From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Tyrina Talks Fashion
Beat the Heat - Corporate Cool
By Tyrina Neely
Apr 7, 2011 - 12:32:17 PM

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Donna Morgan Dresses


It’s just April and it’s almost impossible to beat the heat. If the thought of reaching for your business suit makes you break out in a sweat, then read on. You don’t have to don a blouse and skirt suit to fall in line with your office’s corporate dress code. Whether a classic dress or great separates, staying cool and corporate is a simple task when you work with colours and fabrics designed to beat the heat.

Jersey Dresses

One of the best features of a great cotton jersey dress is little-to-no ironing. This fabric is not the lightest, but given it’s stretch capability and level of comfort it’s great for summer wear with the right silhouette. A straight shift dress or a wrap dress with a conservative V-neckline are two great options.

No worries about putting together a top and bottom that complement each other, just pull out your comfy, flattering jersey dress, pair it with some neutral heels and you’re out the door. Stick with jersey dresses with sleeves, a three quarter sleeve is flattering for those who are a little conscious of their arms, but still cool and comfortable.

Corporate dresses are getting a little funky and trendy with floral, tribal and geometric prints to boot. Shy away from exceedingly bold colors and prints unless your corporate dress code leans to the creative side.

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Office Seperates


Separates

For those who gasp at the thought of wearing a dress at the office or an important business meeting, pairing cool, lightweight separates for a pulled together office look should be more palpable.

To be on the safe side, shy away from completely sleeveless blouses unless you’re layering them with a cropped cardigan. Stick with at least a cap sleeve or a three quarter sleeve.

Shelve many of your darker separates for the next few months and incorporate lighter colours into your summer office wardrobe. Pale pinks, white and neutrals such as tan and olive are cool, light and are able to be paired with just as many colours and prints as your traditional black and navy pieces. Do remember that darker colors traditionally convey authority and lighter ones friendliness  - balancing the two such as pairing a crisp white blouse with a navy pencil skirt is cool, appropriate and authoritative for the office.

Skirts can be your best friend for summer office wear. If it hits below the knee, you can even get away with tossing your pantyhose, an extra layer of insulation you can do without during the summer months. If you feel obligated to wear pantyhose with your skirts, opt for sheer, flesh tones instead of opaque dark colored ones that absorb heat. The most common skirt silhouettes are A-line and pencil options.

A-Line Skirt

The term A-line was coined in 1955 by Christian Dior to describe the flared silhouettes in his collection. A line skirts are fitted at the hips and gradually flare toward the hemline.  This silhouette is universally flattering on smaller and larger frames.

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Office Skirts


Pencil Skirt

Christian Dior often referred to this silhouette as H-line. Definitely more sleek and sexy than the A-line skirt, pencil skirts are narrow and slim fitting.

Both skirt silhouettes work beautifully for the office. Make sure your skirt fits well, but is not too tight that it is uncomfortable to move and walk in all day.

Just like you tone down your make-up regimen for the approaching summer, your wardrobe should be lighter and more comfortable to get you through the heat as well. Shedding pantyhose, and sticking with easy wear dresses and separates are a good way to beat the heat.





Tyrina Neely
Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com . Visit www.primadonasales.com



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