Summer Business Casual for Women?

[Roots&Wings]

Hi, any suggestions for summer women's business casual outfit ideas?

I have to travel to Texas for work this summer (usually only travel for work in fall/winter and work from home otherwise, so have never seen what professional colleagues wear in summer...online searches are yielding unhelpful results). 

Tentatively thinking:
- tan ballet flats (assuming anything open toe is a "no"); or my usual fall/winter black flats
- khaki pants (assuming nice capri's are a "no"); or my usual fall/winter black dress pants
- short sleeve or 3/4 sleeve button down broadcloth polo tops

Any good sites that show examples? Websites like Ann Taylor Loft or Banana Republic seem to show unrealistic (for my field) options like sleeveless tops or dresses.

Suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

[yourusernamehere]

My wardrobe is from this site. Not the exact pieces she chooses, and not this specific one, but I thought this may be an example for you. She does different ones with neutrals and whatnot too.

http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2015/06/summer-capsule-work-wardrobe.html

[Megma]

Aside from the weird printed pants, I think that link looks good.

I often wear tank/sleeveless dresses (but not spaghetti or tube) with a cardigan in the summer. That way my outfit is ok for outside (ie take off cardigan) but not too cold or inappropriate for the office.

In a more casual work environment a dressy, open-toed shoe could be ok (like a nice wedge or similar, not a flip flop). However, for a meeting with clients or something like that, I would not do this. I do this when I'm at the office but don't have meetings with outside folks (but we can also wear jeans on these days...). If you are traveling, maybe you are meeting clients?

I don't think you need to have 3/4 or long sleeves. Short sleeves are ok. I would not wear capris or shorts at all. If you want something less warm than pants, go with skirts or dresses.

[pbkmaine]

Our office dress code was no capris. You need to see what your dress code is and  what others in the office are wearing before buying anything. Finance is very different than IT, which is different than Law, which is very different than the creative professions. Having worked in NYC for many years, you could basically tell what kind of office a woman worked in when you saw her on the street. As far as sleeveless goes, you need a good looking jacket or sweater, because offices tend to be cold. You do not want to be the woman in a sleeveless dress 1) hugging herself, 2) talking incessantly about how cold it is 3) wearing an old moth eaten sweater. This does not make a good impression.

[Roots&Wings]

Our office dress code was no capris. You need to see what your dress code is and  what others in the office are wearing before buying anything.

Our company dress code is business casual (no tank tops, casual jeans, flip flops, etc) and 'use good taste'. Business formal for conferences with clients. This is a business casual event, and unfortunately won't have an opportunity to see what others are wearing in the office (which is 800 miles away) beforehand.

Megma and yourusernamehere, thanks so much for the link and ideas! Yeah, the crazy prints would be a 'no' :)

[Megma]

I do shop at Ann Taylor Loft (Outlet :)) and Banana Republic (Outlet :)) for work though! Which I see you said looked unrealistic to you! You might just need to throw a sweater or jacket over whatever they're showing you.

Also for business trips, I suggest you to over pack by at least 1 outfit for 5 days, this will give you choices when you see what others are wearing, the weather, etc. Finally, I always, always, always pack at least an outfit for the next day in my carry-on in case of lost luggage. You don't want have to rush out and buy panties or a business jacket/dress when you arrive so that you aren't attending a business function in yoga pants.

Good Luck Step-in-Time!

[yourusernamehere]

Ha, those prints are a bit much for me too. I couldn't find it earlier, but this is pretty much what I wear (minus the leopard!):  http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/2014/02/ask-allie-what-to-pack-for-england.html. My tan ballet flats are my go-to shoes.

I think the sweater advice is great too - I find that the AC is usually cranking in the office and then it doesn't feel like summer at all. (I basically wear the same things all year even though winters here are positively brutal and summers can be hot and sticky. Good ol' Great Lakes.) Good luck, and happy travels!

[galliver]

Our office dress code was no capris. You need to see what your dress code is and  what others in the office are wearing before buying anything.

Our company dress code is business casual (no tank tops, casual jeans, flip flops, etc) and 'use good taste'. Business formal for conferences with clients. This is a business casual event, and unfortunately won't have an opportunity to see what others are wearing in the office (which is 800 miles away) beforehand.

Megma and yourusernamehere, thanks so much for the link and ideas! Yeah, the crazy prints would be a 'no' :)

I'm really curious what kind of field makes skirts/dresses not-ok but ballet flats are ok and open-toed shoes are under consideration? My impression (as someone in engineering) being that fields or trips that would require pants would also require some sturdy footwear...

If I had to wear pants, I'd probably look for some that were lighter color and material than what I might choose in winter (I'd probably go for greys, though, but that's because browns are not my color). I would also try to find roomier cuts or shorter lengths than in winter (it's amazing what a little air around the ankles will do!).

Also, my impression has been that sleeveless tops are perfectly acceptable for women and that collars were not required. Though of course there is nothing wrong with a button-down, either.

[Roots&Wings]

I do shop at Ann Taylor Loft (Outlet :)) and Banana Republic (Outlet :)) for work though! Which I see you said looked unrealistic to you! You might just need to throw a sweater or jacket over whatever they're showing you.

Also for business trips, I suggest you to over pack by at least 1 outfit for 5 days, this will give you choices when you see what others are wearing, the weather, etc. Finally, I always, always, always pack at least an outfit for the next day in my carry-on in case of lost luggage. You don't want have to rush out and buy panties or a business jacket/dress when you arrive so that you aren't attending a business function in yoga pants.

Good Luck Step-in-Time!

Ha! Actually, the tops I was thinking of wearing (that I already have...gifts and Goodwill) are from Anne Taylor Loft and Banana Republic like the ones below:

Their websites just weren't showing good summer business outfit examples that I could find, but yes, the cardigan sweater or light jacket over a sleeveless top would also work.

And it looks like dark pants are shown for women business casual in summer too, I'm just having difficulty imagining dark pants (or light pants for that matter) in Texas in summer without becoming a sweaty mess. But hopefully it will be fine :) Thanks again for the help!

[Roots&Wings]

I'm really curious what kind of field makes skirts/dresses not-ok but ballet flats are ok and open-toed shoes are under consideration? My impression (as someone in engineering) being that fields or trips that would require pants would also require some sturdy footwear...

If I had to wear pants, I'd probably look for some that were lighter color and material than what I might choose in winter (I'd probably go for greys, though, but that's because browns are not my color). I would also try to find roomier cuts or shorter lengths than in winter (it's amazing what a little air around the ankles will do!).

Also, my impression has been that sleeveless tops are perfectly acceptable for women and that collars were not required. Though of course there is nothing wrong with a button-down, either.

Yes, I should probably have said my preference would be no skirts/dresses (last time I tried to wear a skirt it became a windy day and was not fun!). Though there will likely be some outdoor visits, super study shoes are not required.

I'll try to find some light, breathable pants. Thanks for the ideas!

[Megma]

That white button down looks nice! I want that! Very unmustaschian thought 😀

Basically in any business appropriate pants your gonna sweat in the summer. I'm in NC where it's 100 degrees and lots of humidity, but everyone else will be sweating too. That's not much comfort I'm sure.

[Roots&Wings]

Hi, I live in Texas.
-Flats are fine. I wear open toed shoes at work, like dressy sandals. The only reasons I would wear closed toe shoes this time of year is if I had to be on my feet all day or worked in a warehouse where it was a safety violation. My feet just get too hot! First thing I would do when I leave in the afternoon is kick my shoes off in the car. Don't judge me.
-Khakis are ok some places, but not others. I always wear regular slacks. Never capris.
-You'll swelter in 3/4 sleeves. However, tanks are a definite no, unless paired with a shrug as someone else suggested.

Thanks JDFW! Any summer slacks recommendations (brand or stores)? Likely this is something I'll have to buy new instead of chance find at a thrift shop. I was thinking something like below with nice belt, but maybe that's too casual.

[Roots&Wings]

Cool, thank you all for the help and advice! Much appreciated...now I can get back to fun things instead of shopping :)

[G-dog]

Watch out for linen, it wrinkles like crazy.
Watch out for lightweight fabrics with spandex (like stretch poplin), especially in light colors, because it shows wetness / sweat like CRAZY. Stretch denim is OK, and likely other heavier fabrics.

Accessorize to spiff up outfits, make a few pieces look like more outfits - jewelry and/or scarves...

Think about shoes to add a pop of color, can still be flats for comfort.

Have a great trip.

[merula]

I typically wear either lightweight slacks or a pencil skirt, with a short-sleeved or sleeveless blouse and a blazer. That way, as previously mentioned, I'm OK either outside or inside.

For pants, look for something thin but not stretchy. My favorites are all acrylic and came from Express around 10 years ago. For pencil skirts, look for ones that fit you well. Too loose and they look boxy, too tight and they look trashy. I'm also pretty particular about where they hit. Never above the top of my knee  when standing, or below the middle of the kneecap. I can completely understand if skirts aren't your style, but they do solve the hot weather problem very nicely and pencil skirts don't have wind issues.

When I wear something sleeveless, it always has a high neckline, which avoids looking too casual and also works well with a blazer. Something like this, and it works with flats or heels.

[Goldielocks]

I am in engineering too and travel all over NA for work, where I spend a day in office or casual dinner meetings the  a day or two in the field measuring workshops and large crew equipment while wearing a vest and steel toes.

Fyi. Texas esp Houston but also Dallas was dressier in office than most other places in NA.  You can tell by all the dress choices in the stores, selection is 10x what I find elsewhere.

Summer weight office dress, not short, with cap sleeves and a bit float is A good choice. Something with pattern or darker that does not show wrinkles, and loose fit because of the climate. And poly blends are more office than anything cotton and beachy.

My go to packing includes brown cotton pants from banana republic, paired with a very new collared polo shirt, cotton short sleeve blouse like you showed, And a dressier top.    Ballet flats, steel toes, And something to go for walks in. The dressier top and dark pants and a necklace or scarf makes people forget you are a bit more casual on the bottom, is easy to pack. I find you sit mostly when you need to wear this.

Men don't have the same footwear dilemmas we do so always pack a pair of walking shoes that look ok with your outfit. Men will say things like 'let's walk the 2 miles to the restaurant (in Houston)'. My ballet flats are actually north face from thrift store. I can walk a few miles in them for sure!

Pack a longer office dress or skirt that you don't need to wear pantyhose with, that is cool, but could go to church with your grandma.  Lol. For Texas only.
Bring a light summer weight sweater for the plane and a/c that fits in oversize purse. Or short sleeve blazer that looks ok with jeans or slacks. Don't wear jeans tho

I bring a second pair of 'crawl on the dusty ground' slacks for my fieldwork, and I don't usually bring a dress because of there being no room for another pair of shoes, unless in full day meetings in corporate office justifies checking a bag.

Dark slack hide dirt and wrinkles while travelling, too.

I hope this helps.

( now ask me about Edmonton at -30!).

[Financial.Velociraptor]

I was an office monkey type in Houston in Oilfield Services.   Other industries may vary.  The women usually wore slacks/khakis or skirts up to just above the knee but not (lookitmeindaclub) above the knee skirts.  Most blouses/polos worked just fine.  Biz/Cas in oilfield services usually meant blue jeans on Fridays but button up front or polo for tops.  T-shirts are out.  Shoes for women varied depending on role.  If you had need to go into warehouse/etc, you needed closed toe.  If you were strictly an office monkey open toed could be justified.

You can probably get away with just about anything in summer months so long as it isn't 'trashy'.   My guess is your concept of biz/cas in [non-houston-location] translates fairly well.  Houston is hot in the summer but it is also heavily air-conditioned.  It isn't uncommon to see people bring a sweater work in summer months because it is chilly to some indoors.

[Roots&Wings]

Excellent, thanks for all the great advice! G-dog, really appreciate the stretch fabric sweat tip! And merula the acrylic pants tip and visual. Super helpful...I could never put together an outfit like that on my own.

Goldielocks, really helpful to hear from someone who travels a lot! Yes, glad it's not Edmonton at -30 (though thankfully I've got the winter layers thing down).

Velociraptor, good to know what you saw women colleagues wear in summer; you made me laugh about avoiding 'trashy'. Kind of like the company guidelines to 'use good taste'. Helpful for people without much fashion interest, though least I know to dress conservatively :)

Just for kicks, I'll check out the thrift store this weekend, and go from there. Thanks again!

[G-dog]

Backstory - I was in DC at a training course in the summer, very hot &a humid. We were walking around town and she had on a pair of poplin stretch capris which developed a huge BUTT CRACK SWEAT MARK!

You do NOT want to be known as the person with noticeable butt crack sweat! That is the sort of info that can literally and figuratively follow you around!