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Climbing temperatures naturally makes getting dressed an exercise. However, with summer work outfits, wearing less isn’t necessarily an option, and there are plenty of things to take into consideration in your work environment.
The office dress code isn’t the only aspect to consider when putting together warm weather office looks. There is the commute, the frigid temperatures of the office’s central air, and the overall office setting.
Summer Work Outfits
It’s no secret that tailored essentials are crucial to summer workwear, whether they are worn as a stand alone piece or combined with other workwear staples.
The end result should always strike the perfect balance between style and a serious note – it is a work setting after all.
Scroll below for plenty of inspo for summer work outfits.
Button Down + Trousers
Lean into uniform dressing this summer to take the stress out of getting dressed in early mornings! Nothing says summer fashion like a neutral color. A silky cream top is always a favorite for the summer heat.
Styling-wise, wear with a matching pair of trousers, and to add just the right amount of height, slip on minimalist white heels.
With its neutral color and sharp lapels, a head-to-toe neutral look is easy going yet undeniably sophisticated.
No 9-to-5 wardrobe is complete without a button-up shirt. A classic fitting shirt that is slightly oversized adds a little something extra to a summer work wardrobe.
These pieces are a perfect way to inject a bit of fashion into an office look.
Plus, the button down shirt looks great with jeans for an out of the office casual look.
No piece is quite as easy or as straightforward as a pair of linen pants. The breathable fabrics are perfect for styling with choice separates, such as a button down shirt or short-sleeved sweater.
Keep an eye on the top half of the look – especially the silhouette and fabrication.
Ensure the top is structured and not too soft to keep the whole look not falling into pajama territory.
The descriptor ‘wardrobe staple’ has been tossed around so much that it somewhat lost its meaning. However, with a white button-down shirt, the term holds firm.
A crisp white shirt is one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe. Utilize the naturally blank canvas of the top to accentuate interesting accessories or statement earrings that can become a conversation piece.
Finish off with ballet flats. Flat shoes are key for walking around the city.
A layered look can take you from your desk to after-work drinks, and what better piece to layer with than the hardest working piece in your summer work wardrobe.
Serving as the ideal summer layering piece, wear a white tee and beige trousers. Mesh flats keep the summer work outfit fresh.
Err on the side of trendy and wear with embellished flats, especially if you work in a creative field.
Top + Trousers
There is no such thing as owning too many button down shirts, adding additional light-colored shirts into the mix can keep your work outfits feeling fresh.
Quietly chic trousers, in a neutral pair, are essential in any workwear wardrobe.
Atop, simply tuck in a white T-shirt. If needed, add a light blazer to combat the frigid AC temperatures.
If you haven’t gotten in on the suit-vest trend yet, the summer season is the perfect time. It’s a wardrobe staple that is polished enough for the office but will keep you cool and comfortable in the sweltering heat.
It is the perfect piece to combat the warm-weather workwear rut.
Styling-wise, pair with a matching trouser and minimalist mules or strappy sandals.
A knit top can bring a soothing softness to all casual summer outfits. The easy, comfortable fit of a classic knit crewneck cannot be understated.
Paired with laid-back pants and easy flats, it’s a winning formula for high summer.
Top + Skirt
Some maxi skirts exude a carefree bohemian spirit, but plenty of others channel a more buttoned-up, formal feel.
A longline skirt made of linen for example, is akin to a pair of trousers, while a denim maxi skirt is a more dressed-up version of your favorite jeans. As for styling a maxi, try it with a tank top or simple white tee.
The blazing heat outside often comes with blasting air conditioners inside, so keep a cardigan or jacket on hand.
Finish off with a pair of killer heels for the ultimate chic outfit.
It’s natural for hemlines to become shorter and shorter as temperatures heat up, but the less-is-more logic doesn’t always work when planning your summer office outfits.
A midi skirt is appropriate, yet sophisticated enough for an office setting. Simple black mules and a black tote tie the entire corporate ensemble together.
Safe to say a voluminous midi skirt is a great option for summertime work dressing.
It’s the perfect way to stay cool without showing too much skin, not to mention the piece can easily transition from office to post-work fun by swapping kitten heels for flat sandals.
The summer office look is very much a product of trying to stay cool outside while protecting oneself from the AC inside. For added coverage, layer over a lightweight cashmere cardigan or boucle jacket.
You may not want a lightweight summer sweater or cardigan while schlepping your way into the office, but you certainly will once you make it to your near-Arctic, AC-blasting office.
Blazer + Dress
Blazer weather is year-round—even as the temperature rises during the summer. Style the staple with a midi dress.
Preferably, a loose satin dress lends itself well to the sweltering heat as opposed to a heavy, knit dress. When meticulously styled, this albeit simple formula works on repeat.
Always opt for a lightweight fabric dress paired with a slightly oversized blazer, the pairing comes in handy when the office AC is running on high.
