Over the years, we’ve had a lot of discussions about what to wear to work in the summer and still look polished, so I thought I’d pull some posts together for one handy dandy post. Readers, what are your biggest challenges for dressing for the office in summer? What are your favorite products or hacks to make summer office clothes more comfortable?
What to Wear to Work in the Summer
07/10/2018 by Leave a Comment
Weekend Wednesday: How to Wear Shorts as an Adult
06/28/2017 by 75 Comments
We got this question a while ago from Reader E, and I thought it’s an interesting one for the hive: what’s your best advice for how to wear shorts as an adult? To the readers who wear shorts: do you feel like a certain style of short fits your weekend style? Do you have any favorite brands, or lengths? Here’s Reader E’s question.
I would love to see a segment on wearing shorts as a 30+ something female. Not to work of course, but in the summer, when its hot and only shorts will do, how do I still look presentable, chic and like a capable adult?
Very interesting question, E. Before I had kids, I mostly wore jersey or travel dresses in the summer for errands, brunch dates, shopping trips, and so forth. (Pro tip: look into Jockey Slipshorts to be comfortable beneath dresses!) I literally had one pair of shorts that I wore primarily for travel, like my trip to Sedona with friends (for Auntie M’s 30th birthday, actually). After kids, though, my shorts collection has expanded, just because it’s easier to crawl around on the floor, bend over, pick them up, and so forth. Some thoughts:
Stylish Summer Dress Pants for Work
05/01/2017 by 33 Comments
Lightweight, summer dress pants can be difficult to find — you want to look professional, yet be cool, and of course you don’t want to look like a wrinkled mess. It’s been a while since we talked about lightweight pants for work, so let’s discuss. Ladies, do you prefer to wear pants year-round — and if so, what fabrics and styles do you prefer in summer? Any classic pants you buy year after year in new colors?
Some general tips at the outset:
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- Watch the pockets — painters’ pockets, cargo pockets, and even regular five-pocket styles can be too casual for most offices (but know your office!)
- look for details like pintucked creases down the front (for example, these Theory pants) — the pintucked creases have a way of keeping the look sharp and structured even as the pants loosen up through the day
- check out our tips on how to avoid sheer pants if you’re leaning towards wearing white pants for summer
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Summer Dress Pants in Stretch Cotton
For a more conservative business casual office, stretch cotton is probably the first line of defense. These are widely available in ankle pants; you can also find some stretch cotton trouser options.
Pictured below: one / two / three / four
Summer Workouts: Open Thread
07/28/2016 by 49 Comments
2018 Update: We still think this is a great discussion about summer workouts, but you may also want to check out some of our more recent posts on exercise and busy women, including gym near the office etiquette tips.
When it’s hot and muggy out, it can be difficult to stick to your regular workout routine, whether it’s running outside, walking to/from work, or doing a studio class like barre. So let’s hear your thoughts on summer workouts! Do you tend to exercise less during the summer? Do you move your workouts inside (perhaps with the help of a personal trainer?), or do you simply switch your summer workouts to mornings or evenings, when it’s cooler? Maybe you’re a hardcore runner who still goes for several runs a week and trains for the many 5Ks, 10Ks, and other races offered in the summertime — or maybe the closest you’ll get to vigorous exercise this summer will be watching the Olympics next month. It’s been a long time since we last talked about summer workouts for busy women, so let’s chat about it today!
Before we hand it over to the readers, we’ll share a few general tips for summer workouts from our last discussion:
5 Tips to Stay Cool on Your Commute and on Really Hot Workdays
07/26/2016 by 24 Comments
2018 Update: We still stand by this advice on how to stay cool on your commute — you may also want to check out all of our best advice on what to wear to work in the summer.
Did you hear that the highest temperature in the world last week was an incredible 129°F ? Even if you’re not dealing with crazy record-breaking temperatures like that, you’ve likely been dealing with a hellish commute if you walk, bike, or take public transportation to work. Aside from reveling in the frigid air conditioning once you get to your office, here are a few tips to stay cool on really hot workdays:
1. Use your drink for something other than drinking. Bring a cold can of soda (put it in the freezer for a while) or a frozen bottle of water and roll it on your wrists and other pulse points (here’s a picture pointing them out) when you want to stay cool. Once you’re at work, stop by the restroom to run cold water over your wrists.
2. Hack your commute. If you take public transportation, try to improve the most melty, disgusting portion of your commute. In most of NYC that’s the wait on the subway platform — not the subway ride itself. This may mean making yourself an iced coffee or a frozen bottle of water to take into the subway with you instead of grabbing one at your usual spot near the office; it may mean avoiding the subway entirely and taking the bus. If you can time it right (either with the help of an app or some of the newer MTA stops that tell you how far away your train is) you can wait to descend the subway until a minute or two before your train. (Try Moovit, NextStop, or Transit App.) Wear as little makeup as possible so that you don’t smudge it when you’re wiping the sweat off your face, and if you have to/want to wear pantyhose in the summer, pop them in the freezer first, or just put them on at your office.
3. Pack a fan in your bag. It’s funny how a little breeze can make a big difference and help you stay cool when it’s hot, humid, and gross — so get a little battery-operated fan or a paper/wooden folding one (you know, the kind you can get in Chinatown). This one looks like a good bet, while this wearable one is intriguing… This model even has a misting feature — nice! (If the A/C at your office just can’t keep up, you can buy a small one like this for the top of your desk, too.)
Weekend Wednesday: Swimsuits
06/29/2016 by
For this month’s deeper dive into weekend wear for working women, I thought we’d ponder swimsuits. Ladies, which are your favorite swimsuits? Do you wear them to the beach, the pool, or somewhere else? For those of you who swim for exercise, do you have a different suit just for laps or whatnot? What’s the top thing you look for in a swimsuit? (And, this may be an odd, introspective question, but do you think your workwear style has influenced your swimwear style — or, if you prefer more modest, classic styles than you did in your youth, do you just associate that with growing up?)
Pictured: red bikini / blue one-piece / black one-piece (up to DDD!) / purple one-piece (reg sizes too)
For my $.02, my bust has always dominated my swimsuit needs, so for affordable options (and with shaping too!) I usually like the swimsuits from Lands’ End. If I’ve got a short trip to the pool planned, I tend to prefer a one-piece — but for beach vacations or other days where I may or may not be in my swimsuit all day (and where it may or may not be wet) I tend to prefer two pieces, if only for the ease of use for the bathroom. I’m also a big fan of rash guards (sun is my enemy! J.Crew often has cute ones), and I’ve been surprised how much wear I’ve gotten out of a pair of swim-friendly board shorts that I bought on deep discount somewhere (Lands’ End I think; these board shorts at Nordstrom are highly rated). In years past I’ve also been a fan of MiracleSuit (the purple one-piece above is highly rated in both regular and plus sizes) for when I really wanted to prioritize looking great over being comfortable.
Ladies, let’s hear it — is there a place in your weekend wardrobes for swimsuits? Which are your favorites? (And, just for kicks: which would you wear to an office pool party?)
