You don't need to show an excessive amount of skin to stay cool in the summer.  IMAGE (L) Instagram/tgosingtian (R) Instagram/marijasmine  

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. 

Here's how you can survive the heat in style: 

1. Wear linen pieces 

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. 

TRY: Undo Clothing Luciana, P2,495, available online 

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. 

IMAGE Mango 

TRY: Mango Structured Linen Jacket, P4,995, available online 

2. Stay cool in wide-legged pants 

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. 

IMAGE Bershka 

TRY: Bershka Wide-Leg Trousers, P1,595, Glorietta, SM Megamall, and more branches here.  

IMAGE Zara  TRY: Zara Jenans ZW Premium Marine Straight, P2,495, available online 

3. Flash a bit of skin with an asymmetrical top 

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.

IMAGE Zalora

TRY: Caoros Ruffled One-Shoulder Top, P1,199.20 (from P1,499), available on Zalora

IMAGE Zalora  TRY: Plains and Prints Jarboe Sleeveless Top, P1,398, 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.

IMAGE Zara 

TRY: Zara Creased Effect Dress, P2,495, available online 

IMAGE Mango TRY: Mango Cotton Shirt Dress, P2,995, available online 

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. 

IMAGE Bershka  

TRY: Bershka Braided heeled mules, P3,295, Glorietta 2

IMAGE Zara 

TRY: Zara Flat Cage Slingbacks, P2,595, available online 

6. Reach for midi skirts 

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:  

IMAGE Zara 

TRY: Mango Polka Dot Pleated Skirt, P2,295, available online