Summer is here and yet the pandemic is mercilessly continuing on with new waves of COVID-19 (thank goodness for masks and vaccines), but certain restrictions continue across the globe. As some of us start to head back to work in this tricky situation, here’s three do’s and don’ts for your summer workwear essentials. 

Don’t wear flip-flops! As much as we like to feel like we’re on a vacation (or a staycation in this case), please don’t ever wear flip-flops to a corporate workplace. It looks sloppy and underdressed. It also sends across the message that you’d rather be anywhere else but the office. Wear flats instead if you really want some comfort at work. Ballet flats or kitten heels work well for women and loafers work well for men.

Don’t wear shorts! It’s not about how dressy it looks or the length, but shorts are never office appropriate. It’s better to wear black jeans or dark jeans instead (stay away from ripped jeans as those won’t look nice at work). You can still look polished at work if you wear jeans with a nice shirt as long as it’s not a t-shirt. If it is a t-shirt, make sure it’s a solid color and wear that with a blazer or jacket of some sort to make your outfit look more formal.

Don’t leave your hair messy! Do it up. You don’t want to look like you just got out of bed and don’t care about the way you look. If you think about it, it does kind of matter to an extent at work as people will think that you don’t care about yourself since you’re not even bothering to take care of your hair, so why should they care about you as well? You need to show that you’re willing to make the effort to look presentable and prepared for work, no matter how tired you are or how bad you feel about the pandemic (the pandemic does seem to be taking a toll on everyone’s minds, but what better way than to focus on something else like yourself?) Take care of yourself and do your hair up in whatever way you like or in a way that you normally do up your hair. It could be as simple as adding a headband or combing your hair. You’ll automatically feel better about yourself instantly by doing this simple act of self-care.

Summer is here for a while now and these three ways will help you feel and look your best right now even with a mask on. Try them out and see for yourself. Here’s to a better summer than the year before and to a brighter future ahead.