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Summer Casual Dress Code Do’s and Don’ts

Summer Casual Dress CodeSummer is on the way, and it’s tempting to dress down at work. Here are a seven summer casual dress code do’s and don’ts that will help you be comfortable at work and preserve your reputation.

Summer casual dress code tip number one:

If you put on an item of clothing and wonder, “Can I get away with this?” you probably can’t.

Summer casual dress code tip number two:

Make friends with your iron. Capri’s may be fine in your organization, if they’re not fresh out of the dryer.

Summer casual dress code tip number three:

Never wear flip flops to work, unless it’s specifically stated in your company’s dress code that flip flops are ok, or if a senior leader wears them too. And what are considered flip flops isn’t always clear. I wore what I considered sandals to work, before I started Candid Culture, but they looked like flip flops to my boss, and he told them me not to wear them again. I assured him that there are no flip flops made of satin that cost what I paid for these shoes. He didn’t care, and I didn’t wear them again.

Summer casual dress code tip number four:

No one wants to see your belly button or bra straps at work. Well they might, but neither is appropriate.

Summer casual dress code tip number five:

Avoid wearing anything sheer, unless you have something that’s not sheer underneath it.

Summer casual dress code tip number six:

As always, during winter, spring, or summer, cover up the girls. Visible cleavage is a no-no at work during any season.

Summer casual dress code tip number seven:

Don’t wear shorts, unless your company’s dress code specifically states that shorts are ok. And if you’re going to wear shorts, keep them long, just a few inches above the knee. No daisy dukes at work. This applies to your company picnic too. Work events are work events. Dress knowing that whatever inappropriate choice you make for the company picnic will be discussed in the hallways the next day.

Company leaders and HR professionals, help employees make appropriate summer casual dress code choices. It’s not enough to tell employees to keep it appropriate during the summer months. Be specific. If shorts are allowed, tell employees how long they need to be. If tank tops are not allowed, circulate photos of acceptable and not acceptable clothing. If you allow sandals, but not Birkenstocks, don’t make employees guess.

Summer Casual Dress Code

About 

Shari Harley is the founder and President of Candid Culture, a Denver-based training firm that is bringing candor back to the workplace, making it easier to give feedback at work. Shari is the author of the business communication book How to Say Anything to Anyone: A Guide to Building Business Relationships that Really Work. She is a keynote speaker at conferences and does training throughout the U.S. Learn more about Shari Harley and Candid Culture’s training programs at www.candidculture.com.

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2 Responses to “Summer Casual Dress Code Do’s and Don’ts”

  1. Sarah says:

    Nice blog post. Its good to see that you are sharing your knowledge

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