Is your summer wardrobe NSFW? The dos and don’ts of baring skin at the office

How to wear strapless:

No matter how you play it, completely bare shoulders and arms just aren’t office appropriate. But that doesn’t mean your strapless dress has to stay in the closet. Consider layering a lightweight long-sleeve tee underneath for coverage and comfort from the blasting A/C.

How to wear skirts with slits:

Pay close attention to how much leg you’re revealing. The best test is to try sitting (like you would at your desk) and see how far up your thigh the slice sits. Any higher than mid-thigh and it’s a definite no-no. Keep the rest of your outfit covered up to keep the slit the statement.

How to wear the slip dress:

Silky, clingy, bedroomy slip dresses are generally on the no fly list at the office. But there is a way to make them work. Bring the sexy factor down a few notches with a light sweater worn underneath, mannish flats and a structured day bag. You still get all of the appeal of a pretty dress without worrying about being the water cooler gossip.

How to wear a miniskirt:

Short and sweet, the miniskirt doesn’t often have a place at the office. Make yours appropriate by teaming it with a matching (or coordinating) jacket so it reads as a suit. It instantly transforms the shrunken shape into a piece that will have you taken seriously.

How to wear a short dress:

There’s something about an above-the-knee hemline that raises eyebrows in corporate settings. Let your legs go free with a dress in a traditional shape (like shift, shirt dress or trapeze), make sure it fits properly (there shouldn’t be any pulling or gaping) and keep shoes and accessories minimal for the best effect.

How to wear a crop top:

This one is especially tricky at work. Your boss should never be privy to a belly button piercing or a sighting of ribs, no matter how toned your abs. The rule here is to have your skirt or pants touch the hem of the crop top. High-waisted wide-leg pants looks great and so does a pencil skirt.

How to wear sheer:

When the temperature really soars, mesh starts to sounds like a pretty good idea. The most important thing to consider is undergarments. No one should ever see your underwear, so make sure that a slip, bodysuit or shorts is giving you full coverage. Keep shapes loose, but not boho, and wear flats to counteract all that skin.

How to wear off-the-shoulder:

As the official shape of the season, off-the-shoulder dresses are everywhere. Make them work for the 9-5 by choosing a structured look (a shirting fabric is best) with long sleeves. A tank top underneath gives enough coverage without sacrificing style.

How to wear a plunging neckline:

Take your cue for how to wear a deep V from this example. An artfully tied scarf takes up some of the empty space, the skin baring is balanced with a midi hemline and a jacket thrown over her shoulders is there as a back up plan. A word of caution: this one’s tough to pull off if you have a bigger chest. Stick to higher Vs or scoops in that case.

How to wear underwear as outerwear:

It’s a bold move to wear your bra on the outside no matter where you’re going. If you’re off to the office, take extra care. This one works here because the pants and bra top are all part of the same pinstriped jumpsuit. It links the two pieces together so the eye reads it as one. The short sleeved turtleneck ensures that everything else is kept under wraps.

How to wear cut-outs:

Cut-outs have appeared all over the place. Hips, backs, sleeves and legs are all feeling a bit of a breeze. The best way to wear them and keep HR happy is to slice and dice the bottom of a midi skirt. You’re still covered up, but it gives a kick to an otherwise conservative outfit. Dainty jewelry and classic pumps are all the accessories you’ll need.