A red heat alert isn’t an excuse to wear shorts at work

So why do some people insist on dressing like it is?

Standards matter. Professionalism matters. And that’s why your outfit should be a conscious decision every morning, not an afterthought.

First impressions count - but so do second, third, and fourth. Dressing smartly isn’t just about looking good; it’s about showing respect for your colleagues, your clients, and your work.

Just because you’ve met someone during a heatwave, it doesn’t mean you should dress down.

Relaxed dress codes have their place - I’ve been known to visit the newsroom in a polo shirt. But shorts? Never. That would be disrespectful.

Flip-flops, beachwear and shorts have no place in a professional environment, even in temperatures reaching 40 degrees.

If professionals in hot countries can manage proper office attire, so can we. In the sweltering heat of the Middle East, business people still turn up to work properly dressed.

Lightweight suits, breathable fabrics, and smart dresses exist for a reason. There’s simply no excuse for dressing like you’re heading to a family barbecue.

And let’s not forget air conditioning. If your office is too warm in summer, the problem isn’t your wardrobe - it’s your manager’s responsibility to fix the temperature. Office bosses should take this duty seriously.

I worry about the slippery slope of casual dressing - shorts today, flip-flops tomorrow. Will it be bikinis next?

I’ve seen lots of office-goers at work in shorts, baseball caps and - in one case - socks and sandals. The latter made me feel slightly ill - I don’t need to explain why that’s completely unacceptable.

When standards slip, so does workplace discipline. You wouldn’t greet a client with an unprofessional attitude - so why dress like you’re heading to the beach?

Employers should enforce reasonable dress expectations year-round. I’m not saying we all need to be suited and booted, but full-length trousers for men should be a given.

Smart-casual shouldn’t mean a free-for-all.

The bottom line is this: dress codes exist for a reason. Upholding them isn’t just about appearances - it’s about maintaining respect in the workplace.

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Johnny Jenkins is Senior Producer of LBC's Nick Ferrari at Breakfast.

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