What to wear in the heat to keep your career cool

What to wear to work in the Summer can be perplexing. Hot, humid weather outside, sticky travel conditions and cool air conditioning inside, plus the need for appropriate attire, create a dressing dilemma.

Here are a few tried and true trends that help keep you cool, comfortable and chic:

1. Get a lightweight pant suit - pale grey is great option as it coordinates with everything in the colour spectrum from white to black, as well most patterns and prints. Select pants with a form flattering, medium leg width, add a great pair of medium to high heels, then there's no need for pantyhose or socks - you'll feel cool but appropriately attired.

2. Day shift - you can't go wrong with a shift dress - a classic wrap or crew-neck style is superb. Sleeveless, yes. But, professionally so. Simply add a shapely jacket or cardie for artic air conditioning or important presentations.

3. The great white sh-irt - the year-round staple creates a clean, crisp canvas for Summer accessories, such as multi-strand necklaces and bountiful belts. Wear with perfect pants, a-line or straight knee-length skirts plus heels and you can't go wrong.

4. Heels with staying power - as for those heels - no need to wilt as the temperature rises. Get extra lift from heels that help not hinder your day. Substantial straps and hearty heels add height and supplement your silouhette without slowing you down. Avoid panty hose (does any workpalce mandate those these days?), simply moisturize those calves to avoid dryness from air conditioning.

5. A gem of a jacket - get this to add to any piece for automatic outfit and career advancement. Choose a cut that best flatters your figure and put it on over a dress, pants, skirt or even jeans for an augmented professional appearance.

Build your summer work wardrobe on the fab five tips above to feel stylish and successful in the sultry season.