The Top

When you're thinking of starting a job in summer, one of the things that comes to mind is wearing a shirt that keeps you cool. Who wants to be walking around in 80 degree weather, plus humidity, drenched in sweat? Not me! The top 2 fabrics for keeping you cool while staying in business protocol are linen and cotton. Linen is a great choice for women. It can look great tucked in with a belt, or out and loose. Women can find these shirts in tank top, short sleeve, or long sleeve forms.

For men, the work place has a more traditional vibe when it comes to dress. If you work in a creative environment men might be able to get away with a linen shirt on casual Fridays, but sticking with a long sleeve cotton shirt is your best bet. Like the one pictured, they come in all sorts of patterns and colors. Don't be scared to branch out from the normal whites, navies, and blacks!

The Bottom

Although the color of these two pieces are great for summer attire, let us shift focus to the fact that they are both unconventional ways of wearing “work appropriate" bottoms. Long gone are the days of suit pants and pencil skirts. Young adult culture is paving the path of chic business attire. For women this means skirts, skirts, and more skirts. The example above shows a piece that could be paired with a linen shirt or tank top, making this outfit sweat resistant at 80 degree temperatures. It is also still corporate suitable, because it hits the knees! Remember ladies: never wear anything too short or too tight!

Now men, I know what you must be thinking…colored pants?! No way! Just hear me out for a second: Summer is all about being fresh and taking a new spin on things. Colored pants are the perfect way to make your everyday, boring office job a little livelier. Pair with your new cotton shirt and you're almost at a full new outfit!

The Shoes

The number one compliment I always get on my outfit is, “I love your shoes! Where did you get them?". This just goes to show that even though they are all the way on the ground, shoes still matter (or even matter most!) Shoes can be the one piece that ties together your whole ensemble. You need to make sure that your shoe's formalness or casualness matches that of your top and bottom. For ladies, an open toe sandal with a kitten heel can be formal. This way your toes get a nice breeze, and they aren't suffocated the whole day at work. Another option is the ballet flat. The example above is a twist on this classic. With adding an ankle strap, you add an element of sophistication, so the shoe is more than what you wore to ballet when you were 5 years old.

For men, there are also many different choices you can make based on what your outfit is. A timeless classic is the Oxford shoe. The Oxford shoe can have a square or rounded toe, but most young professionals are opting for the square. They come in two-toned colors, but in the office I would suggest sticking to the one color option. Another option for men is buck loafers. With boat shoes on the rise, designers came up with a more formal style to this preppy option. These could easily be paired with your new colored pants for a young and professional feel.

The Accessories

Men, I am starting with you this time. Say goodbye to your thick ties and say hello to skinny. Skinny ties are becoming the new classic. They are sleek and professional. Many college grads and students are opting for this choice; don't be the last one to know about them!

Ladies, when it comes to accessorizing, being minimal is key. Those statement necklaces might be fun for date parties, but when it comes to working you don't want to be showy. Single pearls, or diamond necklaces and earrings, will say a lot more about your character than a $25 Charming Charlie's matching set. Another accessory that is key for your outfit is the purse. Finding the perfect handbag can be one of the hardest tasks. You don't want to show up at your first day of work with an outdated briefcase, but you also don't want to show up with your small purse, carrying your pen and paper in your hand. Many companies like Kate Spade make purses that double as briefcases. They are the new and fashionable way to carry all of your belongings.