I’ve just recently started a new job working in the financial services sector in Singapore and one of my biggest challenges so far has been working out an appropriate work wardrobe. Here are my chief dilemnas:

1 ) How to dress for the tropical climate, staying cool but still looking professional

2) How not to dress inappropriately (i.e. showing too much flesh!)

3) How to prevent permanent goosebumps / hyperthermia in the air-conditioned office

My answer to all of the above three is the timeless shift dress, preferably in a light cotton material. You can wear it on the journey to work without building up too much of a sweat. It looks smart and professional. To assuage the icy blast of the air con, you can throw a cardy or jacket over the top, thus avoiding goosebumps and any concerns of flesh overload. Stick some blinging beads on at 6pm and voila you’re all set for a night out!

My walk to work is relatively short – a mere 12 minutes door to door. But even at 8:30am the sun can be scorching and the temperatures tipping 30 degrees. Therefore it’s a  necessity to wear something loose and light that won’t divulge sweat patches – not a lot I can do about the “glow” on my upper lip that’s formed by the time I reach the office lobby though! Most Singaporeans wouldn’t put up with so much time out in broad daylight always preferring to take a cab, hop on the MRT or even the bus rather than walk anywhere.

What always gets me is the artificial environment I’m forced to sit in for 9 hours a day. At lunch, I insist on walking around outside for a while just to warm up. It takes the full hour of my lunch break to even start to get hot or sweaty because I’m so numb from the chilly aircon. Some days I even go and sit by the pool at my condo or on our roof garden. The constant switch from 18 degrees to 30+ degrees must play havoc with your skin. amd I’m surprised mine hasn’t flipped out yet.

But despite the challenges of dressing for both the weather and the office I wouldn’t have it any other way. No matter how hard or gruelling your day, I defy anyone to not feel elated and chilled out by a short walk home on a balmy evening, with a pool and jacuzzi waiting to soothe away your troubles!