Stylish and office appropriate.
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.
The Silky Sheath
La DoubleJ San Carlo Dress
The Silky Sheath
La DoubleJ San Carlo Dress
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.
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The Satin Slip Skirt
Vince Satin Midi-Skirt
The Satin Slip Skirt
Vince Satin Midi-Skirt
One of Vince's core styles, the satin midi skirt can be worn for day with the right pairing. Style with muted neutrals to keep things monochrome.
Size Range: XS-XL
Colorways: Champagne and Black
Strap Into Sandals with Lift
A modern sandal shape like a strappy square-toed heel makes any work outfit a little more dressed up.
This forgiving heel height ensures you will be comfortable on a long day at the office. It'll also ideal for showing off a good pedicure.
Size Range: 5-10 US
Colorways: Black and Skin Nappa
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Suit Up with Something Oversized
Wearing white used to come with a set of rules but they've been outdated for years.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.
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The Printed Dress
Anna Mason Hettie Mini Dress
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.
Size Range: 6-14 UK
Colorways: Brown
Give Denim on Denim a Go
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.
The Utilitarian Jumpsuit
Rivet Utility Denim Jumpsuit
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.
The Pleated Skirt
Wilfred Windmill Pleated Skirt
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.
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The White Tank
AGOLDE Bailey Ribbed Tank Top
The White Tank
AGOLDE Bailey Ribbed Tank Top
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.
The Floral Midi
Rixo Ayla Floral Midi Dress
The Floral Midi
Rixo Ayla Floral Midi Dress
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.
The Ballet Flat
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat
The Ballet Flat
Everlane The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat
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
Lauren Caruso
Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles. She has more than ten years of experience within the publishing industry with a focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with tenures at Refinery29, Allure, and The Zoe Report.
