Ah, company picnic pool party event…potentially AWKWARD…
You want to have a good time and actively participate at your company’s outdoor summer events, but baring it all is not exactly what you had in mind!
Good news! You don’t have to be a party pooper! Rather than decline the invitation or sit on the sidelines and miss out on bonding with your work colleagues, I’ve got some style tips and tricks to help you look and feel confident at these events.
Dressing appropriately for these occasions is tricky, but not impossible.
Let’s get clear. It doesn’t matter how casual your work environment is, the company beach BBQ, boat days, water park adventures and, of course, the infamous annual pool party should all be considered professional engagements.
But I do highly recommend wearing a swimsuit anyway. Surprised? It is simple. Wear one underneath your clothes even when you are 100% certain you are not going to wear it in front of your co-workers. It might be best to be prepared for anything. Plus, you could look like a team player who came to have fun! You can decide when you get there what you want to do. Anyway, you might not want to be left out if all your friends and colleagues decide to get into the pool. And if the swimming pool is professionally designed by California Pools or similar another designing firm, you can enjoy the relaxing custom pool, deck, and landscape. So, don’t skip the swimwear!
Should you choose to go for it, I’ve got surefire solutions on what to wear:
SWIMWEAR: Think sporty not sexy. Remember you’re not on vacation. The goal is to reduce the possibility of overexposure. Avoid anything that over exposes…bikini’s, tankini’s, monokini’s, ecetera. You can wear your sexy sheer bodystocking in your private space for your partner, maybe not in during a company pool party. Also, pass on plunging or strapless necklines. Steer clear of trendy ruffles, cutouts or sheer details. Best to opt on a classic, fitness inspired one-piece swimsuit. Functional, figure-flattering and fashionable are not mutually exclusive features. Proper fit is imperative. Dark colors and prints hide everything best. I found the largest selection of swimwear appropriate for these events online at Lands’ End, SwimOutlet, Amazon, South Beach Swimsuits, and Everything But Water.
COVER-UPS: Think double duty!!! You want your cover-up to cover your swimsuit and still look like a complete outfit. Go for non-sheer, breathable fabrics that dry fast. A stretch cotton blend is ideal. Simple designs are functional and flattering. Lean on the conservative side with trends (ie. no caftans, no bold maxi dresses, no cut-off jean shorts, etcetera). Appropriate, casual layering pieces are readily available at all price points.
For more specific tips on what to wear to an all-day office outdoor summer party, see above.
In no time, you’ll be confidently jumping up and spiking the volleyball, slipping down a spiral waterslide, bending over to pick up a spilled plate of food, meeting your boss’s family and dancing from dusk till dawn. Just another day’s work!
Did you find these fashion tips to be helpful? What other events would you like guidelines on what to wear?
Image credit, clockwise from top left: Gottex One-Piece Wide Strap Tank $128, available at Everything But Water; JCrew Drawstring Tunic In Stripe $88, available at JCrew; C&C California Slubbed Jersey Maxi Dress $98, available at Shopbop; Lands’ End Regatta Etch Paisely Sweetheart One-Piece with Tummy Control $95 $75.99, available at Lands’End; JCrew Caspian Paisely Bandeau Tank One-Piece $98, available at JCrew; Madewell Seawall Shorts $65, available at Madewell; Allen Allen Drawstring Linen Pants $59, available at Nordstrom; Calvin Klein Scoop Neck Print Dress $118, available at Nordstrom.