Shorts, strappy tops and sandals: Can my boss tell me what to wear in summer?

With another summer heatwave potentially on its way, making commutes sweltering and offices stuffy, the question of appropriate summer work attire becomes surprisingly complex. While shorts, strappy tops, and sandals offer coolness, concerns arise about their perceived casualness, revealing nature, or unprofessionalism.

This debate isn't new; Tokyo officials previously encouraged men to wear shorts to work, leading to complaints about visible leg hair in the office. So, what constitutes acceptable workwear, how can one style a summer wardrobe effectively, and can employers dictate what staff can and cannot wear?

**Should Men Wear Shorts in the Office?**

Conor, a media professional, regularly wears shorts to the office during hot weather, stating, "Who gives a monkey's what you wear? If you're able to do your job safely, professionally and appropriately, there's a lot to be said for letting people be comfortable."

Public opinion largely supports this view. An Ipsos poll revealed 62% of adults found it acceptable for men to wear shorts to work in hot weather, with 63% agreeing for women. However, fashion designer Amanda Wakeley clarifies that this doesn't extend to "short-shorts or denim hot pants," advising, "If you're asking yourself whether they're too short, they probably are."

Wakeley considers shorts "the trickiest item to get right in a professional environment," recommending tailored, longer shorts paired with a crisp shirt or lightweight blazer for both genders. Stylist Clare Chambers concurs, suggesting shorts should reach around the kneecap for both men and women. For men, she advises tailored chino-style shorts with an untucked T-shirt or shirt.

**Flip-Flops and Sandals: A Fine Line**

Flip-flops are a definite "no" in most offices, according to Wakeley. "They instantly signal leisure rather than professionalism and can make even the most polished outfit feel underdressed," she explains. Chambers agrees, suggesting woven flats as a more breathable yet foot-covering alternative during extreme heat. Ipsos found almost two-thirds of respondents deemed flip-flops unacceptable for men in the workplace, and 58% for women.

Sandals, however, present a nuanced case. Refined leather sandals can be acceptable in many offices, provided they are clean and well-maintained, Wakeley notes. The key distinction lies in whether they appear as part of a considered outfit or something typically worn by a swimming pool.

Regarding the viral socks-and-sandals trend, Wakeley cautions, "it's important to consider whether a trend aligns with the image you want to communicate professionally." She adds, "This combination can read as highly casual and youthful, which may unintentionally detract from giving you a credible and authoritative presence."

**Bare Shoulders at Work: A Divided Opinion**

Public opinion is split on bare shoulders in the workplace. Ipsos data shows 40% of adults found tank tops or vest tops acceptable for women at work, compared to only 24% for men.

Natasia, a London teacher, recalls being "regularly in the summer months to tell us off about our outfits" at a previous school, including being told to cover her tattoos. She believes, "It should be OK to have your arms out at work especially when it's hot."

Wakeley suggests a well-cut camisole or strappy top can work when layered under a linen overshirt, lightweight jacket, or tailored co-ord, but may appear too informal on its own. Chambers emphasizes wearing a strapless bra with strappy tops, as visible bra straps "utterly kills an outfit." She recommends thicker straps where dress codes are unclear and suggests satin camisoles as a more polished alternative to basic cotton vests. Bandeau tops, despite being trendy, are a "no-go for work" due to the "constant need to keep fiddling to pull them up," which "displays an uncomfortable and unconfident demeanour."

**Dressing for Heat: Smart Choices Over Less Clothing**

Both Wakeley and Chambers stress that personal style doesn't need to be sacrificed when adhering to office dress codes. They offer tips on styling summer clothes for the office, emphasizing that the solution to heat isn't necessarily wearing less, but choosing clothes more carefully.

With climate change expected to bring more severe, frequent, and longer heatwaves to UK summers, employers are permitted to set clothing and appearance standards, especially for legitimate reasons like safety, branding, or maintaining a professional image.

However, employment lawyer Sarah Tahamtani states that dress codes must be "reasonable, proportionate and capable of justification." She advises employers to "consider whether existing requirements remain practical and whether greater flexibility can be introduced" during extreme heat. Employers must also consider employees with disabilities, medical conditions, or other vulnerabilities exacerbated by high temperatures.

An employee who believes a request is unreasonable or inconsistently applied should first address the issue with a manager or HR, explaining how the rule impacts their comfort or ability to work safely.