Dressing for the office in scorching temperatures can prove to be quite the challenge. In fact, not sweating to death on your commute while not freezing to death at your desk while also not ruffling HR’s feathers should actually be an Olympic sport. To navigate the tricky rules of summer workwear, get inspired by these chic office-appropriate outfit ideas from the fashion set.
1Invest in A Shirtdress
A shirtdress and slingback pumps makes for an effortless, no-fail outfit combo that will carry you through the summer.
Club Monaco dress, $188, clubmonaco.com.
Neil J. Rodgers slingback pumps, $425, neiljrodgers.com.
2Go For Day-to-Night Sandals
Take your look from the office to post-work drinks with the help of a sleek pair of strappy sandals that will prove to be a versatile summer essential.
Nine West sandals, $79, ninewest.com.
3Use A Midi Skirt As Your Starting Point
A midi skirt acts as the ultimate blank canvas to build an endless amount of work-ready summer outfits.
3.1 Phillip Lim skirt, $450, net-a-porter.com.
4Embrace Polka Dots
This season’s hottest print works just as well for the office as it does for the weekend. Whether topped off with kitten heels, sneakers, or sandals, a polka dot dress goes a long way.
Topshop dress, $90, topshop.com.
5Go Bright Or Go Home
Liven up the office with a sunny yellow frock that brings a little sunshine to your day.
Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, $1,350, shopbop.com.
6A Good Pair of White Pants is A Gamechanger
You can never go wrong in a classic black and white look—a pair of white culottes makes for ultimate summer workwear MVP.
Alice + Olivia pants, $285, aliceandolivia.com.
7Try A Matching Two-Piece Set
A coordinating two-piece set acts as the summery version of the power suit.
Mango knit top, $60, and matching trousers, $80, mango.com.
8A White Button-Down Goes A Long Way
Never underestimate the power of a classic white button-down—whether it’s tucked into a skirt or in the form of a dress, the staple always feels fresh when styled right.
J.Crew button-down shirt, $80, jcrew.com
9Get Creative With Layering
Layer a sleeveless dress over a relaxed white t-shirt for a casual contrast.
Madewell t-shirt, $20, shopbop.com.
10Keep Cool in Loose Pieces
Loose, airy fabrics—like wide-leg trousers and a flouncy blouse— allow you to keep cool during your morning commute to the office, without feeling like you’re showing too much skin.
Alice + Olivia striped pants, $350, net-a-porter.com.
11Upgrade Your Pencil Skirt
Dress down a playful pencil skirt with the help of a short-sleeved tee. Elevate the look for the office with a pair of heeled mules.
MDS Stripes skirt, $445, revolve.com.
12Roll Up The Sleeves Of Your Blazer
A blazer styled over an airy silhouette lends for some professionalism while still keeping cool.
Vince blazer, $495, net-a-porter.com.
13Play With Color
Liven up a basic white button-down shirt by styling it with colorful, statement-making skirt or pants. Top off the look with a pair of classic pumps.
Staud pants, $235, net-a-porter.com.
14You Can Never Go Wrong With The Classics
Make the blue and white striped shirt craze work for the office by pairing with culottes and block heel pumps.
Gap button-down shirt, $48, gap.com.
Jaggar block-heel pumps, $164, shopbop.com.
15Maxi Skirts Work For The Office Too
Don’t count the maxi skirt out just yet—a structured pencil silhouette makes for an instantly polished look.
Yohji Yamamoto Vintage skirt, $387, farfetch.com.
