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For those of you who work in a fairly formal office environment the arrival of warm summer weather often creates a style conundrum. Although it may be 30°c outside, wearing shorts and flip flops will not really endear you to your boss or help you on the career ladder. So what’s the best way to keep cool whilst still looking businesslike?

For her
Many women spend the winter months in the corporate uniform of a black suit. Lighten up for summer by switching to suits in light grey, pewter, stone or camel instead. If you have to wear a jacket for work then one with bracelet sleeves is a cooler alternative and looks current. When temperatures soar, be aware of the fabrics of your clothes and how they are cut.

Cottons and linens are great options for staying cool but you do need to be prepared to look after them with regular pressing and trips to the dry cleaners to ensure you look pristine. If you’re off to an important presentation or interview and want to make the perfect first impression then consider wearing a light-weight wool suit; it won’t show the creases and will keep its shape all day.

Tight fitting clothes will crease more easily in the heat whilst loose-fitted clothes will be more comfortable and elegant.

If you’re not wearing a jacket then your top should always have a sleeve. They can vary in length from cap to ¾ length, but the cardinal rule is that they should never finish at the widest part of your arm. Under no circumstances should you show any hint of your cleavage or midriff. Tights really do look better than bare legs; go for a natural shade in as low a denier as you can afford. If it’s a very hot day and you can’t face tights, then a pair of cotton or linen trousers will help to keep you feeling cool.

Finishing touches will make or break your working wardrobe. Slingbacks, peep-toe and woven leather shoes will offer some ventilation and help to keep your feet cool. A heel, whether it’s a comfortable wedge or stack will also help to lengthen your leg.

For him
When it comes to a summer working wardrobe, men often feel that they get a raw deal. Dark grey, navy and charcoal suits are perfect in the winter but are too heavy for the summer, opt instead for ones in medium grey, pewter or taupe. At all costs avoid the temptation to go for a cream linen suit unless you want to be mistaken for the ‘Man from Del Monte’. When you do make the transition from your winter to summer suits remember to have the ones you’ve been wearing for the past few months dry cleaned (and don’t leave them hanging in the plastic bag).

Under no circumstances should you ever wear a short sleeved shirt under a suit jacket. Roll up your sleeves to just under the elbow instead. Woollen socks should be swapped for cotton ones in the same colour as your trousers or shoes; they should be long enough to ensure that no flesh is on show when you cross your legs.

Of course what you wear will be dictated by where you work. It will also depend on whether you work in a client facing position or if you’re tucked away in an office. If in doubt it’s always best to be slightly over rather than under dressed and don’t be afraid to ask for guidance from your manager either.

For everyone
Consider leaving a small wardrobe of appropriate clothes in the office, while you travel to and from work in a more relaxed style. There’s nothing worse than getting stuck on a broken down bus or train and then having to rush into a meeting when you’re feeling less than pristine. This is also a great way to cope with the summer heat if you work in an air conditioned office where it can be really chilly.