As temperatures soar, best to stay cool
Source: Agencies |
July 13, 2010, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE confinements of office life can be even more frustrating in the summer months. Every lunchtime, workers flock to the nearest green space to catch a few rays before heading back to the air-conditioned environment of the office.
The hot weather, however, can encourage some social faux pas, fashion mistakes and inappropriate behavior.
Jo Bryant, the London-based etiquette advisor for Debrett's, Britain's modern authority on all matters of manners and behavior, knows how to stay cool and professional in a well-mannered way.
It may be boiling outside, she says, but it's inadvisable to wear anything too revealing to work. By all means plunder your summer wardrobe, but leave the low-cut strappy tops and micro-minis for the weekend.
"If the rules are relaxed and there's a dress down day, remember that not everyone was born to wear shorts. It goes without saying that anything patterned, overly baggy or very short should be reserved for the beach."
Opt for open-toed shoes with caution, she says. Invest in a full pedicure before strapping up your gladiators. Flip-flops, unless they coordinate perfectly or are elegantly adorned, are probably one step too casual for most workplaces.
Never wear sunglasses inside, even if your desk is in a bright and sunny position.
Balmy summer evenings encourage plenty of post-work socials, but it's essential to keep your wits about you, says Bryant. Remember, colleagues are always colleagues, no matter how good a friend they may be. Don't over-indulge and damage your professional reputation.
Think very carefully before embarking on a romance or fling with a colleague - especially if you're the wrong side of a chilled bottle of wine. People will talk and you will probably find yourself in a difficult position come autumn.
Equally, never get involved with your boss. The likely outcome is awkwardness and gossip rather than promotion and praise.
Don't brag about holidays and weekends. There's nothing worse than becoming the office bore who has always had the best holiday, craziest summer weekend, etc. Remember, it's likely that your colleagues aren't that interested in your social life.
As the temperatures rise, tempers can flare, especially in hot and crowded public transport. It may be trying, but always try to keep your cool. Remember, everyone's in the same position.
The hot weather, however, can encourage some social faux pas, fashion mistakes and inappropriate behavior.
Jo Bryant, the London-based etiquette advisor for Debrett's, Britain's modern authority on all matters of manners and behavior, knows how to stay cool and professional in a well-mannered way.
It may be boiling outside, she says, but it's inadvisable to wear anything too revealing to work. By all means plunder your summer wardrobe, but leave the low-cut strappy tops and micro-minis for the weekend.
"If the rules are relaxed and there's a dress down day, remember that not everyone was born to wear shorts. It goes without saying that anything patterned, overly baggy or very short should be reserved for the beach."
Opt for open-toed shoes with caution, she says. Invest in a full pedicure before strapping up your gladiators. Flip-flops, unless they coordinate perfectly or are elegantly adorned, are probably one step too casual for most workplaces.
Never wear sunglasses inside, even if your desk is in a bright and sunny position.
Balmy summer evenings encourage plenty of post-work socials, but it's essential to keep your wits about you, says Bryant. Remember, colleagues are always colleagues, no matter how good a friend they may be. Don't over-indulge and damage your professional reputation.
Think very carefully before embarking on a romance or fling with a colleague - especially if you're the wrong side of a chilled bottle of wine. People will talk and you will probably find yourself in a difficult position come autumn.
Equally, never get involved with your boss. The likely outcome is awkwardness and gossip rather than promotion and praise.
Don't brag about holidays and weekends. There's nothing worse than becoming the office bore who has always had the best holiday, craziest summer weekend, etc. Remember, it's likely that your colleagues aren't that interested in your social life.
As the temperatures rise, tempers can flare, especially in hot and crowded public transport. It may be trying, but always try to keep your cool. Remember, everyone's in the same position.
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