But that ain’t enough…

It’s time for the semi-annual fashion update, Canadian summer edition.

It’s warm, it’s sunny, we can finally go outside without the heavy down parkas and other winter wear.  It’s picnic weather and time to be in the park with the dog.  So why am I buzz-killing about fashion?

Well, unless you’ve managed a job where you aren’t in an office from April to November, and are instead lounging somewhere near water for 6 months, you still have to be appropriately and professionally dressed.  So here goes:

We’ve already established the warm weather means no heavy winter clothes.  Please don’t go to the other extreme and wear your beach clothes to the office!  This is for both men and women (and all variations thereof.)

Ladies:

No part of your torso below your collarbones should be on display in the office. What that means is:

• No deep cleavage.
• No midriff-baring tops.
• No strapless tops.
• No spaghetti straps.

Your skirt should be no shorter than the tips of your fingers when you stand straight, holding your arm down.  You should be able to bend, sit and stretch without anyone seeing what you’ve got on under your skirt.

Flip-flops are a flop.  Apart from their lack of arch support, they aren’t safe or logical in the office.  Spring for a comfortable pair of sandals instead.  Same goes for beaded bedroom slippers.

Gentlemen:

Socks and sandals are a definite no-no.  Especially when they’re the mid-calf length tube socks with the striped tops.

No muscle-shirts, bare backs, vests or t-shirts with “witty” sayings.  And please ensure that the t-shirts are not oddly stretched, stained or torn!  Your torso should be completely covered.

Shorts – if you must wear them, ensure that they are walking-length.  No short-shorts or cargo capris.

Jeans should not have holes (no matter how expensively ripped) or too tight or too baggy or too light-coloured.

No flip-flops.  (see above.)

I know that there are people who don’t get these rules.  Almost every year, there will be someone who comes into the office looking like they just left the poolside, or is about to head off to a club.  Consider the impression that you’re making – do you look like a polished professional, or like you’ve just finished a couple hours yard work?

Once again, there’s no need to be a clothes horse to look professional.  Ensure that what you wear is clean, well-maintained and fits well.  You will be pleased and surprised at the reaction that you get from a pulled-together look!