Summer is all fun and games over the Christmas break when you’re lounging about in your bathers, activewear and mini dresses. An abrupt culture shock hits once it’s time to go back to the office and you realise that you have absolutely nothing to wear that’ll keep you cool, calm and collected during the sweltering heat. If you found yourself sitting in front of your wardrobe on the first day back to the office, asking yourself “how TF do I dress for the office during summer?”, you’re not alone on that one.
Nailing summer office outfits is an art form, especially if you work in a corporate environment. While a lot of work place’s dress codes are nowhere as strict as they used to be, you unfortunately can’t be rocking up to the office in thongs and a beach cover up, even if your post-work plans are to go for a swim.
Now, I’m not saying you’ve gotta show up in a heavy trousers and a blazer (not unless you want to be sweating your ass off). Nailing the summer office outfit formula isn’t as hard as people often make it out to be. All it takes is picking the right fabrications and silhouettes, and you’re already three quarters of the way there.
If you need help deciphering what’s suitable for your summer work wardrobe, read on!
What Materials Are Best To Wear During Summer?
Lightweight and moisture-wicking fabrications will be your bestie for the hotter quarter of the year. Cotton is one of the most common options; it’s a breathable fabric that’s suited for all-year round. Just make sure to steer clear of thicker, heavier cottons and opt for more lightweight options instead.
When you think of summer fabrics, linen is probably the top one that comes to mind. Light, breathable and durable, it’s reminiscent of outfits you’d wear on holiday (but don’t be fooled, there are some solid tailored linen options for the office).
Other popular materials that you should be on the lookout for when curating your summer work wardrobe include rayon, chambray (looks like denim but is softer and lighter), and bamboo.
While satin’s silky texture may seem like a good option at first thought, its polyester fibres trap heat, so it’s best to steer clear. I’ve made the mistake of wearing satin trousers in summer and they ended up clinging to my legs with sweat. Not fun, don’t recommend!
Summer Workwear At A Glance: Our Shopping Editor’s Top Picks
- Best summer work dress: Forcast Tory Linen Blend Panel Dress, $179.99
- Best summer work top: Ganni Cotton Poplin Peplum Tie Blouse, $177 (usually $295)
- Best summer work trousers: Witchery Bias Linen Pants, $139
- Best summer work shorts: Elka Collective Clara Short Black, $199
- Best summer work skirt: Vero Moda Lise Check Midi Skirt, $99.95
- Best summer work shoes: Bared Footwear Osprey, $289
How To Dress For The Office In Summer: A Complete Guide
Dresses
Personally, I gravitate towards dresses whenever I’m heading to the office during summer. Not only is a loose maxi dress feel like I’m wearing practically nothing as opposed to a tight, sticky blouse, it’s also an extremely easy way to look put together — especially when you’re in a rush.
If you work in a more casual office, you can probably get away with wearing a mini dress as long as it’s not wildly short. Otherwise, it’s best to play it safe and stick to midis and maxis. We’ve found some great options from brands including Nude Lucy, Forcast, and Meshki.
Tops
When it comes to dressing for the office during summer, tops, blouses and shirts are among the easiest wardrobe essential to sort out. And you can have fun with it! You don’t need to limit yourself to a crisp white shirt or the classic blue and white stripe linen button up (not that there’s anything wrong with either of those). Basic tanks and tees are a great summer staple if you like dressnig monochrome, pairing them with a fun pant or skirt, or dressing them up with a blazer, too.
If you need a little inspo for how to jazz up the top half of your office outfits, look no further.
Trousers
Trousers is where things starts to get a little trickier. A lot of work pants are made with heavier fabrics like wool blends that are more appropriate for winter — and on a 35 degree day, there’s nothing worse than feeling droplets of sweat sliding down your legs as you’re commuting to and from the office. Loose-fitting wide leg trousers made from lightweight materials will come in clutch, and we’ve found the best pairs from brands like Viktoria & Woods, Country Road, Reiss and even Target.
Shorts And Skirts
Maxi skirts are the obvious choice for summer office dressing, but depending on how strict your workplace’s dress code is, you can get away with some cute tailored mini skirts and shorts, too. Bermuda shorts (AKA tailored jorts) are also having a moment, so you can style some longer shorts if ones above the thigh aren’t your speed.
Shoes
Lucky last: footwear. Again, this will vary depending on your workplace’s dress code, but you best believe we’ll be wearing open-toe sandals at every opportunity we get so that our dogs have room to breathe. If you need to keep your toes covered, another great summer option that offers some breathability (especially the loosely woven designs).
Now go forth, beat the heat, and become the best dressed in the office!
Image credit: @lil_bangla / @miaxmcgrath / @meggie.fairb
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