Oh the weather outside is… frightfully hot. On days like this, all you want to do is throw on a tank top, pair of shorts, cute sandals and head out to the beach. Except (sorry to burst your bubble), it’s actually Monday morning and you’re deciding what to wear to work. And beachwear—although it might seem weather appropriate—is not suitable for the office.

So now you’re stuck digging through your closet to see if there’s anything worth wearing to work, all the while thinking how great it would be if you could just show up in casual clothes. 

Surprisingly, you can—if you’re in a certain industry, that is. “There isn’t a set guideline for office wear across all industries,” says Jennifer Brown, CEO of Jennifer Brown Consulting. Creative industries are so relaxed in their office environments, she explains, that a nice pair of flip-flops might work. 

With any outfit, “be careful about exposing the wrong B’s: bust, back, belly, behind and bra straps,” says Sarah Bentley, Sales Leader from the Tom James Company, a manufacturer and retailer of custom clothing. 

In general, for women in business at any level, anything ripped or torn, anything with writing on it, strapless tops or spaghetti strap tops, flip flops instead of sandals, mini skirts and shorts – all may be “on the edge,” and possibly inappropriate. “If you’re not sure, you might want to check with Human Resources to see if the company has a dress policy, or just get anecdotal information from Human Resources on what your company deems appropriate or inappropriate for work,” Brown advises.

When in doubt, layering is your best defense. Consider buying articles of clothing that you could layer on top of another piece. If you have a cute sleeveless shirt, throw a short sleeve cardigan over it to make it work for the office, suggests Brown. If you wear a casual cotton dress, make it feel different by adding a light sweater, accessorizing with a big belt and topping it off with a chunky necklace. 

In determining what’s fitting for your office, Brown suggests shooting for the middle ground. Take your cue from senior women in the organization. Notice and pay attention to how those women dress and where they draw the line.

It’s also really important to know your industry. For example, in media companies or public relations agencies, “Look is part of the professional value,” says Brown. You need to look hip and dress like the people you’re selling to. You’re also thinking about your customers and anybody that you interface with from outside your firm. “The whole concept of dress is to mirror people and take it one step up in terms of formality,” Brown notes.

In industries like finance where the dress code is still very buttoned up, don’t push the envelope too much—or just know when to push it. “It’s about choosing the right moments to show off your style—like at an office holiday party,” says Brown. But when you’re in the office, you want to come across as someone who takes her work seriously and someone who others can count on.

 
Final Advice:

“There should be a delineation between your “going-out” attire and what you wear to work,” says Brown. “People will make a decision about you the first 30 seconds they see you,” reminds Bentley. So even in very casual environments, it’s still important to make sure you look polished and ready for work. Save the beachy look for the weekend!