Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/690117
16 June, 2016 l Working World l WorkingWorld.com P ICK SUMMER SHADES The right color choices can make a big difference. It is always recommended to build summer wardrobe around light neutrals like white, taupe, tan or pale gray. These attires help you look summery as well as sophisticated. You can also try the new combination of white and navy too. Light and cool colors are known to keep your mind cool and stress free. These are great choices when it is mid- summer and you are already frustrated with the rising heat and humidity. Colors like yellow, orange or any of the warm colors should be strictly avoided during summer. ADHERE TO OFFICE DRESS CODE You must keep in mind the fact that in office, you need to behave like a professional. You may be extremely tempted to wear short and comfortable outfits in hot summers. Women may prefer short skirts or body hugging short one pieces but they may not suit your work culture at all. Sloppy or somewhat skimpy summer dresses to office can be distracting for co-workers. It also affects the productivity and customer service. So always try to balance the needs of the clients and corporate culture while selecting the optimum dress code. You must remember that these things are also noted down when your performance review is done. CASUAL If you're in the tech field (I'm talking to you, web developers and programmers), or if your company allows "Casual Fridays," this is the section for you. Although your employer is allowing you to dress casually, this should never mean coming to work in pajamas, or T-shirts with inappropriate messages on them. You should always look neat and clean in your workplace. Appropriate T-shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes are allowed. Shorts in the summer are debatable and you should check your dress code (either in your employee handbook or with HR) before wearing them. BUSINESS CASUAL Most workplaces fall into this category. For the gentleman: For a business casual look, you should have plenty of collared shirts. Some nice dress pants, khakis, or cargo pants. Dress shoes are a must, and you need to have your shirt tucked in, so wear a nice belt, too. For the ladies: For the business casual look, you should have plenty of appropriate blouses, jackets, dress pants, and blazers. And of course, a nice pair of dress shoes. Skirts and dresses are optional unless otherwise stated. BUSINESS FORMAL This category is for interviews (you always want to dress to your highest standard for interviews), higher-up positions, and client/business meetings. For the gentleman: Business formal requires a suit and tie (make sure the tie is appropriate), and dark socks and dress shoes. Make sure the suit is appropriate for your height and that the pants touch your dress shoes. Some jewelry is acceptable and optional. For the ladies: Business formal requires dresses, skirts, pants suits, and skirt suits. Some companies require you to wear hosiery as well. Some jewelry is acceptable, and your hair should always be up or pulled back. No hair should be in your face. Shoes should be dressy flats or pumps. These should not be open-toed and the heel should be low. SOME DOS AND DON'TS FOR YOUR AVERAGE WORKPLACE • Do keep your hosiery colors to beige, tan or nude, ladies. • Do remembered to be well groomed at all times, and to keep up with hygiene. • Do make sure your colors coordinate with each other. • Do remember that its always better to overdress than underdress. • Do keep your glasses clean from spots or smudges, if you wear them. • Do not wear bold or crazy (neon) colors. FEATURE ARTICLE How to Dress for Office in Summer