Birkenstocks and carefree slip-ons are everywhere you look this summer, but for many workplaces, the "ugly" (or "comfy," as Martini prefers) trend is simply too casual, even for Fridays. To get the same effect without looking like you're headed to the beach, pick a sandal with straps at the heel to get rid of the flip flop feel. Or look for an added platform wedge to dress up the sporty vibe.
Shorts are a summer mainstay, but wearing them to the office can be tricky. To avoid sidelong looks from your boss, embrace the loose fit that's currently in style. Leave the denim cutoffs at home and opt for scalloped or lace shorts instead. "These will easily transition into evening wear," Martini adds. If you're still unsure, look for the on-trend culottes shape that avoids being too tight or too short at the same time. (Plus, they're comfier to boot).
When summer rolls around, the last thing you want to do is spend all day trapped inside a pair of pants. Luckily, this season, breezy wide-legged trousers that rival your favorite maxi dress are the pant of choice. To avoid looking like you're strolling into the office in a pair of pajama pants, look for a pair of trousers with folds and pleats for a greater sense of structure, or a fitted high waist to give your whole outfit shape and direction. For a crisp, polished look, Martini suggests clean-cut white or nautical navy to make light tops pop.
"Lace up stilettos, booties and sandals are the dressier shoe of the summer," Martini says. To avoid looking like you're headed to the club at 9 A.M., look to the shootie, the perfect hybrid of a bootie and sandal that easily transitions from desk to drinks. The shootie hybrid has the airiness of strappy summer sandals and cutouts that give the same illusion of lace ups without all the tying.
Big flowers and bright polka dots can run the risk of looking too junior and distracting for the workplace. Martini suggests skipping the neon and choosing pieces with black and white graphic prints. Everything from abstract shapes to traditional checkers in the contrasting colors are not only aligned with runway trends, but guarantee that you look sophisticated rather than saccharine.
