There’s always the question of what is appropriate in terms of office attire during the summer months. Let’s face it; when it’s hot as hell outside and when we have such a limited timeframe to wear summer clothes, we sometimes fall into a slippery slope as to what is deemed passable at the workplace. Perhaps what you thought was a perfectly planned outfit shows too much skin, or maybe it’s too casual when taken from the walk to work up the elevator and to the office. We stopped by Mindshare Toronto recently for their Runway Wednesday series, where we learned just how to make office attire appropriate yet cool again and how to work certain trends into the office this summer.
It seems that in some professions, like advertising, “casual Fridays” have transformed to other days of the week as well. In her introduction, MC, French Connection’s Charmain Emerson, VP Marketing, said that somewhere along the way, “smart casual turned into plain casual,” adding that “advertising used to be the best-dressed profession and now it looks like we should all be in classrooms.” The show was hosted by fashion writer and blogger Glynnis Mapp, with clothing supplied by French Connection, and the goal was to “bring back smart casual.” Here’s what we took away from the show:
This Summer’s Fashion Trends in the Workplace:
Floral
The floral trend is as old as the 1960s, but has made a huge resurgence recently – from floral patterned jeans for winter to breezy dresses for summer. Clearly, summer means florals, whether it’s a light Hawaiian-like shirt for the guys (minus the surfer dude wrinkles) paired with khakis, or a light and airy sundress for the ladies. As seen on the models, a neutral, floral lace makes it subtler for the office.
Bright, Bold Blues
Bright, bold blues are hot this season for the guys and ladies alike, and will transfer nicely into fall. As seen on a model, the blue skirt suit is the new power suit for women.
The Classic Polo
Men’s polo shirts have made their way back with relaxed cotton blazers. Horizontal stripes are especially big this season for casual polos – a trend that will likely never fade.
Black and White
Black and white is back this season in a huge way and is dominating runways. A crisp, back and white suit is what Mapp calls a “deal closer” suit, because “black and white together makes you instantly dressed up and professional.” For women, Mapp calls a shift dress a no-brainer for a meeting. The gorgeous French Connection black and white wrap dress is flattering on any figure.
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Mixing Patterns
Mixing patterns is huge this season. Guys, don’t be afraid to mix patterns; you can do it! Mapp advises to use colours that play well on each other, whether it’s gingham, plaid or some other pattern. Mixing patterns can be done subtly with things like ties, pocket squares and socks. Especially for the ladies, the patterned pants trend is here to stay. They are admittedly loud and may be difficult to wear at times where it may be “too much” for a professional setting; a solution is to keep the rest of it simple and let the pants do the talking, as in what Mapp calls “business on the top, and a party on the bottom.”
What’s Appropriate in the Office in the Summer?
– Shorts are too casual. Think of what a client would think.
– Flip-flops are never okay.
– “If you can see through it, over it, or under it, it’s probably a bad idea,” says Mapp. She suggests the middle finger trick: when standing with your hands by your sides, if your skirt is shorter than your middle fingers, it’s too short for the office.
– An open-back maxi dress is usually too exposed for the office; you should wear something on top. Even a jean jacket with a maxi dress makes it more appropriate.
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– Sometimes, however, a skirt may be too short for the office but is made appropriate with the addition of opaque tights. Short skirts can also be “sexed down” with flats.
– If you have a meeting, cover tattoos just to be safe because not everyone appreciates them.
– No socks in the office on men are 9 times out of 10 not office appropriate.
Remember to consider, especially in professions like media, advertising and finance, that an easy day to night transition is important. All it requires is a few little additions like a light blazer or jacket, cardigan, or bringing heels in your bag to swap the flats for a sexier evening look.
Images courtesy of Mindshare Canada