Clingy isn’t cool

When temperatures soar, loosely fitting fabrics are a must, says Clare Watson. "The biggest mistake most women make is wearing tight, fitted work wear. Ditch the pencil skirt and opt for more flared style (as seen on Eva Mendes, pictured) that will not cling to legs when seated at desk! Likewise there are so many great dresses from the likes of Warehouse and Oasis which are cool, fashionable yet still smart enough for the office." And don't ever wear a maxidress. Long floaty dresses are fine for a walk in the park on a hot summer's day, but when it comes to the office, it's important to avoid looking too informal. "Maxidresses can look too casual and are inappropriate," says Gabrielle Teare (GabrielleTeare.Com), a personal stylist who's worked with Disney, CNN, Elle and Fashion TV. "It's worth bearing in mind that it's women who are losing out in the recession so keeping a smart corporate image is very important."

Office wear fix: Swallow-print skater dress, £27.00, oasis-stores.com