Is it hot enough for you?

Yes, we’re in the middle of summer, which seems to get hotter every year.  No wonder we’re all trying to dress lighter as we head out to work. That’s why many employers relax their dress code policy between Memorial Day and Labor day.  But how do we make sure we don’t blur the line between summer casual and summer sloppy?

Here are some cautionary tips.

Don’t Show Too Much Skin (both sexes).

Belly – Under no circumstances should you expose your belly area at work.  Look in the mirror.  Yes, that top covers your middle.  Now reach above you as if retrieving something from a high shelf.  Are you still covered?  What if you bend over to pick up something from the floor, is your lower back exposed? Just because everything is covered when you’re standing up straight, doesn’t mean you aren’t flashing skin when you move.  So make sure.

Ladies, same goes for that hemline –  Just because it’s modest when you’re standing, doesn’t mean you’re not showing me waaay too much upper leg when you sit down or are going up the stairs, or reach down for something.  So do the same test as for belly exposure above.

Let’s talk necklines –  Guys, I don’t need to see all that chest hair, keep that shirt buttoned-up as high as needed.  Ladies, your co-workers don’t need to see your cleavage when you’re standing there or when you bend over to add paper to the printer.  Save it for after work.

Transparency – It may be good for government, but not for work clothes. No one should know the color or shape of your undergarments.  If they do, then your clothes are either too see-through or too tight.

Footwear (both sexes).

If you’re going to wear sandals, please groom your toes.  If you don’t know what that means, stick to closed-toe shoes.

Eva’s absolute no-nos.

No flip-flops. Torn, frayed jeans. Tank tops on guys.  Stained, wrinkled or otherwise unclean clothes.

Lastly, I’ll let you in on a secret.  Management is very uncomfortable enforcing dress code rules and often will send out “reminder memos” about the policy when someone is dressing inappropriately.  If that happens, you could be the culprit.  Look in the mirror, ask for someone’s opinion. Check with your manager.  Then, adjust, and stay cool and professional.

©Copyright Eva Del Rio

Eva Del Rio is creator of HR Box™ – tools for small businesses and startups. Send questions to Eva@evadelrio.com