Summer is making itself felt again, and it's even warmer in the city. While busting out your sleeveless dresses and short skirts seem like the most refreshing thing to do, you've got an office dress code to follow and important meetings to slay. Fortunately, there are many ways you can stay presko and polished. It’s all a matter of tweaking your wardrobe, and finding the right balance between showing a little skin and reaching for breathable, pawis-proof fabrics.Â
Here's how you can survive the heat in style:Â
1. Wear linen piecesÂ
Whether or not you’re pawisin, you’re bound to get sweaty with the extra-warm weather, even when you’re just out to grab lunch. Avoid heading back to your office desk with an uncomfy, sticky feeling by opting for breathable fabrics like linen. This summer-appropriate fabric is cool and airy, so you’ll feel well-ventilated in it. Plus, it absorbs sweat and dries quickly so you won’t have to deal with sweat stains, especially after a long MRT ride.Â
TRY: Undo Clothing Luciana, P2,495, available onlineÂ
TRY: Araw The Line Women's Pleated Trousers Oat, P5,400, available online
Think it's hot outside to be wearing your power suits? A linen version will keep you nice and cool, and polished.Â
TRY: Mango Structured Linen Jacket, P4,995, available onlineÂ
2. Stay cool in wide-legged pantsÂ
Swap your fitted black slacks with a looser, more relaxed pair. The less fabric you have clinging to your body, the more presko you'll feel.Â
TRY: Bershka Wide-Leg Trousers, P1,595, Glorietta, SM Megamall, and more branches here. Â
3. Flash a bit of skin with an asymmetrical topÂ
Rocking a one-sided, off-shoulder top is a classy way to bare a bit of skin at work. To make it even more appropriate for boardroom meetings, team it up with a midi skirt or some wide-legged pants to add coverage to your legs.
TRY: Caoros Ruffled One-Shoulder Top, P1,199.20 (from P1,499), available on Zalora
4. Slip into a shirt dress
Meet your sophisticated alternative to a sundress! Shirt dresses are as breezy as your sleeveless frocks but it delivers the same polished feel you get from a button down shirt. This year-round staple will especially come in handy for when you're feeling extra-lazy to dress up for work.
TRY: Zara Creased Effect Dress, P2,495, available onlineÂ
5. Invest in breathable shoes
While you can't wear your summer sandals in the office, you can slip into a pair of closed-toe shoes that are detailed with holes to allow your feet to breathe. It's the easiest way to look sophisticated without ending up with sweaty, smelly soles.Â
TRY:Â Bershka Braided heeled mules, P3,295, Glorietta 2
TRY: Zara Flat Cage Slingbacks, P2,595, available onlineÂ
6. Reach for midi skirtsÂ
Midi skirts made of light, flowy fabrics can be just as refreshing to wear as your mini skirts, as it won't cling to your body. Its tasteful knee-length is easily office-appropriate and even commute-friendly. You can use it dress up your comfy white T-shirt for casual Fridays like what Tricia Gosingitan did here: Â
TRY: Mango Polka Dot Pleated Skirt, P2,295, available onlineÂ