Dear Fashion Kitty, Summer Business Attire

This summer I am attending a summer program, and it requires “business attire.” I’m 16 years old, and for me dressing up in the summer is usually just some sort of cute dress with sandals. Is this appropriate?

Do I need to wear something more serious? The program is in DC, so it will be HOT. I just want to wear something that I’ll be comfortable in, but that also looks good. I don’t want to end up looking like every other girl. My style tends to lean towards more unique styles. Some specs if that will help… I’m 5’8, a 6 or 8 and curvy. Please Help!!! I have no idea what I should wear.

Unfortunately, a dress and sandals isn’t going to cut it for this one.

Being from DC myself, I can totally sympathize with the heat. That is one thing I don’t miss about living there (I will take my LA “heat”, thank you.) I also know a thing or two about the lame-o conservative style in DC. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to layer. Wear something youthful and fun underneath but make sure you put a “conservative” layer on top. And trust me, it will be way chilly inside the office where you will be working … I can promise you that. So the layers will also come in handy.

You may also want to check in with your employer because sometimes business attire really means suits. I would wear your dorkiest, most straight laced clothes the first few days while you feel out how flexible you can get with the dress code. If you can get flexible, here is some inspiration: