Smart coats, lined tailoring and court shoes are a recipe for a stuffy day at your desk, but floaty fabrics can feel too informal for the boardroom. Almost three quarters (73%) of women admit to putting extra effort into their appearance at work, because it gives them more confidence, according to a Pantene Pro-V survey, while a third confess to putting in outfit overtime because they think their boss or colleagues will take them more seriously as a result. But being boardroom-appropriate and avoiding heatwave hazards at the same time can be tricky. Make a few cool styling tweaks, however, and your wardrobe will work harder in the heat. Designer Tabitha Webb (www.tabithawebb.co.uk) shares her top tips for summer wardrobe staples that won't break the office dress code. LAYER UP With cloud cover and unexpected showers, heatwaves are rarely a constant temperature from 9-5, so be prepared with a light top layer, like a shirt, that you can throw into your work handbag. Webb says: "If you are lucky enough to have air conditioning in your office but it's boiling outside, layering is the answer to your cool-to-hot problems. A lightweight knit or blazer should do the trick, so you can strip off as soon as you walk out of the door." BE BRIGHTER Dark colours absorb heat - meaning you'll feel hotter in them - so make heatwave season the time to brighten up before you're back in autumnal shades. Choose a smart summer dress in a block bright or pastel. "Keep the shape simple," Webb advises. " Have a clear understanding of the silhouette that suits you and stick with it. Look for lightweight fabrics, such as silk or cotton - I personally also love bright tweed in the summer for an officewear twist."

Smart coats, lined tailoring and court shoes are a recipe for a stuffy day at your desk, but floaty fabrics can feel too informal for the boardroom. Almost three quarters (73%) of women admit to putting extra effort into their appearance at work, because it gives them more confidence, according to a Pantene Pro-V survey, while a third confess to putting in outfit overtime because they think their boss or colleagues will take them more seriously as a result. But being boardroom-appropriate and avoiding heatwave hazards at the same time can be tricky. Make a few cool styling tweaks, however, and your wardrobe will work harder in the heat. Designer Tabitha Webb (www.tabithawebb.co.uk) shares her top tips for summer wardrobe staples that won't break the office dress code.

LAYER UP With cloud cover and unexpected showers, heatwaves are rarely a constant temperature from 9-5, so be prepared with a light top layer, like a shirt, that you can throw into your work handbag. Webb says: "If you are lucky enough to have air conditioning in your office but it's boiling outside, layering is the answer to your cool-to-hot problems. A lightweight knit or blazer should do the trick, so you can strip off as soon as you walk out of the door." BE BRIGHTER Dark colours absorb heat - meaning you'll feel hotter in them - so make heatwave season the time to brighten up before you're back in autumnal shades. Choose a smart summer dress in a block bright or pastel. "Keep the shape simple," Webb advises. " Have a clear understanding of the silhouette that suits you and stick with it. Look for lightweight fabrics, such as silk or cotton - I personally also love bright tweed in the summer for an officewear twist."