NEW YORK -- Fashion was so much easier in the 1950s. Suits, white shirts and ties for the gents. Skirt suits, stockings with girdles and closed-toe pumps for the ladies.

Now we're "business casual," and what that means isn't that clear.

Throw in summer heat, and things get even more confusing. Are capri pants OK? What about ties with short-sleeved shirts? Can men wear sandals to work?

"It's a tough time of year," says Bobbie Thomas, co-host of Style Network's "Fashion Police." "You are trying to balance comfort with being professional."

While dress codes vary from place to place, some general guidelines can keep you cool and professional in the office:

SHORTS

In a more casual office environment, knee-length polished and tailored shorts are fine for women, Thomas says.

But fashion experts are split on whether men should wear them.

Executive coach Pamela J. Holland, co-author of "Help! Was That A Career Limiting Move?" says shorts for men are a no-no, unless the president of the company is wearing them and encouraging it.

Thomas says she would prefer the same fashion rules apply to men and women though she acknowledges that it is harder for men to pull off shorts. Most men shorts are cotton and work best with a more casual top and shoe, she says.

"Now he is worried about not wearing a tie, losing the socks and sporting loafers," Thomas says. "Otherwise, guys run the risk of feeling like an English schoolboy."

She suggests men wear a short suit or pair "smart shorts" with a matching blazer -- if they are comfortable the boss won't mind and have some fashion-forward nerve.

CAPRI PANTS

Capri pants are fine for women, Holland says.

"Men in capris?" she asks. "I shudder at the thought."

SHIRTS

For men, wearing a tie with a short-sleeved shirt is generally a no-no, Holland says.

"I know often people in car sales, they're going in and out, and it is considered acceptable for their industry," she says. "But if you are working where people are more conservative and more fashion savvy, the fashion rule is if you wear a short-sleeved shirt, keep it under a jacket."

If the work place is a bit more casual, men can't go wrong with a polo shirt, she says. But T-shirts with expressions and tank tops are no-nos.

For women, a plain T-shirt is fine in a casual office, says Laird Borrelli, senior features editor for Style.com. But it should be clean, thick and worn neatly, such as tucked into a pair of white demin jeans with a blazer.

SUMMER DRESSES/TOPS

Sleeveless for women is OK, but some employers enforce a three-finger rule, which means straps have to be as wide as three fingers, Holland says.

As a general rule, women should avoid showing too much shoulder or cleavage.

"The more flesh that's exposed, the more distracting you could potentially be," Holland says.

To make a summer dress or top more office-friendly, throw on a shrug, cardigan or jacket. Most offices are freezing in the summer anyway.

PANTYHOSE

Ah, the great hosiery debate continues. Diane Sawyer challenging men to wear them for a day. Michelle Obama's recent confession on "The View" that she doesn't.

Look at your legs. If there are veins, bumps and lumps, you probably should be wearing pantyhose, says Nancy Schneider, 71, owner of Nancy & Co. boutiques, with locations in Manhattan, East Hampton and Southhampton.

If you have good-looking legs, you probably don't need them unless the office is conservative, she says.

Thomas calls the debate a "bit absurd" since pantyhose are see through. She advises women going bare to shave their legs and use self-tanner. Smooth and soft legs boost a woman's self-confidence, she says.

MINI-SKIRTS

A no-no, even during a heat wave, Thomas says.

"I don't think the three inches you are shaving off on the hemline is going to make you any cooler," she says. "Your middle finger should be hitting the hemline."

SHOES

In general, male sandals are a no-no, Holland says. But in a casual environment, if senior executives are wearing them, go ahead.

For women, the closed-toe shoe rule still applies in conservative environments, she says, though peep-toes may be acceptable.

Sandals are fine in a more casual work environment, but toes should be pedicured, Borrelli says. Mules can be a bit distracting if they make a lot of noise, and Keds may only be appropriate on a casual Friday.

Flip-flops? Not unless the entire office is hitting the beach.

"What do you think of when you think of flip-flops?" Holland asks. "You think of kicking back. That's not sending a good message."

LINGERIE

"Sex and the City" may have changed the way women wear bras, but showing straps and wearing see-through shirts are generally not appropriate for the office, Thomas says.

Sun dresses really need to be worn with a strapless bra, Borrelli says, and many need a slip.

"I think a lot of summer dresses are see-through, and you might not notice that in a changing room," she says.

Ladies going without the hose may want to opt for a thong to avoid pantylines. Consider other undergarments if you need some control.

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