WHAT TO WEAR TO WORK DURING A HEATWAVE

(and what not to)

We never have a problem here. We work mainly with women or gays who don’t mind it if we walk around in skimpy outfits. The exception being Robin our site builder and his assistant Marvin but they’ve been through so many fittings they don’t even flinch when we come in short skirts or sleeveless items.

But what if you work at let’s say, a bank, or you’re a teacher or worse, you’re a man. What in Moses name do you wear on a hot day? Did I say hot day? I meant during a heat wave week?

Do’s

long skirts

Always a good idea. Choose a wide model made of sheer fabrics so your legs can ‘breath’ and wear open shoes underneath. If your skirt is long enough you can slip out of your shoes under your desk and cool your feet against the cold metal drawers.  A short blouse (with a little capped sleeve, better for everyone and more businesslike), a little belt to finish off the style and you’re done.

Dark colors

At least something that minimizes the view of wet patches. Despite it being understandable on a hot day it doesn’t do anything for us. Choose a color that masks and regularly visit the restroom to neatly dry all the nicks and folds.

Open shoes

Whether it’s a sandal or a heel, pick a very open shoe. Furthermore I find slippers a no-go in the office (you might as well pull on your bathing suit),  but an espadrilles on the other hand is acceptable. Flatten the heel for a nonchalant effect and more airflow.

Onepiece

I wrote about this before. The one-piece to me is the perfect cool business mix. It’s nice and loose, no squashes or squeezes and looks perfect. Especially if worn with a little belt wrapped around the middle. Realize that bare doesn’t always equal cool. If you wear a short skirt you have sticky legs to deal with.

Culotte

Ideal for business environments that follow the ‘everything above the knee is restricted’ rule. A neat pair of pants, lose around the buttock area and goed airflow because of the wide vents.

don’ts

Slippers and Birkenstocky sandals or Adidas-slides or Crocs ar any other kind of flat footed misery that hurts the eye. Just don’t. Ever.

shorts

Look, Liesbeth with legs reaching her armpits can flaunt around in her hotpants (we always make an exception for fashion), we’re really very hospitable. But people with real jobs are usually not amused, understandably.

hairs in other places than on your head

I always look on in disbelief when I see a woman raising her arm revealing a bush of armpit hair or hairy legs for that matter. Unheard of, don’t you agree? So if you are planning on baring any of these areas get in the shower and take your razor with you.

too much information

We don’t go to the beach together so I don’t need to see that hidden tattoo or piercing that’s normally concealed beneath a layer of clothing. It’s business remember. Just a few more hours and you can have that glass of wine.

Hi you guys, I’ll get around to you next time. As we still haven’t seen the end of this heat wave.