Ask A South Florida Expert: Dressing For Work During The Summer Heat

The South Florida heat and humidity can be tough enough to handle even in beach and lounge wear during the hot summer months. Dressing for the office can be even trickier as the heat between air-conditioned locales such as the house, the car and the office threatens sweat and discomfort in just mere minutes. The good news is it is possible to beat the heat and dress appropriately for the office. Top Miami fashion blogger Annie Vazquez of TheFashionPoet.com shares her industry expertise for dressing sharp for the office while keeping the climate of the season in mind.

Annie Vazquez
The Fashion Poet
Miami, FL
www.thefashionpoet.com

Annie Vazquez is the popular blogger behind Miami-based fashion blog TheFashionPoet.com. Her blog covers everything from personal style editorials and street style to children's fashion and top events. She's a great force in the industry and represents South Florida well with special projects such as producing a well-received documentary about blogging to receiving coverage from such top publications as Vogue Brasil, The New York Times and the TODAY Show. Aside from blogging, her talent reaches to such skills as event planning, styling, television and event spokesperson and more. Annie shares some of her expertise about dressing for the hot Florida summer.

Trendy tea skirts are functional for summer heat.

Tea skirts are all the rage right now and they're an excellent way to accentuate the waist while giving gals plenty of leg room. These skirts are airy and serve a good way to combat the heat and keep gams from getting sticky and sweaty. You can wear them with a long-sleeved blouse, a tee and blazer or an elegant tank. Try Express or H&M for a budget-friendly option.

Bermuda shorts are appropriate and on trend.

Long shorts like Bermuda shorts are back from the 90s and they look chic and smart with a matching blazer. You can find them with fun floral prints, bold hues or soft pastels. Dress them up with stilettos. Even the guys are rocking them (think Pharrell).

Manage hair in the heat with fishtail braids.

Fishtail braids are always a showstopper. This top hair trend looks quite sophisticated for work. Besides being a great way to keep your locks looking neat and fresh, it's the ultimate in combating humid hair frizz moments. Miami's Blo Blowdry in Midtown is a great spot to get one made.

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Opt for sandals as footwear for work.

This season, there are plenty of reasons to have "happy feet." Designers have equipped us with a plethora of open-toe sandals that look great for work or play. This summer, let your feet breathe with some Birkenstocks (yes, they are back and look fab with a suit). Speaking of a blast from the past, gladiators are hip once again and they come in flat styles or five inches or less. Local brand Mia Shoes Inc. has a few options to slip into.

Breathable wide leg pants are a great option.

Formerly known as palazzo pants, these spacious pants come in an assortment of fabrics from silk to polyester. Wide leg pants are fantastic for the office. They look great, wear comfortably and are easy to style with work-appropriate looks. Local lines like Ramona La Rue and Tricia Fix offer them in an assortment of prints and patterns.

Related: Dress For Success: Best Places In South Florida For Office Wear

Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.