This past weekend in New York City, the temperature almost reached the 80 degree mark. That was enough to encourage the last winter hold-outs to pack away their heavy coats and gloves. Most of us need to just air out our lightweight clothes of summer before they will be ready to go. Given the state of the economy, during the upcoming warmer months, comb through your closet and take extra caution to choose more conservative office wear.

 

We already have seen that in tough economic times businesses suddenly become more conservative. They are more cautious in their hiring decisions; they tighten their budgetary belts; they ignore the rosiest of planning scenarios. In a similar way, most businesses expect their employees to adopt more conservative behaviors, including wearing more conservative outfits to work.

 

Gentlemen who are reporting to an office—even one that promotes a business casual dress policy—should plan on wearing slacks made of quality fabric. (Khaki slacks are fine. Jeans are never appropriate.) Shirts should also be made of quality fabric and be pressed with light starch. In some cases, golf shirts may be appropriate. Where they are, make sure they are spotless. I always recommend that gentlemen keep a “just in case” tie and blazer in their offices. Those two items allow gentlemen to quickly transform a business casual outfit into one that is more conservative.

 

Ladies, one of the real challenges we face is a larger number of clothing options. The reality is that more options increase the opportunities for us to make mistakes. This summer, in particular, don’t even think about wearing a sundress into the office. Instead opt for skirts or slacks and blouses made of quality fabric. (Quality cottons, linens, silks, and wool blends all work.)  And like the gentlemen, when in the office, make sure you always look crisp and pulled together.

 

Dressing in a slightly more conservative manner will help communicate that you are serious about both your work as well as your appearance. This summer, opt for outfits that shout, “I am a serious professional.”