When it's time to shake off the sand from your flip-flops and get back to the office, take a few sips of iced coffee and relax with these styling tips. And remember there are still plenty of sunny beach days left in the summer months ahead. Here's a day-by-day guide to cool off your workweek.

— Monday — Start a "back from vacation" week with a new warm-weather outfit. Consider adding shorts to your professional wardrobe. Bike shorts were a runway hit for spring, with celebrities embracing the trend in droves. But even if you're not sure your boardroom is ready for the skinny short look, you can still team a pair of longer, knee-length tailored shorts with a silk tank top and blazer. In black, the combo looks chic and office-appropriate.

— Tuesday — Ease into the workweek with a breezy dress. One-piece dressing is key in the summer. Leave the jacket at home and slip into a cool cotton dress. Plaid may be a traditional fall pattern, but this summer, candy-colored patterns are cropping up in sleeveless shifts and maxi dresses. Pearls are perfect for these pastel dresses. And if the AC is too chilly at the office, toss a cashmere cardigan over the dress.

— Wednesday — Brighten up the midweek blues by trying out new accessories in mellow yellow, fiery red or sky-blue turquoise. Circle handbags will lighten your workload. There are even lots of summer boots to wear to work in bright colors. Think hot pink! Add these pops of color to freshen up those classic black-and-white pieces you already have in your work wardrobe.

— Thursday — Beat the heat in skirts with slits (not too high) that team with all kinds of summer tops and jackets. Team a ruffled floral skirt with colorful blazers and T-shirts for the office. Skorts (skirts with shorts attached underneath) and longer culottes are other ways to stay cool at work. Dress them up for work and pack them later for a versatile travel wardrobe.

— Friday — Make it a casual day and get your blue denim out. Dark denim "suits" are now de rigueur in many workplaces, so take advantage of wearing your "double" denim outfits when you can. Otherwise, if more "creative" fashion is encouraged, then mix and match your jeans with other summery trends such as floaty hippie blouses, peasant tops, kimonos and babydoll dresses. Or skip jeans altogether and don another trend, the loose caftan, dressed up with a belt.

— Weekend — Start making plans for your next summer getaway!

One-piece dressing is one of the coolest ways to dress for the office this summer. Silk crepe de chine midi wrap dress from Diane Von Furstenberg.

To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: FotografieLink at Pixabay