When the temperatures outside start rising, figuring out a stylish work-appropriate outfit can be a challenge. You want to be comfortable during a sweltering commute, while also not freezing at your desk when the high power office AC is blaring. Finding looks that are both a breeze to put together and wear can be a tall order. Thankfully there's no shortage of answers from the street style set. Their fresh takes on workwear staples, complete with a few twists, are inspiring us to shake up our warm-weather wardrobes.
Ahead, get inspired by the following 35 stylish and office-appropriate outfit ideas, that will help you navigate all the tricky rules of summer workwear with ease. You'll find everything from polished midi dresses and pleated skirts, to comfortable ballet flats that you can stand in all day.
Try a Patterned Sheath
A sheath dress in a vibrant, modern print is a no-brainer. Pair with elegant accessories, like a Mary Jane heel and button earring, for an elevated spin that's still comfortable to wear all day.
La DoubleJ's billowy dress is a sleeveless silhouette that you can wear weekly. Cinch the sash to show off the waistline or wear loose with a blazer for a relaxed look.
Size Range: XS-XL
Colorways: Floral
Slip Into Something Satiny
A silky midi skirt is easily office-friendly with the help of some mainstay basics, like a white button down shirt, clean sweater and pointy kitten heels.
Wearing white used to come with a set of rules but they've been outdated for years. You can't go wrong with a smart suit in the summertime. Opt for a slouchy fit for something that feels more casual and less business.
Oversized and roomy, this blazer shows the relaxed way to do workwear in the heat. Pair with the matching trouser pant for a chic approach to summer whites.
Size Range: XXS-XXL regular, S-XXL tall and XS-L petite
Colorways: Off White, Navy Blue and Rose Crystal Pink
Play with Print
Retro inspired prints in breezy silhouettes are ideal on a scorching hot summer's day. If you're bold enough, try wearing a dress over billowy pants. For a look that's less Y2K, opt for bold prints in warmer tones.
A '70s-style print lends a retro feeling to this flowy mini dress. Pair with a chic flat or sandal and top handle handbag for an easy, dressed up look.
Want to double up on denim without wearing a Canadian tuxedo? Opt for a boiler suit instead. The one-step look feels fancier than your go-to pair of faded Levis but the workwear inspired staple is still casual enough for everyday.
This jumpsuit works for the office thanks to its long sleeve, pant length, and simple wash without distressing. Try a belt for a simple accessory add-on with a flat shoe.
Size Range: XS-XL
Colorways: Light Denim
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Keep in Khaki
Khaki basics are now hot, thanks to Miu Miu. Aside from being of the moment, they're also fail-proof in warm weather. A crisp button down and pleated skirt are a workwear match made in heaven.
This mid-rise pleated skirt is a summer workwear must. Hitting just above the knee, pair this with slingback flats or heels for a Prada runway inspired touch.
Size Range: 00-12 US
Colorways: Gold Camel, Saville, Light Birch and Black
Upgrade Your Basics
Who says tank tops aren't built for work? The classic casual staple becomes office suitable when paired with smart, tailored trousers, and an of-the-moment pump. Add a simple structured bag to further elevate the look.
What's more ideal for summer than a white tank? AGOLDE's ribbed version is made from breathable cotton and has a high-neck cut that provides the ideal amount of coverage.
Size Range: XS-XL
Colorways: White
Float o n in Florals
The classic fashion joke is this: florals for spring are not necessarily groundbreaking. But they do solve most hot weather dressing dilemmas. They're easy to throw on when you're in a rush, and always look good.
Airy floral dresses are a Rixo speciality. When you don't feel like styling out a full look, lean on this one-and-done midi for a pulled together approach.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Colorways: Floral
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Go for Comfortable Flats
The ballerina flat was everywhere in the 2010s and now it's back in a big way. Brands like Miu Miu and Tory Burch revitalizing the classic, with styles made of satin or covered in studs, that look nothing like the ballet flats you remember. Try an ivory shade for summer, with everything from pencil skirts to jersey dresses.
Buttery soft leather and a cushioned insole make these a comfortable option for commuting, meetings and more. These ballet flats are also made with recycled leather, for a sustainable approach.
Size Range: 5-11
Colorways: Canvas, Sugar Almond, Pale Pink, Moss, Black and Seafoam Green
Look at Clothing Fabrics. Professional clothes, such as business suits, are often made with heavy fabrics, which is great in the colder months, but means they are unfortunately unsuited for warm weather. ...
Classic pieces are going to be your best friend. Start adding button down shirts, shirt dresses, blazers, chic flats or loafers or classic white sneakers to your closet. It's time to phase out of distressed pieces and short hemlines. Just above the knee hemlines should be the shortest you go.
Business casual summer dresses should: – Lean conservative. Just because it's 90 degrees doesn't mean your corporate office will let you wear a spaghetti strap or mini dress. Aim for dresses that are knee-length or longer and always have some coverage on the tops of your shoulders.
This isn't the time to keep “maybe” pieces. Or things you never wear but keep around “just in case” the right occasion comes along. Get rid of the old college tees you never wear, fast-fashion going-out clothes, and anything that doesn't fit.
You can go casual with a graphic tee or dress them up with a collared shirt. Opting for a cropped pair of mom jeans versus regular length will also emphasize your footwear; meaning, whether it's statement sneakers or sky-high stilettos, make it count.
Avoid dresses and skirts that are too tight or too short. Look for styles that hit right at or just above the knee. When wearing a sleeveless dress, add a jacket or blazer to ensure you look pulled together and professional. "You can also play with polished midi skirts, like a pleated A-line skirt.
If your summer dress stops over the knee, a pair of cable knit tights and leather boots are guaranteed to bestow an autumnal look and feel to that summer dress.
When your work has a standard attire of neckties, sports coats, and suits, dress-down days don't mean you can wear jeans and a custom logo T-shirt. Instead, you should scale down to business casual. This means that you can trade-in your blazer and necktie and just wear a button-down shirt and slacks.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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