The Office Style Guide

Just because it's summer doesn't mean you should show up to work looking like you just stepped off the go-go box. Don't be the one who wears tank tops and jean cut-offs in the office, thus ruining casual Fridays for everyone else -- unless you work for us. But that doesn't mean you have to keep covered up and sweat your way through the rest of your day, either. Make the most of sale season and follow our tips to stay cool under the collar.

Short Stories

Shorts in the office, particularly for men, has always been a controversial subject. Depending on your job's atmosphere, man gams could be the final frontier. But with the runways packed with brilliant examples of the well-tailored short, perhaps it's time to boldly go where Dior et al. have gone before. Just remember to keep it above the knee.

From left: Grey Printed Cotton Suit by Rag & Bone, $220, at MrPorter.com; Dalton Shorts by Acne Studios, $139, at Barney's; Slim Fit Shorts by Original Penguin, $29.99.

NEXT: Footwear

Don't Sock It To Me

We can all thank Thom Browne for making the exposed ankle fashionable, having purposely cut his suits to buck the Victorian standards to which the professional man has been held. Going sockless is incredibly liberating, but don't let that prevent you from choosing appropriate shoes.

Clockwise from top left: Leather Derby Shoes by Gucci, $650, at MrPorter.com; Gommini Leather Moccasin Loafers by Tod's, $425; Sneakers by Z Zegna, $368; Suede Lace-Ups by HUGO by Hugo Boss, $373.34, at ASOS.com.

NEXT: Layers

Layer? I Don't Even Know Her

Summer seems like the worst time to throw on layer after layer of clothing, unless you've had Botox injections to inhibit your sweat glands. But layering smart is like not layering at all. Try a nice, light summer cardigan over a tank top, or a short-sleeve blazer over a T-shirt. And if you're in a playful mood, why not try extra-fine mesh? You can get away with wearing less by essentially wearing more. It's like sartorial sleight of hand.

From left: Mesh Classic Tank by Topman, $28; Cashmere Cardigan by Autumn Cashmere, $190; Linen Henley Top by Paul Smith, $123.

NEXT: Neckwear

In Your Time of Tying

There's nothing worse than wearing a tie in the middle of summer -- it feels as if Mother Nature is personally choking you out. Loosen up a little and let that collar unbuttoned. However, a word of warning: a little debrolletage is fine, but this isn't 2000 and you're not Jennifer Lopez heading to the Grammys. Have you ever tried to recover from a nip slip during an important meeting? It's not pretty. Though if you really must, silk, linen, or cotton is the way to go.

Clockwise from left: Reversible Silk Knit Tie by Hermes, $250; Hemp & Cotton Tie by Otis James Nashville, $110; Plaid Tie by Black Bleece by Brooks Brothers, $59, at Barney's.

NEXT: Blazers

Linens & Things

Light fabrics like cotton and linen are a perfect choice for suits in the summer -- they breathe, so you can too. The same goes for light colors, since black suits in summer are only appropriate for funerals. Be careful with seersucker, though. Sure, it's an iconic summer fabric, but you're only one mint julep away from being mistaken for an extra in a Tennessee Williams play.

Linen Suit Jacket by J.Crew, $300, at MrPorter.com (top left); Cotton & Linen-Blend Suit Jacket by Burberry, $995, at MrPorter.com (top right); Linen Skinny blazer by Topman, $160; Featherweight Sports Coat by Freemans Sporting Club, $1,450.