7 items you should NEVER wear to work in the summer – and why sandals and shorts should always be avoided

The Sun

07-05-2025

AS temperatures rise in the UK, it doesn't mean your style standards should drop.
Being comfortable, dressing appropriately and looking good can be tricky at this time of year, but to avoid getting it wrong there are some key items you should swerve.
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Although we're all thrilled when the sunshine comes out and the warmer weather arrives it can play havoc with your workwear.
Not only do you want to look presentable and office appropriate, you've also got to battle with the icy air-conditioning - or sometimes lack of - and how to avoid embarrassing sweat patches.
But with some simple guidance you can get it right and avoid being sent home or outfit-shamed.
Here, Fabulous ' fashion editor Clemmie Fieldsend reveals the pieces you should avoid when considering your workwear wardrobe during summer.
NYLON
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If you can pick up an item of clothing (be it a dress, top or trousers) and rub the fabric between your fingers and it feels warm - don't wear it.
Man-made fabrics like nylon, polyester and acrylic will make you sweat more than usual as they aren't breathable. And that means your skin can't breathe either, and then you overheat.
Rubbing the fabric together saves you faffing around, turning clothes inside out to try and find a label with the item's material details on.
Lighter fabrics like cotton, silk and linens will keep you cooler for longer and if you sweat, they dry faster.
SANDALS
Aside from the echoing slapping sound that follows you around an office when you walk and the sight of feet (because lets face it no one likes feet), wearing sandals to the office is too casual and actually bad for you.
Those flat as a pancake sandals might be great from shuffling from the sunbed to the pool when you're on holiday, but they can cause long term problems if you wear them too much.
Not only can it mean strain on the tissue between the heel and the toes meaning an increase in musculoskeletal conditions, but can also cause corns and calluses.
Instead wear smart trainers made from natural materials like leather or cotton so that they're breathable and comfortable or pumps for a lighter, more summer look that has a substantial sole.
DENIM SHORTS
When we're at home on a hot day or packing for your holiday abroad, we immediately reach for shorts.
Airy, comfortable and relaxed and a more leisurely look. 'Leisurely' shouldn't be associated with work, it's the opposite.
Not only are denim shorts too casual, if short-short they reveal far too much than we wanted to see.
If you insist shorts being the only summer answer to bottoms (and have forgotten about fluid skirts and trousers ever existed) then make sure they're long and tailored cotton.
AKA Bermuda shorts which are a hit with Hailey Bieber and Gwyneth Paltrow.
CROP TOPS
If the men of Britain get ridiculed for ripping on their tops when there's just a glimpse of sunshine then women who show off their flesh in a crop top face the same scrutiny.
Similar to the blokes, it's too much that we don't want to see. Not to mention it's too casual for an office.
If you think it's going to keep you cool, it doesn't.
The more your skin is exposed and in the sun the hotter you'll feel. If you cover up your skin it's shielded from the light and the heat so you will stay cooler.
GREY
Whilst stuffy grey suits and office wear have mostly disappeared from modern work uniforms, grey is a neutral that lots of people love (and rightly so) but it isn't made for hot weather.
Grey is the one colour that shows sweat the most despite its popularity.
If you're prone to sweating or know you're going to be roasting all day, stick to black, navy blue and cream or white.
If in doubt go with white as it reflects the sun's rays anyway so will keep you cooler and it doesn't contain dyes that will highlight sweat patches.
Prints in lighter hues are also a good idea as patterns disguise sweating, like a striped or floral shirt dress.
BODY CON
Tight, restrictive clothing is the last thing you should be wearing on a hot day.
Your skin needs to be able to breathe throughout the working day and wearing body constrictive clothing can be dangerous.
When heat is trapped the body's built-in cooling mechanisms, like sweating, don't work which can mean your temperature will only rise more and you could faint from heat exhaustion.
Opt for light layers that contours your body's silhouette, for example a cropped blazer creates a defined waist and wide leg trousers that enhance an hourglass figure.
Or wear a shirt dress that has a tailored fit or belt in cotton material.
PYJAMA SETS
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Co-ords of shorts and shirts or trousers and shirts in stripes, ginghams or florals are rife on the high street.
They're perfect for holidays as they're light for packing (and wearing) or for the weekend but not for a professional office environment.
Yes they are everywhere but if you'd feel silly wearing your actual nightwear to work don't take the high streets striped sets that look like PJs to work.
Picture your favourite female powerhouse or CEO. Is she wearing pyjamas? No.
By all means wear light and airy fabrics and colours, just watch your styling and more specifically just don't look like you've rolled out of bed.