Summer Dress Code: Here’s What You Should Avoid Wearing According to an Etiquette Expert

By Moon Harper

Jul 10, 2024 10:39 AM EDT

A photo depicting a relaxed dress code — (Photo : Photo by fauxels)

Summer is the time when people are pushing the boundaries of dress codes due to the warming climate. But what is really acceptable when it comes to tackling the relaxed dress code?

As Elaine Swann, etiquette expert and founder of The Swann School of Protocol, shared with CNBC Make It, setting a standard dress code not only distinguishes employees from clients but also helps set the professional tone of the workplace environment, serving as a nonverbal aspect of professional behavior.

Here's what Swann advises not to wear in the office:

Why You Should Never Put Shorts On

The COVID-19 lockdowns and the prevalence of remote work have made offices significantly more casual in recent years, where ties are now becoming rare, and suits are often seen more as a fashion statement than necessary work attire for many professionals.

Shorts tend to evoke a leisurely atmosphere, says Swann, who believes that wearing shorts can shift one's mindset towards leisure activities and unprofessionalism.

Swann also cautions against women wearing spaghetti-strapped tops to work, although more formal sleeveless tops and dresses might be acceptable depending on their style.

The Power of How You Dress Up

According to a LinkedIn article, power dressing is a choice that communicates confidence, authority, and competence, more than just being a fashion statement that will influence how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.

Swann explains that how we dress aims to set a standard that positions us in a place of authority.

In a survey conducted by Frog Recruitment with 846 employees regarding the appropriateness of wearing shorts in corporate office settings:

35% of respondents believed it was acceptable to wear shorts to work at any time.
34% considered wearing shorts to be "unprofessional".
31% thought it was acceptable to wear shorts on days when there were no client meetings or interactions.

Kirsty Henegan, also from Frog Recruitment, shared with Stuff that workplace dress codes should ideally focus on professionalism, comfort, and the specific nature of the job rather than being based on gender distinctions. Henegan highlighted that the appropriateness of wearing shorts could be influenced by the nature of an employee's interactions with the public or clients. Roles involving frequent face-to-face interactions may necessitate a more formal dress code to uphold a professional image.

Tip on Personal Dress Code

Suppose your workplace does not enforce a strict uniform or dress code. In that case, Swann suggests experimenting with colors and silhouettes that enhance your skin tone and flatter your body shape, encouraging individuals to embrace colors and patterns that reflect their identity and suit their preferences.

Fit plays a crucial role not only in ensuring appropriateness but also in enhancing comfort. Constantly adjusting your clothes can convey discomfort, which in turn may be perceived as insecurity. According to Swann, feeling comfortable in your attire provides a better chance to project confidence.