year and doing most of your shopping through it is probably the most efficient and cost-effective way to shop.
harriet potter
this is a “know thy office” suggestion (would it be embarassing to run into colleagues in this outfit on your way into the office?), but i wear a tshirt and exercise shorts on the commute and change in our office gym into my work clothes. it’s annoying to have to carry the clothes along on the commute, but beats showing up sweaty and smelly.
Diana Barry
I used to do this when I walked to work. Rolling clothes and putting them in your bag actually works very well, rather than carrying them – they shake out fine.
Frump
I may start doing this as the weather gets worse. I am sick of looking like a mess from walking a few blocks to the subway and then back out.
Valleygirl
Threadjack –
A little fashion help please :) I’m going to a reading of The Merry Wives of Windsor tonight at UCLA presented by the Shakespeare Center. It’s a celeb-full reading (see link) done “a little bit country.” So, I have no idea what to wear…
Here’s the link to the event:
http://www.shakespearecenter.org/
or
http://www.shakespearecenter.org/index.asp?PageTypeId=27&PageDetailId=173&PageSectionId=43
I’m going with husband and best friend – who are guessing it’s a “dress up jeans” event – but my gut says to go more little black dress. Husband and best friend think jeans because “it’s done country – there’s a music performance by Reba McEntire and based on some of the actors – and no one in LA dresses up for theater.”
So I’m thinking 1) what I wore to work today (black and white geometric print wrap dress and heels). 2) dress up jeans (nice dark wash jeans, heels, top TBD and black blazer) or 3) little black dress.
Suggestions? We’re seating in a nice part of the cheap seats if that means anything…
7278
No real fashion advice as I’m not a Californian (in NY I would go with your option 1 if that’s worth anything), but MAN that show sounds awesome!!
M in CA
Option 1 sounds just fine. They all sound just fine, actually! I live in LA and it’s true, we’re pretty casual out here so dress-up jeans or either of the dress options would be perfect. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were people there dressed way more casually than that, too.
Have a great night! It sounds amazing!
E
I think your gut is telling you to overdress! If you *want* to “dress up,” there’s nothing wrong with that, but if I were going to this show, I’d wear whatever I felt like wearing that day. If I were coming from work, I definitely wouldn’t bother to change and if it were on a weekend, I’d do jeans.
KD
I second M in CA. I use to live in LA/attended UCLA and the general attire for evening events such as these on campus averaged out to business casual. For the least amount of effort, I’d say option 1 with a trench since it’ll be a bit chilly/windy tonight. Throw on some statement earrings or bracelet, or switch in pop-of-color heels for an after hrs amp up ;)
really any of those outfits will work well. Have fun!
Bk foette
Silly question — how do you keep that many shoes in the office without it looking like you are opening a shop?
For me, summer usually means overworked ACs resulting in me being freezing — but then way too hot outside. I agree with the layers suggestion.
Honey Bear
I have a closet in my office where I stash my shoes, extra clothes, workout clothes, etc!
Cat
I have a shoe rack under my desk and hooks on the back of my door :)
Original Lola
I have this… and a shoe rack in a back corner of my office, and a box of shoes under a chair in a corner. I have a lot of stuff here.
Res Ipsa
I have an empty drawer in my filing cabinet where extra workout clothes, shoes, etc. go. I used to keep one or two pairs of shoes under my desk, but a fair number of folks come to the other side of my desk (e.g., to drop documents off on my chair, look over a document with me, etc.), and I didn’t think it looked very professional to have my shoes on display for folks to see, so I moved them into the cabinet. I don’t think this is mentioned in NGDGTCO, but I’m pretty sure extensive office shoe collections is a women-only habit.
Em
True, but it’s not like the other habits mentioned in NGDGTCO which are the result of how women are socialized to be, well, “nice girls.” It’s just a practical thing related to women’s shoes vs. men and their relative walkability (and numbers of pairs needed).
Janie
My (male) supervisor at one internship kept 3-4 pairs of shoes in the office, a bunch of suits, and a drawer full of rolled ties. So it’s not exclusively female :)
Jas
Another good thing about living in Canada: everyone wears snow boots to work so the men also have at least one pair of shoes under their desk. This topic reminds me of the scene in Mad Men where Don pulls a pressed shirt from a stack he keeps in a desk drawer. If I had an extra drawer I’d totally do the same.
P
This post also reminded me of that Mad Men scene!
Erin
I keep a shawl at the office for this exact reason.
Anon
My husband has 5-6 pairs of shoes and the same number of ties in his office at any given time.
soulfusion
My bottom filing cabinet drawer is full of shoes – many of which I need to clear out because I don’t wear them anymore. But I’ve found at my firm this is a very common solution. And when I’m lazy I end up with a few pairs scattered under my desk as well.
Erin
Me too. I also have extra workout clothes and my little toiletry bag for the days I shower and put on makeup at work. And an air freshener. :-o
Bonnie
I get jokes about my shoe collection but I’d rather have them laid out nicely in a rack behind my door than to drag them with me everyday.
Maine Associate
I have a large L-shaped desk that is against the back corner of my office. The front of the desk goes all the way to the floor. No one sees my extensive shoe collection expect me. I also keep a pair of slippers under my desk when I am working late.
curious
My favorite for summer is black and white print skirt, usually silk, with a black shortsleeves top – silk or rayon. Then I can wear a black jacket if needed.
tip
I also will usually carry a paper towel or two with me for a dab post-subway and right before I enter the lobby of my office building. I may still need some time to cool down but I feel better waiting for an elevator with other people if I’ve at least taken a first swipe at the sweat. And regular tissues are usually too weak.
MelD
Anyone else in an office that does energy saving with the AC? I was about ready to pass out this morning because it’s been 90 degrees all weekend and the AC doesn’t crank on until 8 on Monday. It turns off promptly at 4 or 5, so it’s pretty brutal at around 5:30.
Mir
YES! The hippie in me likes the little LEED certification thing they’ve got going, but it was really hot until about 9:30. And now I’m wrapped in my scarf because the AC vent is over my desk…
GovtMom
Yes — same here. Turns off in the late afternoon, turns on sometime in the morning/ Layers, layers, layers. And IMO, if the a/c is off, then it’s not official business hours, so you can slack on the official business attire, too. :-)
Added quirk: the lights in all of our hallways turn off at 6 pm, sharp.
MelD
We’re at 8-5 for the lights now. I always thought it took a lot more energy to heat/cool after a prolonged shutdown than it did when the AC was at least running at a minimal level. After a weekend, the place is so hot and humid that it literally takes until Wednesday for the office to get back to a comfortable temperature again.
Cat
Especially for summer associates — yes, you can carry your cardigan with you when walking to the office, but slip it over your shoulders before you get in the elevator if you are wearing a bottom layer that is on the skimpier side (cami, etc). Yes, everyone will (hopefully) assume you have another layer for workwear, but better not to have to stand there silently while Partner McDressCode quietly observes you.
Feel free to take it off to “cool off” behind closed doors in your office for a few minutes, though.
Valleygirl
Some suggestions from the valley (where we normally peak over 100 in the summer)….
Skin stuff:
– Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – growing up in the desert and now dealing with the high temps here – I drink a ton of water during the day – this keeps me cooler and esp. helps my skin not feel as parched.
– Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. In summer with shorter sleeves, more leg showing – whatever – there’s more skin to get burned.
– For those with sensitive skin like me – making sure the metals I wear (esp. my watch) are good quality or I take them off from time to time during the day – otherwise I get a heat rash where the metal contacts my skin.
Clothes and Shoes
– I wear lots of dresses and skirts in natural materials
– This is a know your office thing – but peep toe shoes or shoes with good ventilation (and switching up my heels every day) to prevent funky odors.
– Depending on which office site I’m working at – if I have a long drive home – I’ll bring commute clothes, esp. for the trip home. Usually these are just a pair of basic cotton yoga pants, a sports bra, a zipped up light weight cotton hoodie, and flip flops. I just find it really nice to have something light weight and comfy to wear if I have a long drive home – and this helps me keep my work clothes in better condition.
– keep a backup deodorant and a backup pair of underwear/bra (as in you sweat and want to change into something fresh) in your desk/car/purse.
Original Lola
Which valley are you in? I know of many valleys where it gets over 100F.
Valleygirl
I grew up in the mojave but now live in the san fernando valley (and work takes me to sites all over the greater los angeles area).
SCAggieDEW
I just moved to Acton (between the Mojave and the San Fernando Valley). My husband works in Mojave and I will be in LA. Would love to meet up for a coffee Valleygirl.
Anonymous
Just paid off a remaining 7K student loan! Woohoo. Although 80K still remain it’s always nice to get rid of one. :)
Caroline
Congrats! I’ve been there — no matter how big or small, it’s such an awesome feeling to cross one off the list!
s
I keep baby powder with me. Just a tiny travel size bottle in a ziplock bag in my bag. If I start to feel gross, I can sprinkle a bit into the soles of my shoes or – sorry for the TMI – into my bra or rub between my thighs. It absorbs the sweat, prevents chafing, and makes me feel not so smelly.
kellyn
I do this with a travel sized stick of antiperspirant, usually powder based. Makes the “chub rub” of my thighs much more bearable! And I’m totally guilty of under-boob powdering/antiperspirant-ing.
b23
Chub rub! Ha!!!
Miss D.
That is why I don’t wear skirts in summer :-(
AIMS
Natural fibers are key.
An old fashion fan (I have a wood/paper mache one) can be surprigingly helpful while waiting on a hot subway platform.
I also usually leave jackets at work, and commute in short sleeves. On super hot days, I like a-line skirts. Pencil skirts just stick to you, whereas looser skirts tend to be much more comfy.
If it’s really bad, try to get to work a bit early. It’s cooler and you can also skip putting on your makeup, etc., if you’re one of the first ones in. Bonus: you look super productive ;)
Oh, and in terms of makeup, matifying lotions are a lifesaver. I like the one from DDF. Oh, and this last one is not for everyone, but I let my hair dry naturally year round, so wet hair keeps me cool in the summer and usually mostly dries by the time I get to the office.
Janie
I keep one of those fans in my purse all summer long, too. Best $2 I ever spent.
BigLaw Refugee
I keep both one of those little fans, and a small spray bottle of water, in my purse. Really helps me bear waiting for the subway in a stuffy, breezeless station.
Nancy P
Walk slower. Seriously. It will take you an extra few minutes, but may be the difference between actually breaking a sweat and not.
soulfusion
I have a 20-25 minute walk to work that I force myself to slow down to a 25-30 minute walk in the summer. Slowing down makes a big difference in whether I overheat or not. Of course, summer in NYC, I will sweat either way but just slowing my pace makes the difference between visible sweating and the kind where only I can tell.
Of course on the crazy humid and hot days I just take the bus.
MelD
In certain parts of the US, sweating is just inevitable. We’re already at the point in FL where you walk out and start sweating in a few seconds. I came home from work today (a whopping 2-minute walk to the car and maybe 4 minutes in the car) and was sweating visibly by the time I got home. I could walk to work easily, but I would probably get a sunburn and heat rash in the summer.
Hel-lo
Ugh. Glad I don’t live there.
Eponine
Some of us walk over a mile each way to the office in cities where the temperature hits 90 by 9am in the summer. Walking slower ain’t gonna help.
p
for those of us curvier individuals who are afflicted by “chub rub”…aka the rash that comes from thighs rubbing together in the summer…a thick coating of vaseline between your thighs before your commute makes a huge difference. yes, it’s a little gross, but works so much better than anything i’ve tried. chub rub is painful – you have to attack it aggresively!
kellyn
Haha it IS painful! Nothing like walking a few miles with the chub rub on full force, then two days later still feeling it….!
Valleygirl
try a wipe of deoderant. same outcome (you glide) with less gross factor ;)
Eponine
Even better is BodyGlide. Or bike shorts.
AnonInfinity
Oops. I got so excited about Body Glide that I didn’t scroll down far enough!
JessT
I’ll have to try these recs – I usually resort to wearing bike shorts or something that actually covers my thighs under dresses once the weather gets too warm for hose.
*Formerly* Preggo Angie
I second the Body Glide. You can get it at running stores.
AnonInfinity
There’s a product called Body Glide that you can get at athletic stores that is not as greasy and goopy as Vaseline but does the same thing. It looks like deodorant. One tube of it lasts me a few months. It can also be used on feet to prevent blisters.
Original Lola
Body Glide works so much better than Vaseline.
jc
For those who can’t make it to athletic stores– the blister block by band-aid is the same thing only in smaller size and available at CVS/Walgreens.
Em
Monistat makes an anti-chafing cream that does the same and is available at drug stores.
Erin
When I was pregnant, I used to buy maternity leggings and cut them off at the knees to wear under dresses. Pretty cheap solution. Just cut them off high enough that you can’t see the jaggedy edges peeking out under your skirt. Instant comfort. I’m thinking about getting some cheap non-maternity leggings and doing the same thing now that spring is upon us. The spanx type shapewear works the same but is much less comfy.
M in CA
My grandmother’s “ladylike” tip for cooling down: Take a piece of ice wrapped in delicate hankerchief and press it on your clavicle (I think that’s what it’s called — the place high on your chest where your collarbones meet). This has worked wonders for me. (Although admittedly I don’t have any kind of delicate hankerchief and I usually use a tissue or paper towel. And I find it hard to look “ladylike” while sweating, but a girl can dream, no?)
Accountress
No extra tips (in FL, my summer wardrobe is pretty much the same as my winter one), but I want to second what Valleygirl said about sunscreen! I personally burn quicker than toast, so I apply SPF 70 before going to work in the AM, before going out to lunch, and before I leave for the night, but not everyone needs to do that.
I know some people feel than tans make them look healthier, but there is nothing wrong with getting a spray-on tan in lieu of spending time in the sun- these days, there are plenty of places that can provide you with a fab faux-tan!
When you go to the pool, park, or beach, always apply sunscreen, and re-apply every few hours after than (if you don’t like toweling off to re-apply, there are some great new “wet skin” sunblock sprays out anymore). Practice safe-sun, ya’ll- it’s the “cool” thing to do.
K
do you have any recs for a full-body SPF? I religiously use SPF on my face, but am not so diligent about the rest of me…. thx.
EC MD
I have been free of melanoma for over a year now (yay!) but see my dermatologist regularly for skin exams. She recommended “Blue Lizard Baby” sunscreen. It’s a barrier sunscreen rather than a chemical one, but it’s very gentle but strong. I wore it every day in Hawaii and didn’t get a burn, and it doesn’t have an unpleasant smell. It’s also not very greasy after the initial application. I had to find it on-line, I think through amazon.
No Sun For Me (southern California)
Since my father had a malignant melanoma removed in 1994, I have seen the dermatologist every six months for skin checks. When I first started the process, the dermatologist gave me a very stern lecture about avoiding the sun. 17 years later, I’ve had ten atypias removed, but so far no cancer. Major unexpected benefit: my skin looks as if I am in my 20s, even though I am in my mid-40s.
My dermatologist recommends Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50:
http://www.cetaphil.com/Products/DefenseSPF50.aspx
I cannot use it on my face because it is too heavy for me (it clogs my pores and I break out), but it is perfect for the decolletage and body.
For the face, I use either:
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Protective Emulsion SPF15 PA++ :
http://www.sca.shiseido.com/index.cfm?select=catalog/index.cfm?product=486
or
Clarins UV PLUS Protective Day Screen SPF 40
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=62303/UV_PLUS_Protective_Day_Screen_SPF_40/Clarins/Sunscreen
Eponine
I love Water Baby Pure and Simple SPF 50. No scent, doesn’t clog pores, is sweatproof.
I also always, always wear a hat.
Anonymous
Question on this part – “For example, I frequently will wear just a cotton t-shirt and my pants or a skirt to work, as well as sandals or flip flops. ” How do you deal w/ pants that you normally wear with heels? If I wear flats or flip flops with them my pants end up dragging on the ground, and rolling them up looks bad and causes wrinkles.
MelD
I still roll them up. I don’t really care if it looks bad. I didn’t really find that I had any wrinkles when I rolled up the pants at the cuff.
kz
I roll them up and secure them with binder clips. http://www.zakkerz.com/ is also an option. Like MelD said, if you roll at the cuff, they don’t wrinkle that badly. And I’d rather look bad on my commute than wear my good heels and have to get the tip replaced every couple of weeks.
E
I buy the JCrew or similar flip flops that are a couple of inches thick. They are more comfortable and will give you the lift you need for most pants.
Glitterachi
The can of soda on the back and sides of the neck- it hits the major arteries as they flow both in and out of the brain, helping to cool you off so wonderfully quickly.
healthcare anon
Quick note to the ladies that are complaining of sweating too much. Talk to your dermatologist about Botox injections into your problem areas. I’m not sure how this works, but Botox was initially approved for migraines treatment and excessive sweating. I have a close friend who swears by it.
Original Lola
And Certain-Dri. I am so grateful for that suggestion I got from Corporette a few months ago. :)
Anonymous
Certain dri seriously saved my life!!!
New York Summers Are The Worst
In no particular order:
1. When you are crossing the street, don’t walk to close to the cars. The heat from the grill/hood comes toward you like a cloud and adds to the heat you already are dealing with.
2. When you walk past a green grocer, grab a piece of ice and hold it on the inside of your wrist.
3. Valleygirl (above) suggests hydrate and sunscreen. I agree with sunscreen (and hats!) to avoid the sun. But the hydrate issue depends where you live and what your skin type is. In southern California (where I live now), hydration is important. In New York (where I lived and worked in the late 1980s/early 1990s), the humidity makes hydration unnecessary, especially for those with oily skin.
4. Bathrooms in fancy hotels/restaurants near your final destination are great for freshening up — if you are in the City and walking around.
No, Actually, D.C. Summers Are The Worst
I’ve lived in both NYC and DC and hands-down, DC summers are the worst.
Great tips.
Erin
Yes, DC summers are terrible. Walking slower really does help. Advice from my friend who grew up in the deep South that I took my first summer here. It won’t stop you from sweating (nothing will), but it will tone it down a little.
Cat
to split the difference from Philly:
– Know your commute from a smell perspective. Walking on the side of the street with the dumpster alley exits – or the side where the commuter train empties out and smokers are lighting up left and right – makes me *feel* grosser, even though the smell doesn’t stick. The flip side: those gusty and shaded blocks to avoid in the winter are now your friend.
Chix Pix
I think hydration is always important! Used to work in humid Philadelphia PA in a building with no air conditioning.
anon in dc
I just wanted to thank all the Corporettes who gave me such GREAT advice this past weekend regarding locating the necessary info for my security clearance! I have just submitted all of my documentation and am so glad to have that all behind me. Now I just have to get fingerprinted and wait to hear that I’ve been ‘pre-cleared’ so that I can receive my start date. I had no idea how many steps were involved in working for a government agency but it is sounding like I’m really close…I think. Of course, they didn’t mention how long the pre-clearance would take so I might not actually be starting before snow hits the ground again. :)
Eponine
Save a copy of your documentation. You might need detailed biographical info again, and now you have it all handy.
EC
I second Eponine – I’ve had to go through security clearance three times for three different positions (various types/levels of government), and it was so much easier to fill out the forms the second and third time using the information I’d already gathered on the first form. Plus, I used my security forms to fill out my bar application later.
jumpingjack
I think this has been discussed on this site before, but I wanted to throw it out. My feet sweat, not dripping, but they’re always moist and gross feeling. It’s not a huge problem in the winter when I can wear socks, tights, or stockings, but I cannot wear closed shoes (even with a slingback or peep toe) without stockings. And stockings for a business casual office in a DC summer are uncomfortable and look kind of silly. I end up always wearing some sort of strappy heel, which isn’t always appropriate.
I’ve tried Summer soles, Drysol, Certain-dri, powders — nothing makes closed shoes bearable. I’m seriously considering Botox. Has anyone had success with it for sweaty feet? How painful is it? What about Iontophoresis?
PittsburghAnon
I am desperately awaiting a reply to this. It’s bad enough where I live in Pittsburgh but I work in Florida about 1 week a month as well. And I can’t wear heels over about an inch (which can ‘dress up’ otherwise too-casual shoes) for more than a day a week or so due to orthopedic issues.
So, uh, no help, but really hope someone else replies!
LTG
I read somewhere that it can take weeks for anti-perspirant to take effect. You have to apply it religiously every day. I keep meaning to try it on my sweaty feet but I haven’t been able to get in the habit yet.
jumpingjack
Thanks. I should try the Drysol again. I’d given it 2-3 weeks in the past, but all that it did was make my feet dry and cracked — and still sweaty. But I’ll try again and keep it up for longer.
Erin
I use the tea tree oil powder from Lush. It doesn’t stop the sweating but combats the funk quite nicely. Then put Summersoles in your shoes to deal with the wetness.
Summer in Miami
Are blazers common in Miami? Trying to work with the wardrobe I’ve got and figure out whether I need to add any pieces. So far: one suit, one pencil skirt, two or three neutral sheath dresses, two or three pairs of comfortable heals, a couple of neutral cotton cardigans. I probably need to invest in pants/slacks — any advice on the material?
Thanks in advance! I love this community :)
Summer in Miami
Uh, *heels.
sometimes in Miami
I work in downtown Miami about half the time and I would say yes. People dress up a lot more there than in other parts of Florida, I’ve found. Picture outfits like you would see further north, but in more colors (you see the same grays and navys as you do in DC, but there’s also a lot of beige, pink, etc.) I would get a blazer that works with at least half of your skirts/dresses – maybe something in a color, if they are in neutrals?
Livia
I worked in Miami for a summer a couple of years ago, and blazers are pretty common. No need for suits (unless your office specifically requires them) but separates are no problem.I got a short-sleeved white blazer while I was there, which I really like, but have trouble wearing for more than a month or so of the year now I am back up north. You definitely have more flexibility in terms of color than you would in other places.
This may not be representative, but the people I worked with also had a more relaxed attitude towards displaying cleavage, shorter skirts, etc. — in a business casual non-profit. If you’re into that, your clothes don’t need to be too conservative.
Have fun — I really loved it and I wish I could get a full-time position there. Make sure to try Cuban coffee (cortaditos are my favorite) and get guava and cheese pastelitos with it.
summer in miami
Thank you all for your suggestions!
Business Casual?
Any tips for dressy business casual in the summer? I will be summering in a BigLaw firm in DC and Im wondering what the rule is for sleeve lengths during the summer? I’m having trouble finding cardigans that ate full sleeved— is 3/4 length just as appropriate? FWIW, I will only be walking a block to work so the heat is not a huge factor. Is full sleeve more appropriate? Any tips for where I can find a reasonably priced one?
Former 3L
I cannot imagine that cardigan sleeve length as between long and 3/4 makes a difference, dressiness-wise, in any business casual environment. (Hell, even in a business formal environment.) Now, a 3/4 sleeved blazer or jacket is more casual than a long-sleeved (i.e. normal) blazer/jacket, so a suit with the formal is more feminine and dressed-down looking, and the same probably goes for button-down shirts, but cardigans? All a long-sleeved cardigan says to me that a 3/4 sleeve cardigan doesn’t is: I am always cold.
jumpingjack
I agree that 3/4 sleeve is essentially the same as full sleeve for a cardigan.
I just got some 3/4 sleeve cardigans from Nordstrom’s BP brand. They’ve got a couple of colors on sale (only one of which I’d wear to an office) for $12.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-three-quarter-sleeve-jersey-cardigan-juniors/3185652
Full price is only $24, and there are a ton of colors.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/bp-three-quarter-sleeve-jersey-cardigan-juniors/3178008
I found it to be a very form fitting cut. I’d recommend going up a size.
Anon
Check your firm, but typically short sleeves and even sleeveless are appropriate attire in law firms. My one caveat is that as a summer, I definitely dressed more on the business side of business casual comapred to what I do as an associate. But there is definitely a lot of latitude. For DC, I find dresses to be the most comfortable summer attire followed by skirts. I never wear pants in the summer.
BigLaw Refugee
My 2 cents is that although there is a diff between long sleeve and 3/4 sleeve, as a summer you don’t need to worry about it. I think long sleeves (esp. for jackets) are a more professional look and are necessary for court, and desirable for when you get a little further on in your career and start wanting to convey an authoritative, in-charge kind of image.
As a summer, no one expects you to be authoritative or in charge. You want to convey that you are bright, enthusiastic, diligent and easy to work with. Because of your age and position, you can wear clothes that are a little more fun, as long as they aren’t sloppy or too sexy. So short sleeves and 3/4 sleeves are totally fine. Once you start full time, you’ll probably want to start adding some long-sleeved blazers and more formal suits.
anon
on the sunscreens…just had a bad melanoma scare myself, been researching this extensively. to actually block for cancer they need to either have a physical blocker (titanium dioxide or zinc) or a chemical blocker such as avobenzene that has been stabilized or it degrades immediately. The physicals don’t usually go on smoothly, but the chemicals are free radicals that are bad for you, so there’s no easy solution. I like a makeup called Fresh Minerals- Australian, but sold in my local drugstore- that contains physical blockers in all products. Three brands that have properly stabilized avobenzene are Neutrogena, Aveeno, Coppertone. The typical American ingredients (all the ones starting with ‘o’) protect for burn but not cancer- this is really serious and not widely known. Once melanoma spreads there is usually no cure. I just had one on the edge removed and trust me, not a pleasant experience in any way, so need to be hypervigilant going forward. I also like REI’s sun protective hats/shirts of various brands, and the Australian coolibar website.
OhDearMe
I live in south Louisiana so our dress code is very casual. My go-to summer outfit is j. crew capris, jack rogers, a nice cotton top and long cardigan. It’s nice and pulled together and super comfy. The key is light fabrics in full coverage for the AC. Light but full-coverage shift dresses+cardigan and strappy shoes/peep toes also a great option i use a lot. Lawyers may not have this option, but I try to avoid any synthetic blends and closed toed shoes in summer to avoid dying of heat stroke. I dress up much more in the winter but our summers are so bad that nobody cares much.
Anonymous
Thanks for the tips everyone. I’m dreading commuting in/out of NYC all summer but hopefully some of these will help.
Rache Babe
I am starting a new part-time job this summer, so all of your recommendations will come in handy! The office I am starting at is business casual, but on Fridays we are allowed to wear jeans. Question: How do we feel about skinny jeans, tight jeans etc. in an office setting? (skinny jeans have been so on trend, I don’t think I have any other kind…but i’m not sure if they are appropriate for work since they are so body-hugging?)
Honey Bear
I think it kind of depends on how you’re built. If you’re a bigger girl, I don’t think skinny jeans would look as appropriate as if you had more of a stick figure. And in any case, if you do go for skinny jeans make sure that you wear a loose flowing top that covers your butt! :)
Minerva
This one is easy. Skinny, tight, body-hugging jeans are not appropriate for work. Period.
Cat
I wouldn’t. Trouser-style jeans are a good bet.
Honey Bear
What are trouser-style jeans?
Rache Babe
Trouser-style jeans: Jeans cut in a similar way to say a pair of khakies…they don’t have the five pocket situation thing going on and they generally have a more professional look than other jean styles.
http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=29842&N=1200009&pCategoryId=3359&categoryId=208&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_208&loc=TN&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Rinse%20Wash&defaultSizeType=Regular
zelda
my boss is curvy and wears skinny jeans to work for casual fridays (and some other days too) so since then i’ve considered it ok to wear skinny pants to work as well. maybe looking to your boss or other high-up women in your office would be helpful?
fwiw, i’m in my early 20s, petite, and very skinny. trouser jeans look great on other women but on me, i’d look like i was dressing like my mom.
Rache Babe
zelda-im pretty skinny too, thats why i was thinking skinny jeans would be ok, cuz i dont really have curves on the bottom…
Does anyone have suggestions for trouser jeans they like, for girls that are not curvy on the bottom?
Anon
I think it’s more important how you style the jeans. I wouldn’t wear anything with distressing and be careful of the rise. The main issue with “on trend” jeans is that they often show whale tale and the like when you bend over. My office allows jeans on Friday too. I like to wear straight leg or boot cut (I don’t do skinny jeans – they just don’t look good on me) with a nice pair of shoes and a dressy top. I love to dress up jeans with a blazer. My main rules are to only wear dark washed jeans – they look way more formal than lighter washes – and to carefully select a top that is dressy.
Rache Babe
Thank you Anon, that is perfect advice!
s
Tight jeans, no, skinny jeans yes. They should skim, not hug. And you should wear something on top that covers your butt. I like to wear dark denim skinnies (no distressing or fading) to work on Fridays with a long boxy blazer over a long tank and ballet flats.
sylvia
I work for a government agency in DC and my favorite summer accessory is a hankerchief. I alternate between vintage, ladylike hankies that I get off etsy.com and big colorful cotton men’s squares that I bought in Thailand. It’s easier to remember to “dab” instead of “wipe” when you have a pretty piece of cloth.
Kaye 2
For quick relief from over-heating, drink (chug?) a full glass of ice water…it cools from inside rather quickly. (Same effect from eating frozen yogurt or ice cream.) This plus iced can of soda on the wrists and a fan…
UpNorth
Hi ladies!
I have a general attire question for the group. I have recently finished my dissertation and will be a starting an industry job in just a few weeks.
I was on the company’s campus for the interview, but other than that don’t have a firm grasp on the dress code (mostly men; attire was khakis/button downs).
Is there a graceful (and possibly less naive) way to ask about dress code without sounding too ‘feminine’?
Thanks so much for your feedback!
Miss D.
I think it would be reasonable to ask the HR person you interviewed with what the “official” dress code of the company is.
If you can’t do that, it would be better to “dress up” in a suit your first week until you get the lay of the land by observing what the other women wear. You can always remove the jacket if it feels too overdressed.
shallotry
I can handle the heat on my commute with natural fibers, walking slower, etc. But the A/C — good grief. There is no earthy reason our offices need to be cooled to an “official” temperature of 68 degrees in the summer (which is a couple of degrees less for those of us stuck under a vent.)
I have complained about the energy wasted (which i felt was the best approach, as my organization just suffered a funding cut) but in the meantime, I’m miserable. I have an Office Cardigan to keep my arms from freezing, I use a heated footstool to keep my toes from losing circulation, but I’m still cold with bare legs beneath my skirt or pants.
Honey Bear
Can you get a small space heater?
Miss D.
Thanks for these tips! I just posted in the weekend thread that it is hard to decide what to wear to summer job interviews.
Glitterachi
The cold can also works very well at the back/side of the neck- hit it five minutes on each side (something to do with the artery that runs from the brain to the body on one side, and vice versa on the other side, I think, but regardless of the science, it works)
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