DRESS TO IMPRESS
The raging thermometer cannot be an excuse to come across sloppy and sweaty at your workplace. The reason being, for a corporate newbie in-spite of the spiked heat, the big bosses and top-notch clients will still be making that snap decision about you based on your corporate appearance. So, buck up! Although it can be baffling to mix n’match your summer formals, a few adjustments here and there and a quick trip to the mall is all it will take to get that corporate panache going.
For the masculine lot
The golden rule of summer corporate style that every guy should swear by is – nothing, and we mean absolutely nothing about the way you dress right now should be complicated. The fabric needs be lighter, the cuts looser and statement elements minimal. For the masculine lot at the workplace, the best bet this summer is to keep it clean, light and understated. This sweltering season is not the time to experiment with fabrics, colors, patterns or textures. Remember being well groomed, showered and stain-free are the baby steps every newbie needs to take to crave that niche corporate image. Always make sure that the formals you will be donning are wrinkle-free and stain-free. Your nails sharply cut, hair regularly trimmed above the collar and your shoes and soaks spotlessly polished and stench-free respectively at all times. Invest in a summer-specific lotion, cologne and perfume while always opting for a clean close shave. Avoid layers at all times. Period.
Basic must-haves
Cotton is the magic word this summer. Keep it easybreezy with this fabric for every piece of clothing in your summer wardrobe. Invest in good pairs of crisp cotton shirts, trousers, undershirts and socks. Stick to light colours like white, tan, beige, grey and if you are in the mood to experiment maybe even a lighter shade of turquoise or pale mauve every now and then will do. Steer clear of darker hues such as black, burgundy and the likes, as these shades only absorb more heat than it lets out. For those running on a tight budget, cashing on one well-tailored light-weight and light-coloured summer blazer should suffice for all those emergency boardroom dashes and formal gettogether. And for the one with slightly fatter wallets – opt for light-weight silk, cashmere and linen-cotton. Remember at the end, when it comes to impeccable formal clothing it’s the tailoring, cut and fit that matters more than the fine fabric.
For the feminine lot
Though in comparison, the summer fashion options for the fairer gender are more, the rule of sticking to the basic cotton fabric remains the same. Neat and appropriate comfort clothing is the key. Given the smouldering heat, the daring divas planning to go sleeveless and dressy must remember to keep it classy and strictly business at all times. While opting for sleeveless, depending upon how conservative your workplace dress code is, be cautious and wear your sleeveless tops with ruffles, buttons and collars to add volume. Select dresses and frocks that aren’t too flashy in terms of colours, patterns and detailing.
The length of the clothing irrespective of the weather should be at knee level. While opting for Indian attire such as saree and salwar kameez, go au naturale and opt for pure cotton, light weight/ light coloured fabric adorned with vegetable dye or block print. Foregoing layers of chunky jewellery and accessories like scarfs and cardigans would be a smart summer move. Stack a pair of jacket in your desk, as with the air-conditioning running on a freezing over drive, the transition from the balmy weather outside to your arctic like workplace can get tricky.
"sun-caused dark circles at bay and high SPF sunscreen lotion should take care of your summer skin from getting flaky and dry."
Basic must-haves
Just because its balmy and beachy outside doesn’t mean it should reflect on your work wardrobe. Steer clear from dirty flip-flops, bright peep-toes and towering stilettos; instead invest in a good pair of summer wedges and ballerinas in neutral colours. These footwear are breathable, affordable and can be mix and matched with any outfit without having to wear a stocking or slipping over your sweaty paws. Also, invest in block coloured pants and skirts in breathable fabric and team it with crisp cotton shirts, silk tops and you’ll be good and glamorous to go. A branded pair of shades to keep those sun-caused dark circles at bay and high SPF sunscreen lotion should take care of your summer skin from getting flaky and dry. Remember to keep your make-up light by sticking to skin-toned nude hues. Pancaking your face with layers of make- up will not only block your pores and be extremely harsh on your skin but will also make it impossible to maintain a flawless appearance all day long.
Another thing to strictly avoid would big flowery prints and busy patterns, as they are said to take away from the corporate façade you are planning to project and send a rather casual vibe.
So, get shopping and doll up this summer. Though the right outfit alone might not guarantee that big corporate catch, it will sure set the right tone to getyou there. Team these fashion-forward summer statements with your favourites from that any-weather, any-time closet collection and you will be fashionably covered all summer long.
BUDDING MANAGERS
MAY 2014 ISSUE
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Posted On: Tuesday, 10 June, 2014 - 14:23