Sticky situation: The weather!

The heat is on and off come the layers.

The thermometer rises and down come the dress codes.

Whether it is well above 35 degrees Celsius without the humidex or well below 35 degrees Celsius with the wind chill, your client wants to look at you and see the three Cs; confidence, credibility and coherence with what you can do for him or her.

We dress for our client, no matter what temperature your favorite weather person is announcing.

Solution(s): 10 dos and don’ts to guide you as you select your clothes on those sticky sunny summer days:
 

Dos

• Respect your company's summer dress code and stick to it. When in doubt, find out from HR. For example, are bermudas appropriate? It is better to ask than to have colleagues talking behind your back or being sent home to change.

• Always consider your position and the company you represent before putting on a garment. When you hesitate, "Should I, shouldn't I?" remember that doubt generally means don't. This includes images or writings on tops. They should be in line with your employer's values. Avoid cute vacation sayings like "I'd rather be on the beach," even on casual Fridays. They may leave clients questioning your credibility and dedication to his account.

• Ladies, validate hemlines and cleavage with the "Hand-high & Hand-low" rule. Place your thumb at the bottom of your neck. Let your hand gently drop. Where your pinkie ends is the deepest cleavage acceptable in the workplace. Place your pinkie at the top of your knee and let your hand drop. Where your thumb ends, is the shortest hem acceptable.

• Cover your shoulders, even a bolero will do. The sleeveless Michelle Obama or Laureen Harper look is considered cocktail wear.

• Keep a navy or white jacket at the office for all those last-minute meetings or activities with big boss or clients. It will professionalize any summer office look while taking the chill away from the air conditioning.

Don’ts in 5 Bs

• Beach wear: sundresses, shorts, cargos, bathing suits (some people try to get away with a visible bikini top or board shorts), sunglasses (even if you are the next Lady Gaga) and flip flops (they are noisy, your toes could be considered too much information and your feet may smell after you come back from a lunch walk in the sun).

• Barbell wear: muscle shirts, lululemons, sweatpants or shirts, headbands, running shoes, ball caps and white socks. 

• Bar wear: anything spandex, sparkly or transparent.

• Boudoir wear. Victoria’s Secret should remain a secret.

• Go without Blush. According to the American Economic Review, women who wear subtle make-up earn 30% more than women who go without.

To avoid being in a sticky summer attire situation, before you leave home do the "Mirror test." Stand in front of a full-length mirror and ask yourself: "If number one client calls me at 11:45 a.m. for an impromptu lunch, am I dressed appropriately?" If the answer is "Yes," turn around and off to work you go. If the answer is "No," turn around and back to your closet you go to pick clothing that will broadcast confidence, credibility and coherence for your client and colleagues.

As published in the Huffington Post Canada.