The heat and humidity has officially arrived and summer is now here. Summer is an easy season to dress for when it comes to casual looks, but deciding how to dress for the office can always be tricky. Back in my corporate days, I would walk to work in NYC and completely melt from the warm weather before I reached the office and then immediately freeze when I walked inside. It’s like dressing for two totally different seasons when it comes to office looks in the summer. Creating chic office style looks when dealing with the heat and humidity and then a commute is not an easy task. It’s important to choose a summer work outfit that is breathable, comfortable and can possibly be layered.
I rounded up some of my recent looks that will give you ideas of what to wear to stay comfortable and stylish while working throughout the summer season. I also like looks that can transition past the office so many of these pieces could be styled in other ways or transitioned to evening events or outings just by simply changing shoes or your handbag.
What to wear to work in summer
Boucle/tweed jackets
Tweed Jacket (similar) | Tee | Pants | Belt | Sunglasses | Shoes | Bag (similar)
Boucle/tweed jackets are timeless and are a great closet staple to have. They can be easily dressed up for a work environment but also work casually with jeans for the weekend. Right now boucle jackets are so popular right now and there are a ton at various price points. I love the one I am wearing above because the black trim on the white gives it a unique flair. This style jacket has a very Chanel-esque vibe and styling it with wide leg trousers gives a fresh modern take. Think fashion director meets ladies who lunch. LOL It’s also a warmer option to wear over a camisole or tank when your office is negative 5 degrees all day long.
Linen Trousers
Tank | Pants (similar) | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses
I have a few pairs of linen pants for the summer – both casual and a bit more dressy. Save the billowy linen pants for the weekend but a pair of linen trousers is a must have for your summer workwear. I love the contrast in texture between the trousers and the knit tank which creates a bit more interest in the outfit. I would invest in a basic neutral cardigan to leave at your desk to throw on if it gets cold or if you can’t wear sleeveless pieces but then remove it when you step back out into the heat.
Striped Tank Dress
Dress | Bag | Belt | Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses
A simple striped tank dress is perfect for summer workplace attire. If you are able to wear something sleeveless, this is perfect or you can layer it under a white blazer or cardigan. Add a neutral belt to break up the stripe pattern and give the dress some structure. If you can wear open toe shoes, these clear sandals are a must have because they go with everything. If you cannot, choose a pair of pointy toe mules to complete the look.
White Blazer
Blazer (similar) | Camisole (similar) | Shorts (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sandals (similar) | Sunglasses
A white blazer is not just a staple for summer workwear but a basic wardrobe staple. It will work for a more professional environment or business casual or you could style it with a cute tee, denim shorts and flip flops for the weekend. If you don’t want a bright white blazer, any light colored blazer would work – ecru, beige, light tan, etc. I’ve shared this hack a few times over on my Instagram but use a hair elastic to scrunch up your sleeves to a 3/4 length for a more stylish and effortless look. Put your hair elastic over the blazer a little above your elbow and then push up the fabric so that the elastic holds it in place. I’ve been doing this trick for years with all of my blazers and have always loved the look.
Shirt Dress
Dress (similar) | Bag (discount code: MAREE15) | Shoes (similar) | Sunglasses
Dresses are always an easy outfit idea for summer to instantly look put together with little to no effort. And a shirt dress has the ability to be dressed up or down so it’s a timeless style that you can rely on year after year. Especially for the office, shirt dresses are an easy summer option that looks professional but still keeps you cool. If you don’t own a pair of neutral pointy toe mules, it’s worth investing in a pair because they look great with dresses, trousers, jeans, etc. They are incredibly versatile both for the workplace and for your personal time outside the office.
Bright Colors
Blazer (similar) | Tank (similar) | Pants (similar) | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
Obviously this will depend on exactly where you work, but I highly recommend adding some bright colors to your summer office style. It’s an instant mood lifter and summer is a great time to wear things that are more vibrant. Personally, I gravitate towards a neutral color in a brighter shade such as this green set which still feels within my comfort zone. Again I’m wearing my white blazer with this look – it’s an absolute necessity for your summer closet (and it will keep you warm in the summer office air-conditioning tundra)!
Striped Button Down Blouse
Shirt (similar) | Trousers | Shoes | Belt | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
A classic striped button down blouse is perfect to wear to the office year round but especially in the summer with a pair of crisp white jeans or wide leg trousers. Button down blouses are great to dress up or down for the workplace depending on office dress codes. Opt for neutral shoes and accessories if deciding what to wear with stripes.
Black Trousers
Lady Jacket (similar) | Pants | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
You don’t have to retire all your black pants in the summer. They are still a great option to wear to work and always go with anything in your closet. This pair is a splurge but the draping, fit and fabric of them is perfection. Especially if you work in a very professional setting, classic trousers are probably a staple in your wardrobe so it’s worth getting a pair that will last and look great.
Black Tank Dress
Blazer | Dress (discount code: MAREE10) | Belt | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
A tank dress may seem like an odd choice for the office, but underneath a blazer or cardigan – it looks just like a skirt and top. You can wear it with sneakers and a crossbody bag on the weekend or with heels and a cute clutch for evening. There are so many ways to style a black tank dress for all different occasions. I personally love it worn with an oversized blazer like I did with this look. One of my favorite styling tips for a blazer that may be too bulky or too oversized is to add a belt. I personally love this wrap belt because it’s adjustable and adds a bold statement to any outfit.
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