I know how tough it is to stay stylish on most summer days. Especially for the hustle and bustle weekdays at the office or running about town. And here in Houston, our summer afternoons are currently averaging 103 degrees. Yikes! 🥵 So this week’s style hack is all about rocking a 'breezy' camp collar or short sleeve print shirt to the office. It’s actually much easier than you think. So let's get right into it.
1. Layer with an Undershirt - Part of what makes this shirt style feel inappropriate for business is it’s plunging neckline. But…the solution is quite simple. Just layer with an undershirt. Personally, I prefer a sleeveless dri-fit tee with a snug fit at the neck. Don’t own one of those? No problem. Simply grab one of your inexpensive plain tees, and cut the sleeves off with a pair of scissors. You’ll thank me later. Haha! 😉
2. Strategic Pattern - The second reason you’ re subconsciously avoiding this style take, is likely the vibrant colors and prints that are quite common with this shirt style. And I hear you. They can sometimes be inappropriate, or completely over the top for business. So choose wisely, and stick to subtle understated patterns without large graphics or loud colors. If it feels questionable, then it probably isn’t worth the risk. Go with your gut!
3. Traditional Dress - Since you’re sporting an unorthodox short sleeve shirt, you’ll want to add some traditional office wear to balance things out. I strongly recommend a pair of dress trousers over a pair of jeans. Darker trousers like Black or Navy, are typically easier to work with, but lighter neutral colors like grey or khaki work great too. A slim belt is an accessory option, but totally up to you. For footwear, lace ups, chelsea boots, loafers or any other pair of dress shoes will work quite perfectly.a pair of dress trousers over a pair of jeans. Darker trousers like Black or Navy, are typically easier to work with, but lighter neutral colors like grey or khaki work great too. A slim belt is an accessory option, but totally up to you. For footwear, lace ups, chelsea boots, loafers or any other pair of dress shoes will work quite perfectly.
4. Accessorize Properly - You already shouldn’t be doing this, but it wouldn’t help if you stroll into the office with preschool back pack and a pattern short sleeve shirt. You want to show the rest of the crew you mean business, and that you’re no slouch. So take a moment to hunt down a stylish slim leather folio, briefcase, or tablet case, whatever your work typically calls for.
And that's it. I hope you’ve found this one useful, and this get up is quickly becoming part of my weekly style uniform. I find it to be a fun way to stay cool in our hot humid summers, without sacrificing style and sophistication and even better it’s an effortless transition to your favorite local bar. Now, don’t you just love that?!
But hey, the rest of the Gang and I are cranking away and working hard on summer style content, so take this as an invitation to submit your style request, and what you'd like to see next. Simply drop a comment below.📮
