Photo: Stock.Xchng

Even with air conditioning, you may find your office getting a little too hot for comfort this summer. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to help you keep your cool this season. Wearing shorts and vests to work isn’t an option for most of us, so read on for some fashion advice for those sweltering days, as well as a few more tips, like staying hydrated, choosing the right office fan, and some great heat-proof cosmetics.

Dress for summer success

The first thing to remember when choosing a summer outfit for staying cool in the office is that many companies have a dress code. Sandals may be out, and short shorts will almost definitely not be an option. If you’re lucky enough to be a self-made millionaire, you can wear whatever you like to work. Most of us aren’t, though, so these tips will come in handy.

You may want to wear as little as possible for staying cool, but what you wear out at night or for a day on the beach will not go down well in the office. Light and breezy florals (and the floral dress is a must-have this season) can be paired up with a smart pair of jeans – dark blue looks best for work – and a pair of low heels that’ll let your feet breathe.

A suit is a staple for every working woman’s wardrobe, and can be dressed up, or down. For the office, wear something light underneath your jacket, and go for cotton, which will let your skin breathe. For night-time, dress it up with a glitzy bag and some great accessories, for the perfect work-to-pub outfit.

Stay hydrated

Photo: Stock.Xchng

It’s easy to get dehydrated in hot weather, and office pick-me-ups like coffee, tea and cola are no help for staying cool. Caffeine acts as a diuretic, so when you drink that cuppa, you’re actually depleting your body of essential moisture. Try to drink between six and eight glasses of water a day. If you really feel like a cup of something hot, drink some herbal tea. This will help keep you hydrated, which will keep your skin looking beautiful, too.

Office fans

It’s a good idea to get yourself a fan for your desk for staying cool if your office isn’t well air conditioned. When choosing a fan, you want to look at something small, and something that’s not too noisy. Energy efficiency is important, too. Draper makes a good range of fans for the office, starting at around £15. As an alternative option, look into getting a Dyson fan. Small fans by Dyson suitable for the office start at under £15.

Make-up

There’s nothing worse than that melted make-up look, so invest in some good waterproof make-up for summer. It’s especially important to use mascara that will stand up to the heat, and a good solid foundation that won’t run under any conditions. Another tip for staying cool: look into getting yourself a spritzer, which will also keep your skin hydrated. Or try making your own, to save a few quid.

Tags: fan, make up