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Ask An Expert: Dressing For Work During The Summer Heat

Model - Linda Evangelista (credit: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images)

We talk to Kaye Cloutman, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at GEV Magazine, about those days when, depending on where you are and which way the wind is blowing in the San Francisco Bay Area, the words summer and heat could actually go together. In this gorgeous corner of the world ruled by micro-climates upon micro-climates, locals know that nothing beats clever layering. Kaye provides some expert pointers for women who are out and about during the work day.

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Kaye Cloutman
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
GEV Magazine
www.gevmag.com

When it comes to the intersection of fashion and food in San Francisco and beyond, Kaye Cloutman is the woman to know. Publisher and Editor-in-Chief at GEV Magazine, Kaye and her team present an international readership with a curated collection of seasonal styles, glamour, shopping and trends -- plus chefs, winemakers, sommeliers and dining -- each and every quarter. GEV Magazine promotes the concept that tasteful and healthy cuisine goes hand-in-hand with a woman's beauty, grace, elegance and style. We couldn't agree more.

On The Beaches
(Photo by Chaloner Woods/Getty Images)

Bring The Ocean With You

So many Bay Area offices have a relaxed dress code that it's impossible to tell a dress down Friday from any other day of the week. When the temperature rises, light blue, sand, topaz and soft green tones say that you're looking forward to the weekend. Kaye recommends, "Just pop some earth-toned sandals and your favorite sunglasses into a tote to keep you cool on a lunch break." After hours, turn this office attire into a dazzling evening outfit by adding a piece of statement jewelry and a wrap.

Net-a-Porter.com - Fashion Week Cocktail Party

Versatile Boho and Maxi Skirt

Treat your legs to some freedom and movement. Besides, what could be more comfortable and cool in subterranean BART or a traffic jam on the 101? Pair a longish skirt with an unstructured linen blazer jacket, a white tank top and a pair of ballet flats. Tuck an envelope brief under your arm and you'll feel transformed into a modern vision: "a business-casual corporate diva," as Kaye calls this contemporary look.

Project Manager Juliet Wilson puts the f

Flow of the Fabric

Go organic. You'll want your skin to be able to breathe once the temperatures rise. "Look for pieces that are made with chiffon, cotton, grenadine, foulard, georgette, challis and mousseline," Kaye advises. She also gives a shout out to gazar. If you have a tailor, get to know this four-ply form of silk organza, first developed by Balenciaga in the 1960s, which is glowing, structured and semi-sheer all at once.

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(PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images)

Fruits of the Season

"If there's anything really annoying under the strong summer sun, it's a shockingly bright neon color," says Kaye. She suggests a stroll at your local farmers market to see what nature brings forth. Mimic the beautiful hues and tints you'll spot at the stalls under the market umbrellas. "My personal favorites are the totally refreshing shades of plums, figs, nectarine, huckleberries and honeydew melon." It sounds refreshingly yummy and subtle enough for even the stuffiest office.

Dita Von Teese Launches My Private Cointreau Coffret

A Short Story

Careful on this one. Your office must be a casual workplace and you should probably be a member of the Generation Y set. When 20-somethings or 30-somethings match above-the-knee bottoms with the right tops, then a mini skirt, well-tailored city shorts and even Capri pants are one way to go. Focus on flats to accessorize and save open-toe shoes for the weekend, especially if you're baring a bit more leg. Love a straw hat? Pop yours into an oversized tote when you begin your work day.

Laurie Jo Miller Farr loves walkable cities. A tourism industry professional and transplanted New Yorker by way of half-a-lifetime in London, she's writing about the best of the bay and beyond for Yahoo, USA Today, eHow, and on Examiner.com.

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