Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Read the Rulebook
Before showing up for work in a sleeveless top, consult your company's code of conduct or dress code. While there are lots of offices that allow a more lax style of dress during the humid months, many do not. It's not uncommon for workplaces to require hosiery be worn, no shorts above the knee, and shoes that have closed toes and heels. Sleeveless tops in the workplace are another one of those iffy areas, so make sure it's not a no-no first.
Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Cover Your Bases (and Your Biceps)
Even if sleeveless tops aren't mentioned in the company handbook, your employer may prefer they're not worn. If possible, ask a supervisor for some clarity in advance. Going to someone senior will help you determine whether or not you have a right to bare arms.
Hedge your bets by bringing a jacket or summer-weight sweater. You'll be able to dress up your appearance quickly, just in case there's an impromptu meeting. This versatile cardigan from Old Navy has adjustable sleeves and a removable belt, making it easily customizable to your outfit and the central air.
Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Keep it Professional
Sleeveless doesn't mean sloppy. Keep your basic tanks at home. Sleeveless tops should be just as modest as any other blouse you'd wear to work. Stay clear of spaghetti straps, low-cut necklines, low-hanging sleeve openings and open backs. Check out these examples from Ann Taylor for work-appropriate sleeveless blouses.
Ann Taylor - Cotton Ruffle Shirt
Ann Taylor - Silk Charmeuse Blouse with Neck Ties
Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Be Bare
It goes without saying that tattoos are generally inappropriate for work. For most women interested in tattoos, this means choosing areas of the body that are easily covered up. In the warmer months, however, these spots may be less covered than usual. Think twice about wearing a sleeveless top to the office if you're sporting some ink; even if you work in a developing field like gaming or social media, tattoos can affect how professional you seem to colleagues.
Tips for Wearing a Sleeveless Top to the Office
Be Hygienic
If you're going sleeveless, make sure you'll stay cool. Wear a deodorant with antiperspirant, and be sure there are no offending marks at your sleeve openings. One stray overhead stretch will show off all your underarms' secrets, so make sure they look neat and clean. Though there are no specific regulations about whether shaving is necessary, exposing skin on your legs or underarms while unshaven is generally considered a faux pas. Shaving your underarms in the summer will also keep you cooler, help your deodorant go on more smoothly, and produce less sweat.
Published by Jillian McCoy
I'm a freelance writer and college student based in Philadelphia. Though I'll write just about anything as a "pen for hire," I specialize in short-form content written for the web. Some of my favorite subj... View profile
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4 Comments
Post a CommentWell-written
Thanks for the tips! Living in Florida in the heat of summer makes it almost a necessity to wear a sleeveless top to the office!
Great article, very tactfully written as well! :)
Nice play on words: "right to bare arms." This is a topic where gender, of course, makes all the difference: wife-beaters violate 99.9% of all employee handbook dress code policies. :)