Shorts, strappy tops and sandals: Can my boss tell me what to wear in summer?

Image source, Getty ImagesByYasmin RufoBusiness reporter Published4 hours agoYet another summer heatwave could be on the way to make your commute sweaty and your workplace stuffy.

What to wear to work in the summer can be a surprisingly difficult decision. Shorts, strappy tops and sandals may keep you cool - but will they be judged too casual, revealing or unprofessional?

There's a bare-legged backlash in Tokyo where officials encouraged men to swap suits for shorts at work, prompting complaints about hairy legs in the office.

So what is acceptable to wear to work, how can you successfully style your summer wardrobe and can your boss tell you what you can and can't wear?

Conor, who works in media, has regularly worn shorts to the office during the recent hot weather. "Who gives a monkey's what you wear?" he says.

"If you're able to do your job safely, professionally and appropriately, there's a lot to be said for letting people be comfortable."

And many seem to agree - a recent poll by market research firm Ipsos found 62% of adults thought it was acceptable for men to wear shorts to work in hot weather, while 63% said the same for women.

But we aren't talking short-shorts or denim hot pants fashion designer Amanda Wakeley points out: "If you're asking yourself whether they're too short, they probably are".

She says shorts are "the trickiest item to get right in a professional environment" and recommends tailored, longer shorts paired with a crisp shirt or lightweight blazer for both men and women.

Stylist Clare Chambers agrees shorts should sit around the kneecap for both men and women. For men, she recommends tailored chino-style shorts with an untucked T-shirt or shirt.

Wakeley describes flip-flops as one of the few definite "no" items in most offices. "They instantly signal leisure rather than professionalism and can make even the most polished outfit feel underdressed," she says.

Chambers agrees, and says even during the hottest weather, woven flats are a better option because they are breathable while still covering the foot.