For Immediate Release
Contact:
Ginger Vaughan
(ginger@quinnbrein.com)
206-842-8922
Local business style consultant gives tips on dressing to beat the heat and look professional in the business casual office
In Seattle, “business casual” is the mantra of most companies when it comes to dress, but what does that mean? If you’re like most professionals, the definition is unclear.
According to Bill Hoffer, a local image and fashion consultant who specializes in working with business professionals, ‘business casual’ can mean a variety of things. However, it’s usually safest to focus the wardrobe on pants and skirts made of lite-weight wool, linen, or cotton and open-collared sport or polo shirts,
“During the dot-com boom, work environments that encouraged casual dress became more prevalent. Sometimes this definition became extremely lax with jeans, shorts, and T-shirts becoming acceptable. Casual work dress is losing popularity though. It’s been proven that workers are more productive when they dress up,” said Hoffer.
The summer months create their own challenges. As the temperature heats up, office workers, especially those is ultra-casual Seattle, have a tendency to trade in dress shoes for sandals, pants for shorts. Hoffer thinks this is bad for business.
“The truth is when you dress well, you feel good. The people you deal with are more likely to sense your confidence and treat you better. Dressing at work like it’s a day at the beach will not earn respect or credibility,” said Hoffer.
When the mercury is high, here are five tips from Hoffer that will help you stay cool while maintaining a professional image in a business casual environment:
1. Dress in all-natural fibers.
Clothes made out of these materials are light and breathable, which will help keep you cool. Linen and microfiber pants are also good choices.
2. Keep it short and silky.
Short-sleeve tops in materials like silk and cotton are a must for every professional woman’s closet. Sleeveless is generally a no-no unless matched with a lightweight
jacket.
3. Men: leave the tie at home. “It’s amazing how much cooler one can feel by simply slipping off the tie and opening the collar,” said Hoffer.
4. Play with colors. When people think of business attire, dark colors often come to mind. Hoffer encourages his clients to delve into the palette and find what works best for them. In the summer, wearing lighter colors can also keep you cooler.
5. Cover up. Even in the summer, a jacket can be a professional’s best wardrobe friend. A light jacket can protect you from the sun and add an extra bit of polish to your image.
ABOUT BILL HOFFER
With close to two decades experience in the fashion industry, Bill Hoffer is an expert at creating tailored, fashionable, and sophisticated looks for his clients. His services include one-on-one style and fabric consultation, personalized designs, and professional alteration and sewing. His business, Wardrobe Design, works with clients throughout Western Washington.
More information on Hoffer and the work done through Wardrobe Design can be found at www.wardrobedesign.net.