Summer Work Clothes: How to Look Professional When It’s Hot

112 Comments

1. Tips from a long-time survivor of DC summers:

   1. I prefer sleeveless shells or dresses that do not have fabric at the armpit, to give them some fresh air when commuting. However, I know some people don’t like the chaffing this may cause, so YMMV.

   2. It’s ok to wear flip flops to commute. Really.

   3. If you have longer hair, put it in a ponytail until you get to work to 1) get it off of your neck, which makes you feel extra-hot, and 2) avoid a cloud of frizz around your head from the unbearable humidity.

   1. Tangent – putting my hair up results in kinks (though I can’t get curls to hold, go figure), especially if it’s humid. Any tips on non-kink inducing hair tying implements would be appreciated!

      1. Twist the hair and pin up with a claw clip.

      2. Use a clip to hold your hair up–twist it behind your head and use a big clip. Some have little rubbery bits to help hold it up.

      3. I really don’t see this as a tangent Woods,Elle….putting my hair up even for a few minutes is my best way to cool off.

         I use yoga ties and put my hair up in a loose ponytail. My goal is to survive a commute, not a ten mile run. I buy them from Amazon and last purchased them here: http://www.amazon.com/Crease-Hair-Ties-Pack-Variety/dp/B00DZE3FX2

         You could also twist your hair into a messy french twist and clip it up with a butterfly clip.

      4. I think you have my hair. It actually does hold curl, but the moment that I put it into any semblance of a pony tail, I get a big crease.

         The only tip that I found to decrease the crease is to tie a low pony (like just at nape of neck/hairline) loosely with an elastic. The “no crimp” elastics (basically like dress-maker’s elastic w/ a knot) tends to be a little more gentle. But, I found the lower the pony, the less likelihood of creases.

         I know it kind of defeats the purpose of really getting it off your neck, but even out from behind your ears is sometimes enough to just get some air circulation.

         Now my hair is chin-length, so there are no ponies here anymore.

      5. My room mate used to swear by spin pins to put her hair in a bun for her walking/public transit commute in the DC area.

      6. I am a twist fan. I have enough length now to use a hair comb to hold the twist and I use little flat clips for the shaggy bits on the sides. They match my hair color and eye glasses frame color very well (bonus!).

      7. Oops sorry I hit report on accident! I usually tie my hair in a low side ponytail – gets off the neck and is easy to handle. To avoid the actual kink, use a fabric hair tie, like those you see where they just basically have one piece of fabric tied to the other end of the fabric. I have particularly thick hair, so any clip of any kind doesn’t hold my hair up at all, or my hair ends up breaking the clip itself.

         Another way is if your hair is long enough, do a loose side braid starting at the nape of your neck, just enough for you to tie your hair at the end. Or you can take two halves of your side ponytail and twist them into a rope (twist each half one direction, twist the two halves together in the other direction), and loosely tie the end with a fabric hairtie.

         To avoid small frizz, I usually bring a small bottle of argan oil/anti-frizz creme for touch-ups throughout the day.

2. If you have to take public transit to work and/or walk long distances, I honestly find the best solution is to bike instead. You dress the part (spandex and tank), shower and change at the office (or a nearby gym if your building doesn’t have a shower), and then arrive at work freshly showered and cool. Much nice than schlepping from the train or bus and arriving at work sweaty and miserable.

   I know it doesn’t work for everyone’s situation, but this is how I dealt with miserable Boston summers for years (and actually, when my commute was only a few miles, I’d shower at home first- then at work I’d just towel off, change into my work clothes, and put on my makeup/do my hair in the bathroom). This also meant I could pack multiple layers and long pants for the Polar Vortex that is an office building in summer, and not worry about sweating to death on the subway in wool trousers.

   1. And I guess you can tell by my comment I don’t agree w/ Kat re: wool trousers in the summer. Sorry, when my office is 65 degrees and the AC vent is blowing directly on me, I will wear wool trousers and a cashmere wrap (or sweater, whatever it takes to keep me from freezing)

      1. This. For the first question in Florida, I recommend layering. When I lived there I went directly from air-conditioned house to air-conditioned car to air-conditioned office, so I usually wore sweaters to work in the summer.

      2. At 65 degrees, it’s actually impossible for you (or your water molecules) to freeze.

3. “OK in all places”: I’ve actually been taken aside over wearing tees – nice material “dressy” tees, mind you, with cardigans and blazers and scarves – to my supposedly business casual office. If you work with mostly men whose idea of business vs casual is collar vs no collar, the concept of the dressy tee may be completely lost on them. All they see is “no collar” – you might as well be wearing a men’s undershirt in their eyes.

   1. Dress codes can be weird that way – when the rule is “no collar” or (at my last office) “no jeans”. I’m going to guess you looked nicer in your put-together tees and blazer than someone wearing a wrinkled, oversized oxford, but they were within the dress code and you weren’t.

      At my last job jeans were forbidden (even dark, dressy ones paired with a blazer), but a gauzy, burnout tee and flowy skirt was OK. Still bitter about that…

      1. Oh, absolutely. I was 10x better dressed than the guy in sloppy outdated jeans and a wrinkled polo shirt. Yes, this office allowed jeans, but not dressy tees. Sigh. Not fair, but reality.

   2. This is so interesting to me because so many women’s blouses don’t have collars. Seems like a sh*tty double standard if you really aren’t allowed to wear a professional silk blouse just because it’s collarless (DvF, Joie and Theory tops come to mind).

      1. In complete agreement. I have seething hate for the shirts that make me feel like I look like a little man (even when paired with a skirt).

         1. Yes, I’d have a hard time with a “collar-ed shirts” only rule, as they just don’t fit me, not to mention the man-ish look that I have with the uni-b00b. If I were 30 pounds lighter…

4. I completely agree that it’s “know your office,” but I wear dressy sandals to the office in the summer. I have a pair of high-heeled gladiator sandals that expose FOUR toes per foot and I love them. Granted, though, the straps are substantial and the overall look is at least as much “shoe” as “foot.” And I’m pretty senior so can be a little more daring than a more junior person. And I always have a great pedicure. And I’m in So Cal. Okay, that’s a lot of qualifiers, but I do love my sandals in the office.

   1. That’s funny – I have some awesome Michael Kors gladiator sandals and I would wear them to the office, but generally don’t wear really open flat sandals because I feel like there are too many hazards and I would hurt myself!

   2. I’m in Florida and dressy sandals can definitely be okay in many offices. AC here is usually frigid in the summer, so you absolutely must layer, no matter how hot it is outside. I like silk and silk blend cardigans–the fabric looks dressier, they keep you warm inside, and if you walk outside before taking one off you won’t melt. I also like lined cotton jackets. If you wear skirts to work keep a shawl at your desk to cover your legs if you get cold. Bare legs are usually fine in FL, but you might be chilly indoors.

      1. I hate summer because I freeze in the a/c all summer long. It’s always a tension between looking unseasonable and boiling while outdoors, and freezing while indoors. Ugh.

5. I generally wear skirt (w bare legs)/tank/cardigan in the summer here. That said, I have tried short sleeved sweaters and I get too cold. I just have to wear a long sleeved cardigan!

6. I can’t speak to humidity (thank you San Francisco), but it’s been hot as blazes here this week and I’ve been wearing exclusively dresses, either with sleeves or sleeveless with a blazer inside the office. My firm is pretty formal so I don’t feel comfortable in sandals or bare arms.

   No matter how light the fabric, I just can’t wear pants in the heat. Honestly, even the extra layer of fabric that comes with tucking a shirt into a skirt is enough to cause discomfort. Dresses just provide the most breathability.

   1. You and me both. I live in skirts now. They are so much more comfortable in the heat.
      I keep a little wrap in the office to put over my legs when air conditioner temperature gets set to meat locker.

7. Could a future post talk about building a summer wardrobe for interns that are not law interns? I’d like to be able to point some college students heading out on internships to a post about that, or possibly something for people starting their first job this summer/fall? Or could you update the 2009 post on internships to mention that the bottom half of the list (everything below suits) is a good starting point for people in a business casual field? I remember being completely overwhelmed before my first internships on how to quickly build a wardrobe that would work all summer and how to get pieces that would mix and match so I could have a little variety.

   1. Wardrobe Oxygen has what I found to be a really helpful post about a summer business casual wardrobe capsule. You might want to look around her site to find a few helpful posts.

8. One of the best tips I got for dealing with heat was this: get cheap pantiliners and use them as underarm guards in blazers. This is especially useful when you have a day where you’re supposed to wear a jacket and have to alternate between the 100 degree, high humidity outdoors and an air conditioned office.

   Take two pantiliners and adhere them to the underarm area of your blazer. Switch them out as often as needed. They come prepackaged and the adhesive is designed not to make your clothes gunky. This tip drastically cut my summer dry cleaning bills.

   1. Do they stay put well? I’d be paranoid about the adhesive coming loose and then having the liner fall onto the floor at an inopportune moment.

      1. +1. This would make me anxious.

         1. Me too. I know they make “dress shields” which look an awful lot like pantiliners but shaped for underarms. Never tried them personally, but I see them on Amazon. I would probably save pantiliners for absolute emergencies only.

            Also, in case of emergency deodorant fail days – if your company has hand sanitizer in the bathrooms a quick wipe down of the underarms with a paper towel soaked in Purell will at least kill the immediate stink. Learned this one the hard way when one of my prescription changes made my everyday deodorant far less effective to the volume of sweat I was now producing – ugh.

            1. I’ve used dress shields – Don’t remember the brand, but they came in a pink/black envelope from Jo Ann Fabrics. They were kind of round so they covered more underarm area. I had problems with them bunching and hanging/falling out of my shirt, and I didn’t find them very absorbent.

            2. They sell dress shields at Nordstrom.

               http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nordstrom-garment-guards-10-pack/3333076?origin=related-3333076-_TS_-1-1-ZERO-RR&PageCategoryId=Null%20Search%20Results

      2. +1! The thought of this simultaneously cracked me up and terrified me.

      3. As long as they stay put well when using them for their intended purpose — why wouldn’t they stay put on a blazer??

         1. On cardigans – they just didn’t. Something about the adhesive + the material. They would bunch up first, and then work their way free.

         2. They’d arguably be more contained when used for their intended purpose. Also, laying flat instead of folded over, and subject to more movement/friction. Finally, the lining of a blazer is usually poly or acetate, which might not respond as well to the adhesive as a cotton pair of underwear.

   2. I used to sweat like crazy and then I got prescription antiperspirant and it works like a dream. Even if I’m super hot I won’t sweat like crazy out of my arm pits. It’s called Hypercare.

      1. I used CertainDri – it’s available at most drug stores. It changed my life. I may have mucked up my body chemistry, but at least now I can wear professional clothes and not be afraid of having constant pitstains in the summer.

   3. I would think the plastic part of the liner would create more heat.

9. I lived in DC for three summers and these are great tips. A big piece of it is mental….just accept that you will get sweaty in your work clothes (especially if you go out at lunch), and will have to clean them more. Skirts breathe much better than pants, in my opinion. Sandals on the commute, hair up, and ideally early in the morning. I also avoid blow drying my hair at all costs and move more slowly. Yes you are outside for longer, but keeping my own internal temp from getting too hot seems to help.

   1. I AGREE 100% Haveing lived in DC for many year’s includeing some Summer’s, I can tell you that it is NOT just the heat, it is MORE the HUMIDIDY! FOOEY!

      It can realy be stifleing in DC b/c you MUST get from the office, which usueally is air condition to the METRO, which is also cool b/c of the A/C, but when you get out, and have to walk to your apartement or dorm, it is terribel! Also, if you want to go OUT at lunch or at nite after work, you will sureley get all hot and sweatey! DOUBEL FOOEY!

      I found that weareing alot of COTTON stuff was MUCH better then wearing any other clotheing, both b/c cotton breathe’s and also b/c cotton is machine washeable. You do NOT want to have to bring everyting to the Dry cleaner’s all the time, b/c the guy I brought my stuff to alway’s stared at me and I think did stuff with my clotheing top’s (tho I could NOT prove it — they came back all streatched out twice–DOUBEL FOOEY on him for probabley thinking I could be his girlfreind!)

      Also, no one mentioned SCHRUNCHIES! THEY ARE A MUST IN THE SUMMER! You can get Schrunchies very inexpensiveley in Pitsuburgh, and I bought another dozen yesterday b/c my cousin’s took nearly all of mine. FOOEY on cousin’s like that. And what would men do with Schrunchie’s anyway? I realy do NOT want to know, but I have my own idea’s. FOOEY on them! FOOEY!

      I hope the HIVE follow’s my advise. YAY!!!!!

   2. Yup. Ditto all this for DC. A lot of it is mental. Bring a fan, and don’t move quickly. Keep hairclips at your desk and extras in your bag, so you’ll never be without one. Also, if you can, keep a mini umbrella in your bag.

10. The thing about working in an office in DC or Florida or any other grossly hot and humid Southern city in the summer is that almost inevitably, the office is going to be way over-air conditioned, making it about 65 inside, and if you dress for 95, you’re going to regret it. The key here is layers. I usually wear a skirt and a sleeveless or short-sleeve top and then carry a cardigan or blazer to put on when I get into the office (and keep a space heater or wrap in my office in case my legs get cold). I agree with roses that it’s ok to wear flip flops on your commute (obviously change shoes when you get to work). Otherwise, I agree on the no heavy fabrics.

    1. Ya I agree with the layers. My office tends to be freezing always and I run cold so I usually need to run my space heater or put a wrap on my legs but it’s just too humid to wear tights or pantyhose outside during summer.

       As a side note, I am so jealous of everyone who is currently living in a warm client. It’s been grey, cold, rainy and windy here all week and I need some sun!

    2. why do we put up with frigidly cold temperatures? it is not economical for the building. it’s for men wearing the traditional suit and tie. i have not been successful complaining to building management but will try again. it’s not even that different inside and out in San Francisco so i usually wear a blazer or jacket to work but if i lived in a hot summer climate i’d resent having to pack for the over-air conditioned office.

11. I find slips under dresses help keep me cool (and save on dry cleaning) even though it is an extra layer.

    Otherwise, I pretty much live in dresses all summer long and throw on a cardigan or blazer when I get into the office. I usually leave a few basic ones in my office so I can avoid having to carry an extra item on really hot days. Linen blazers can be great, I like the Jcrew Schoolboy ones.

    Also, this probably won’t appeal to the first OP but I have a seersucker dress I save for really hot days and it’s awesome in very high humidity. I’d think it would be great in DC, too. LL Bean has something similar now: http://www.llbean.com/llbeansignature/llb/shop/76377?feat=786-GN1&page=seersucker-dress-stripe&subrnd=1

    1. Oh and for summer shoes to wear on the commute, I love canvas espadrilles — more comfortable than flip flops and my feet aren’t covered in soot and who-knows-what else when I get into work. I also like those tiny little no-show socks from Hue to keep my feet from getting sweaty in closed toe shoes (one thing I always miss about tights season).

       1. +1 to shoe liners. I never go bare-footed in closed toe shoes to avoid sweating and the subsequent smell.

          1. +2 to shoe liners. Especially when you have a shoe that has a slick synthetic sock liner, it gets really slippery in there. Suede, leather or fabric tends not to get quite as slippy.

       2. Totally agree on the espadrilles (or lightweight canvas skimmers, a la the Gatas from Lands End or Toms or whatever). Public transportation and walking on city streets means almost-bare feet get pretty grimy (and also, stepped on or otherwise injured). I like a little coverage / protection. I also don’t find walking in flip flops very comfortable in my preferred commuting pace.

    2. What brands of slips do you buy? I admittedly haven’t shopped for slips in forever, but I seem to recall the last time I looked, I couldn’t find anything that looked like a nice, breathable fabric, just horrible synthetics that wouldn’t work in summer.

       1. I buy silk slips from this site: http://wintersilks.blair.com/t/women/intimates/slips/pc/207/c/223/226.uts and I also like the Commando line of slips (weighted hems, laser cut edges, no waistband.)

          1. Do you buy the ones for $4,300.00 ?? I’m sure thats a typo, but its a pretty funny one:
             http://wintersilks.blair.com/p/women/intimates/slips/filament-silk-short-split-lace-slip/pc/207/c/223/sc/226/9145.uts

             1. saw that too. But $2 off if you buy 2 or more! What a deal!

             2. But there are $2 off if you buy two or more!

             3. Bahaha! Well I don’t wear short slips…but $2 off, sign me up!

             4. wasn’t that their item #?

                love winter silks; great underlayers, camis, etc…

       2. I have actually been trolling etsy for vintage silk slips–I really want a full slip to solve the dress or skirt & top bunching-lots-of-stuff-going-on-at-the-waist issue, so silk is probably going to be a pretty nice idea.

       3. I like Gap ones. Anthropologie sometimes has good ones too, though not reliably. Those I usually buy when they go on sale.

12. I agree with the comments above. For the Chicago summers, I try to commute in skirts and tanks to add a cardigan/blazer once I’m at my desk or wear sheath dresses. I also try to put on most of my makeup at the office (or at least the foundation) to avoid looking like I’m melting in the humidity. I would say most people commute in flip flops but there is an understanding that you have to change your shoes when you get to the office (my office is definitely no sandals). On days where I have to look more put together or it’s ridiculously hot and steamy outside, I will wear a solid tee and bring my dressy top in my bag and then change at the gym or in the restroom before going to my desk. Anything to avoid the melted look

    1. I ask the maintenance team to close the AC vents in my office at the beginning of each summer. The rest of the office is freezing, but my own office is very tolerable. I do a new work order around the end of October to have them re0pened. Works great.

       1. I also requested this when we moved to our new office. Since we have radiator heat, I just had the vents closed to block the air-conditioning the first summer and never reopened them.

       2. Great way to cope with the high AC!

13. On the topic of summer office clothes, could someone PLEASE talk me out of my urge to buy linen pants? Or tell me that there’s a way to wear them without looking like a hot wrinkled mess by 10 a.m.? I keep eyeing the ones at Talbots, and I intellectually know it’s a bad idea but could use some reinforcement.

    1. Nope. There is no way to wear linen pants without looking like a hot wrinkled mess. Unless you plan on not sitting down from the time you leave home to the time you return.

       1. HAhahah, made me laugh.

    2. Just own the hot wrinkled mess. It’s linen. You won’t be alone, and you will be cooler.

       1. Tried. I felt like a Shar Pei. I was extremely uncomfortable all day.

          1. This thread is killing me. I always feel the same way about linen, unless it’s a white linen shirt over a bathing suit.

             1. Same, I used to love buying linen clothing but it never looked anything like the catalog pictures after wearing for 5 minutes. And I remember my boss telling me to iron my pretty green linen dress (he was a good friend so I didn’t take offense, but I don’t think I ever wore that dress again).

             2. I bought a really pretty linen tunic when I was out running around in the Quarter with zora. I haven’t worn it yet because it’s not hot enough (actually in the 60s today!) but I know I will. I haven’t worn linen in years for all of the reasons here, but I just couldn’t resist. It’s charcoal gray with a kind of cowl neck and 3/4 sleeves, more fitted at the top with a swingy bottom with pockets.

    3. I had some linen pants last summer and although they were kind of droopy (i.e. not crisp-looking), they weren’t wrinkly-wrinkly, if you know what I mean. They were kind of a heavy, soft, almost gauzy fabric.

       1. Once linen gets a little older, it gets softer and less wrinkle-prone, more just slightly rumpled. But then it looks drapey and casual, instead of crisp and professional.

    4. Not useful for pants, but last summer I started seeing linen knits – as in tees. They seem to have the “cool” properties of linen without all the wrinkling. Great as a skirt/pant top or under a suit jacket.

    5. I bought Talbots linen pants last summer. There is no way to avoid them getting extremely wrinkled immediately. I am finding that the wrinkles are hard to iron out, too.

14. I lived in DC for 9 years. Between April and September, I never left the house without a small travel sized container of baby powder (just throw in a ziplock in your purse). In a sweat emergency, I could duck into a restroom, and shake a tiny bit wherever things got sweaty and gross – in my shoes, between my thighs, into my bra, and instantly felt a million times better.

    1. +1 This. Though I use gold bond. I usually sprinkle some into my cupped hand to pat onto any part that needs a little cooling. I often sprinkle some into my undies before leaving the house. There’s mixed information out there on this, so you might want to do your own digging. FWIW, I have never had LG issues as a result of powder.

       I have also found that on super hot days, cotton undies are actually most uncomfortable simply because they tend to stay damp once they’re damp. I switch to microfiber undies that do a better job of wicking and dissipating moisture. This is especially important with pants, IMHO.

       Lastly, some may find this counter-intuitive, but I saw great benefit to this a few seasons ago: One reason I hated wearing skirts/dresses was the sweat/chafe/irritation on the inner thighs. I solved this by always wearing a pair of shortie compression shorts underneath. In some instances (as with the $4300 silk shortie slip above) this could even double as a slip if you needed it to. While it was another layer to contend with, at least it kept my skin from rubbing on itself and getting terribly uncomfortable.

       1. I do this with the shorts – although annoyingly I also have to put them over tights to make the tights stay up.

    2. +1

    3. I know this is an off-label use, but I use Dove solid on my inner thighs. Obvs they get less sweaty but I also don’t get chub rub when I use it.

       1. +1. I do this anytime I wear a dress or shirt to keep the thighs from chafing. It’s a miracle trick.

15. I was extremely perplexed by the 2 examples of Daisy Duke’s on their way to work this morning. (Is this a thing?) Yes, to work, not students.

    And I imaging those sleeveless knit maxi dresses are amazingly comfortable, but they leave nothing to the imagination(!) and say “I would at the beach” not “I am a business professional”.

    In fact, they say I would rather be anywhere but work – which while it may be true – is way too close to flipping your job the bird.

    1. I was walking behind a girl on campus yesterday whose shorts were so short that the bottom of her butt cheek was hanging out below the shorts. I really didn’t need to see that.

       1. At times like those, I find myself muttering “mental bleach, mental bleach” trying to unsee it.

          1. LOL – I’m stealing “mental bleach” it is perfection.

    2. Agree on maxis. I love them, but I think someone on this site (maybe Kat) said “no one everyone looked at a woman in a maxi dress and said ‘Wow, look how competant she is.'” I just feel like I couldn’t be taken seriously in them.

    3. I definitely would not wear a maxi dress to my (law) office, although maybe on a dress down day with a cardigan. I don’t think they are all “nothing left to the imagination.” I have two that are not clingy and one that is. I will say that they are not necessarily my #1 choice for weekend wear when it’s really hot and humid because my legs get too warm, so I’d rather wear a shorter sun dress.

16. My go to summer ‘uniform”:

    Pencil skirt
    Nice tank-type top
    Blazer (cotton, season-less wool, no wrinkly wool blend, unlined whenever possible)

    I am back to wearing pantyhose (Berkshire tan is amazingly close to my skin color) I am getting old lady skin. Pantyhose are my friend.
    Closed toe shoes. My feet are very rarely uncomfortably warm. Too cool, frequently.

    1. I meant linen-blend, not wool blend, although, I do wear some wool blends year round.

    2. As designed “sargent at legs” you might look into Top 20 by sylvia grandi, I think. I’ve been using shapings (dot com) out of Canada for decades for the variety of lines, products, sizes, and colors of pantyhose. Yes, I have old lady skin now and thyroid problems just add to it. No, I’m not a shill.

       The summerweight hosiery is a great way to survive a hosiery-required work environment! The ones from europe seems to last longer than those sold in US stores…but are still very very light and sheer. I dont melt when outside and/or going to the car that way.

17. Lighter fabrics, yes. Lighter colors, too. You need not get a white suit, but a light gray or light colored dresses in professional fabrics tends to fit the bill. I also avoid pants and pencil-cut skirts at all costs in a heatwave opting for a-line skirts and dresses as they are more breathable.

    1. Ironically, I have started noticing some very wearable a-line skirts and am thinking I should branch out.

       The ones i like aren’t too wide at the bottom and look very summer-friendly. And some are longer than I usually wear, but don’t look matronly.

       Thanks for the reminder.

18. Im in Houston, and it’s hot and humid– basically starting next week until October.

    Here are my tips…
    — skirts and dresses only, no hose. My office moves to jeans/casual Fridays during the summer, but I sometimes don’t even wear jeans. It’s cooler and easier to wear a dress/skirt.
    — closer to breathable fabrics, and washable fabrics. So most of my summer skirts are cotton/blends and can be washed. This makes it a little better if they are super stinky and they are quite a bit cooler
    — don’t leave the office unless absolutely necessary. no coffee trips, no going out to lunch and walking half way across downtown.
    — never wearing a blazer or cardigan while outside. I carry my jackets to Court, and I don’t wear them from my car to my office. It’s a way of keeping cooler
    — staying hydrated. It has it’s pluses and minuses. Plus, I don’t feel like I am going to pass out in the heat. Minus, I sweat more. YMMV
    — Walking in the shade. There is and can be up to a 10 Degree difference in the shade v. sun.

    1. I second the washable fabrics comment! Also the taking off the outer layer (blazer, cardigan) once outside. Ugh, not looking forward to the heat blast.

    2. Walking in the shade is so under-rated! It makes a huge difference. I have been known to zig-zag my way somewhere when I have had to walk in the DC summers, just to catch some building shade.

       I also agree: No long walks mid-day. Carry your blazer. Walk on the shady side. Think cool thoughts.

       For me, lightweight wool slacks are best. Cotton blouses, worn not tucked in. A wrap for the office.

       The hottest time in DC is the 2nd half of July (everyone thinks it’s August, but it’s not). Get yourself an out-of-town assignment or plan your vacation for then!

19. One thing that may sound counterintuitive: always wearing an undershirt or camisole. It’s another layer, but it helps get the sweat off your skin, especially if you’re somewhere humid where the sweat’s not going to evaporate. It also helps prevent sweat marks on your top.

20. And may I just say that this thread makes me very grateful that as hot as it gets here in So Cal (and it does get wicked hot), at least it’s never humid. I’ll never forget the time I packed three outfits for a three-day trip to NYC (my first) in early September and was floored when I was soaked with sweat from the skin out within 10 minutes of venturing out the door! Fortunately I was staying someplace where I could do laundry!

21. Linen and cottons are cool, but I love tropical weight wools for hot weather because they don’t wrinkle. Linings keep the clothing away from your body and keep the clothing looking neat. And I think another way to keep cool is clothing that is not too fitted or tight. Layers, of course, and carry your jacket or outer layer.

22. No new advice to add, but for a light-weight jacket for summer — to wear when necessary or to keep in the office — I just got one from Uniqlo that is nicely structured but super-comfortable, lined in the sleeves only, and likely to travel well and avoid summer sweaty wrinkles. I bought the ivory at Uniqlo in SF last week and immediately ordered the other two colors; I’m wearing the navy today without even ironing it out of the shipping box. It’s described as twill jersey, but it’s really just twill.

    Link to follow.

23. 1) Anyone else gone aluminum-free and no chemicals on the deodorant, tough in the summer!

    2) Any tips for keeping cardigans/blazers from looking like a squished mess when carrying them in the summer? Laying them over an arm is too hot!

    3) Last year/year before Uni-Qlo made amazing, built-in bra camis, appropriate height, in good colors and breathable wicking fabric, so comfortable. Hoping they comeback because I sadly only bought one and they we’re magical in the summer! They made hear ones for winter but I preferred the wicking ones all year.

    1. Drape your cardigan length-wise over your bag.

24. My DC tips for commuting in the heat. Slow down your walk and always have a bottle of water and a small pack of baby wipes. Wiping the back of my neck and knees after I get to work cools me down tremendously. When it gets to ridiculous hot, I wear a-line skirts or dresses instead of pencil to allow for more ventilation and stick to sleeveless shirts in breathable fabrics. It’s sub-arctic in my office so I put on a blazer of cardigan once I get to work. I don’t wear flip-flops because I’ve seen them get stuck in the Metro escalators, and I don’t want the city gunk on my feet.

    1. Walking slower and having some wipes is a great idea. And blotting papers! I also always kept a mini flat iron and hair spray at my desk.

25. Lived and commuted by public trans in DC for many years. Eventually I moved to commuting in gym clothes and changing at work. I still did hair and makeup at home, but changing at work kept my clothes fresher and less wrinkled. For commuting in work clothes, layering helps (don’t wear all layers). I like Mary Green silk knit slips/camis to wear under clothes; I feel the slips help to keep clothes lying a bit better and stay a bit less wrinkled.

26. I hope I’m not too late to this commenting party! I’m supposed to be in Amman, Jordan for a business trip in May and it looks like the weather is going to be hot and dry. Any tips on squaring professional attire with cultural sensibilities? If it helps, my firm does business with our client there fairly often, so they’re used to Western business attire and to professional women.

27. Everyone keeps saying “don’t wear you blazer outside” – What if I REALLY hate my arms (as in – I have scars and they’re horrible and flabby – and I just HATE them) so I always feel like I have to wear something outside in the summer – what then?

    1. Light silk or silk blend blouse. Not charmeuse but crepe, preferably in a pattern. Hides everything.

28. Practicing in Orlando for 23 years. Summer is 9 months long and I love every minute of it. If you dress the right way, you won’t be a hot mess.
    Dresses, unlined skirts with great blouses, and no pantyhose unless you’re a banker or a super-conservative lawyer. Dresses can be sheath, cap sleeve, or longer if you like. A cardigan or unlined jacket can cover you up, but you’re unlikely to need it often. Local Nordie’s and Neiman’s have great dress selection.
    Flowy light silk blouse over spaghetti strap camisole is a look often seen, with good reason. Not too bare, but not too hot either.
    Pants in summer are mind-blowingly awful. Just don’t.
    No cotton undies! Wear wicking undies –I like ex-officio. Alternatively silk, but they’re hard to find.
    Closed toe pumps are right out. Go to peep-toe, or slender strap wedge sandals that are dressy and not beachy. Always always have a pedicure.
    There is no public transit here. Just drive your car, honey, we’re all on I-4.
    Go shop on Park Ave in Winter Park for some great local stores with clothes you can work in.

29. Has anyone tried stretch linen yet? Lafayette 148 has stretch linen pants.

30. I saw some descriptions that seem pretty hot for me. I think the point is not a matter of being attractive. But overall it is quite interesting, thanks every one, now I have learned some tricks for my wife ;)

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