Workplace

The dog days of summer bring with them dilemmas about what to wear to the office, said the Associated Press. Many employees, particularly those in their first job, seem to have trouble distinguishing acceptable office attire from what they wear to the beach, to the bar, or to bed. In response, even laid-back employers unleash the fashion police. By creating a dress code—“something that every business has the right to do”—companies can make expectations clear without having to single out specific cases. Make such guidelines as specific as possible. “If you want to allow workers to wear shorts, you should make clear how long they should be, and if you are banning cut-offs, say so.”

Dress code or not, employees should err on the side of conservative attire, said Elizabeth Wellington in The Philadelphia Inquirer. “Flip-flops—even the $195 equestrian orange Tory Burch thongs—should be worn only on the walk to work.” Wear blouses with sleeves, especially if you have tattoos, and “please wear camisoles under sheer ones.” Lightweight slacks are a better choice for men than jeans or even chinos. If your employer requires a jacket and tie, you can fudge the rules by keeping three blazers at the office in the summer. As for shorts, don’t wear them “unless you are doing manual labor.”

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