When you think corporate attire, people usually have black and white suits in their minds. It is my goal to break this tradition and urge workers to have a bit of fun with their wardrobes by adding colour as a way to make the most out of the vibrant summer days.
First rule of thumb is to wear something light and breathable. Stay away from thick heavy fabrics because there is nothing worse than being uncomfortable and bogged down when the heat starts to rise.Cotton always does well in this department. Thankfully this season, corporate attire can get away with more flowing designs, with constructions that don't hug too much around the body. If you would like to sophisticate your look more, a fitted jacket or vest will certainly enhance that.
After sorting out the foundations, it is now time to add colour. The stereotypical idea of black and closet needs to be broken first. Although it is a safe option, it does not scream summer fun. For dresses, choosing bright and funky shades will go down well. Tangerine, mint and leamon yellow are all highlights to choose from this season, as well as your shopping basket!
Black or white jackets are never fail choice and go well with anything. If you have not got a summer jacket, now is a good time to invest in one as it is light in weight and cooler to wear. Of course we can never predict the weather, so if the temperature is lower than your preference then you can always switch to your winter jacket. Seeing as we are talking about summer corporate attire, there is a variety of
corporate outerwear that will have you stand out from the crowd in the central business district. Inspiring new cuts remain dynamic yet sophisticated, fitting the body well like a good jacket should. Capes and long cardigans are also prominent but make sure when wearing it, that your dress or blouse is fitted as this will allow your outerwear to move, giving it elegance. Jewellery and accessorising always add something a little bit extra but I personally find that heavy, chunkier items can be uncomfortable and often substitute it for a light summer scarf.
For men, corporate attire typically includes a suit and tie and may mean it is a little more difficult to find retailers that experiement with colour. They may not be as bright as the ladies, but beige, grey and light blue are colours which can be taken into consideration if you want to move away from black or navy this year. Playing around with patterned or coloured shirts can really enhance a corporate outfit as well as ties. Cuff links have also become a cool accessory for men in recent years, with many quirky designs to suit the taste of any man.
Work is usually never fun when stuck in an office knowing there is the sun and surf to take advantage of. So try and make the most of summer by experiementing with different styles and combinations of dress to liven up the workplace. Choosing light and comfortable garments with a dash of colour is all it takes to have you standing out from the sea of black suits on the streets.