How do you project a business-like presence when the mercury edges up? This is the question the southern ladies have been asking and now, a bit earlier than normal for Spokane, the question moves to my front burner, as well.
Details that add authority:
- A collar. A collared shirt, whether a woven button-up or a polo even, beats a tee or tank every time.
- A cardigan can often stand in for a jacket, with the added bonus of not getting wrinkled. In the summer, I usually try to throw a cardigan in my purse for when I enter air conditioning.
- High contrast color schemes such as black & white, navy & white, and so on, project greater authority.
- The best: a tailored dress.
- When substituting a skirt and top, the top must not be revealing!
A brief word about fabrics:
- Silk, I’m told, is the warmest fabric known to man. Not a good choice for summer, although it commonly gets used.
- When wearing white, be decent! It should be lined.
- Don’t worry so much about linen wrinkling as it’s worn. But I don’t like to choose it for something that I’m going to take on and off.
Hey, these are my favorite summer business casual looks, what are yours?
Hunh, I did not know that about silk. I guess that explains why they make long underwear out of it! 😛
😉 Just for fun, I’ll argue the silk point!
I think it makes a great deal of difference how the silk is manufactured, the weight of the garment, and naturally the cut and structure.
My Easter dress is a lightweight silk jersey — it is most appropriate for spring/fall and cool summer days. It can be worn in winter, but a sweater is helpful.
I have a silk charmeuse baby doll top that is summer exclusive. Good for the hottest of days.
Perhaps we could say silk has greater insulative value per weight? 🙂
Rebecca, I think that is much closer to the mark!
I’m a huge fan of a collared, cotton shirt — sleeveless, short-sleeved, or rolled-up long sleeves all work and always look put-together in my book. I especially like the fitted shirts.
Jody
Pingback: The Space Between My Peers » Just Linking: May 25th, 2007