Q: What's appropriate—and what isn't—to wear to the office in summer?

A: Hot weather is no excuse for looking as if you just blew in from the beach! What I'd ban from the workplace:

• excessive cleavage
  
• exposed midriffs
  
• supershort skirts
  
• flip-flops
  
• tube tops and strapless dresses
  
• straw totes
  
• fabrics that crease easily (rayon, linen)
  
• visible lingerie under sheer clothing (see below for better options) 

Managers don't have to suffer these lapses in silence, says Scherri L. Roberts, VP/director of human resources for Hearst Magazines: "If an employee is dressing inappropriately, she should be told."

The new no-shows: I'm crazy for the just-launched Sliminizer shapewear collection (18 styles, $8 to $28): Its ten flesh tones, reflecting the diverse shades women come in, guarantee an exact match to your skin and will disappear beneath transparent fabrics.
 
See 12 bras that look great under summer shirts, plus how to dress for the job you really want!

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From the July 2009 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine

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