Five Tips for Women Wearing Sleeveless Tops in the Office

Nothing is more uncomfortable in the summer than feeling suffocated by your clothes. The heat is out and so is the necessity of staying cool. Sleeveless tops are one way of staying cool in your clothes. Unfortunately, this can be tricky if you work in an office. If your employer doesn't have a strict dress code, don't shy away from the sleeveless top. Here are five tips you can follow when wearing sleeveless tops in the office.

Fitted

Make sure your top is fitted. Loose or baggy tops will make you look casual and even frumpy. Tight tops are just not right, and they are uncomfortable. A fitted top will make you look clean and pulled together.

Modest

Don't let your clothes be a distraction. You are in the office to work and be taken seriously. The sleeveless top can be modest. Find one that has a longer hemline and a higher neckline. Don't let your midriff or your cleavage show. Test out your top: reach for something on a high shelf, and bend down to pick up something on the floor. Are you safe from any clothing mishaps? Don't give anyone reason to talk about you except to say good things about your work.

Ironed

It if can be ironed, by all means, iron it. It if can't, just be sure you are wrinkle-free. Using a hanger to store your top will help keep the wrinkles away. There's nothing more unprofessional than looking like you just stepped out of bed.

Detailing

Sleeveless tops with detailing are great for the office. They add dimension to your attire and can make you look semi-formal. Pick a top with a tie-neck sash that you can tie in a ribbon or a loose knot. Also pick a top with ruffle detailing around the collar and/or down the front. Other great details in sleeveless tops are gathering, ruched, draped, and belts/sashes.

Professional

The sleeveless top can feel unprofessional, so make sure the rest of your attire is. Pair the sleeveless top with slacks or a pencil skirt, a blazer or a tailored jacket you can shrug on and off, and understated accessories like a single gold chain bracelet or stud earrings.

It is a gamble to wear a sleeveless top in the office, but it can be a gamble that pays off. You just have to pick the right top and be smart with how you wear it.