heatwave office dressing gone wrong: 5 things to leave at home

When the temperature outside starts to soar, getting dressed for the office can feel like an extreme sport. Sure, the temptation to swap your workwear for beachwear is real, but before you show up looking ready for a day at the beach rather than a team meeting, it's worth keeping in mind that some office dress code rules still apply… no matter how hot it is indoors. 

The good news? Staying cool and looking professional can work together (sometimes!). Before you reach for your most questionable heatwave friendly outfit choices, here are five things you should leave at home when the office starts feeling more like a sauna. You can thank us later. 

We’re starting with the most obvious attire to avoid, short shorts or mini skirts are a no go when it comes to super corporate office dress codes. The office may feel tropical, but it's still a workplace (sadly not a beach club!). They can make navigating everything from desk chairs to awkward kitchen encounters a little more revealing than intended. 

Instead, opt for tailored shorts (if your workplace allows them) or breezy midi skirts that keep you cool without causing any office mishaps. 

Nothing says ‘I'm mentally checked out and already on holiday’ quite like the unmistakable flip flop slap echoing through the office. While they are perfect for the beach, the pool, or even a quick dash to the shop, they aren't exactly boardroom material. They are super noisy, offer next to no support, and have a way of making every walk to the printer sound like a dramatic entrance (not what you need when walking through a quiet office!). 

There's also the small matter of exposing your feet to whatever mysteries lie in wait on the office carpets (somethings are better left unseen!). If you want to keep cool whilst keeping professional, opt for smart sandals, loafers, or breathable flats instead.  

While the heatwave may have you questioning the need for sleeves, a strapless top may sometimes look more ‘sunbathing on a beach’ appropriate rather than ‘Tuesday morning team meeting’ appropriate. The general rule? If your top relies entirely on hope and elastic to stay in place, it might be better to save for outside of the office. 

Instead, why not opt for lightweight sleeveless blouses, linen shirts (as long as they’re ironed!), or floaty tops with wider straps. That way you'll stay cool, comfortable, and free from any wardrobe related office dilemmas. 

This one may seem self-explanatory, however when a heatwave strikes and you’re not thinking properly anything can happen. If you’re outfit wouldn’t look out of place on a beach, it’s probably not suitable for that Monday morning meeting you’ve got coming up.  

Any type of swimwear? An absolute a no go, sorry to disappoint. Beachwear is designed for doing absolutely nothing except for relaxing, and while that sounds ideal to all of us, most workplaces still require emails, meetings, and the occasional awkward corridor conversation. Let’s keep those looks for where they’re intended, the beach. 

Linen in a heatwave? The idea sounds great, but the reality is that you’ve just signed up to looking like you’ve been folded into a drawer, slept in, and then wrung out five minutes before your morning meeting.  

Yes, linen is breathable however it also tends to arrive at work already looking exhausted. By the time you’ve sat on the train, made a coffee, and opened your laptop, it’s somehow developed more wrinkles than your entire inbox. 

If you do wear it, you’ll either have to embrace the creases or make sure you invest in the kind of iron that could power a small village. 

looking your best in a heatwave 

If you want to ensure that you look your best, even when the mercury rises, the best-kept secret is a good night’s sleep.  Unfortunately, that isn’t always easy to do during a heatwave. 

Now that your office wardrobe is sorted, let’s get your sleep in check with our top tips on how to sleep when it’s hot. 

Until next time, eve sleep.