What to Wear to Work in the Summer

As the scorching summer sun makes its presence felt, finding the perfect workwear outfits that exude professionalism, keep you comfortable, and showcase your style becomes an essential task. The rising temperatures may tempt you to ditch your formal attire for something more relaxed, but fear not! By making strategic outfit choices, you can navigate the summer heat while maintaining a polished and put-together appearance.

The key to mastering summer workwear is striking a delicate balance between professionalism, comfort, and style. It's important to adhere to your workplace's dress code while also considering the sweltering weather outside.

In this blog post, we will explore some chic and professional outfit ideas to help you beat the summer heat and maintain your workwear elegance.

Summer work outfit ideas

1. Light and Flowy Dresses

Embrace the breezy charm of summer with light and flowy dresses. Opt for fabrics like cotton or linen that allow air to circulate and keep you cool throughout the day. Choose pastel shades or vibrant prints to add a touch of playfulness to your look. Complete the outfit with comfortable sandals or wedges for a chic and effortless summer ensemble.

2. Tailored Shorts and Blouses

Stay professional while beating the heat by pairing tailored shorts with a crisp blouse. Look for shorts made from high-quality fabrics that hit just above the knee for a polished appearance. Opt for neutral or pastel colors to maintain a professional vibe. Pair them with a well-fitted blouse in a complementary shade and tuck it in for a more put-together look. Complete the ensemble with closed-toe flats or loafers to maintain a refined and office-appropriate style.

3. Sleeveless Tops and Midi Skirts

Keep cool and fashionable in sleeveless tops paired with midi skirts. Look for lightweight materials like chiffon or silk for maximum breathability. Experiment with vibrant patterns or solid colors to express your style. Opt for a midi skirt that falls below the knee to maintain a professional length. Finish the look with strappy sandals or heels to add a touch of elegance to your summer work attire.

4. Linen Pants and Light Blouses

Stay comfortable and stylish in linen pants, which are ideal for summer workwear. Look for breathable and wrinkle-resistant linen fabrics in neutral tones. Pair them with a lightweight blouse in a complementary color for a cohesive look. Complete the outfit with comfortable flats or low-heeled sandals to keep you going throughout the day.

5. Culottes and Blouses

Embrace the fashion-forward trend of culottes for a unique and stylish summer work outfit. Choose culottes in a neutral shade, such as black, navy, or beige, for a versatile and professional look. Pair them with a flowy blouse in a contrasting color or a complementary print. Add a belt to define the waist and create a polished silhouette. Finish the ensemble with block heels or wedges to elongate the legs and maintain a sophisticated appearance.

6. Jumpsuits or Rompers

Opt for a well-tailored jumpsuit or romper in a breathable fabric for a sleek and effortless summer work outfit. Look for styles with modest necklines and lengths that are suitable for the office. Choose a solid color or a subtle print for a more professional look. Pair with sandals or pumps depending on your workplace's dress code. For a more formal touch, layer a lightweight blazer over the jumpsuit or romper.

7. Sheath Dresses

A classic sheath dress is a versatile option that can take you from the boardroom to after-work events. Look for dresses with shorter sleeves or sleeveless designs to keep you cool in the summer heat. Opt for lightweight fabrics such as cotton or silk for maximum comfort. Pair the dress with heels or flats, depending on your preference and workplace requirements. Accessorize with a statement necklace or a belt to add a touch of sophistication to your look.

8. Lightweight Blazers and Trousers

Layer a lightweight blazer over a sleeveless or short-sleeved blouse for a polished and professional summer work outfit. Look for blazers in lighter colors and breathable fabrics to avoid overheating. Pair them with tailored trousers in a complementary shade for a cohesive look. Complete the ensemble with pointed-toe flats or pumps to add a touch of elegance and complete your summer work attire.

If you still have no idea about what to wear, here we summarize the 7 best brands for summer dresses for you. You can choose freely according to your preference.

7 Best brands for summer clothing

1. Cult Gaia

Cult Gaia is a popular fashion brand known for its unique and artistic designs that blend modern aesthetics with bohemian influences. Founded by Jasmin Larian in 2012, Cult Gaia has gained a strong following for its innovative approach to accessories and ready-to-wear fashion.

Cult Gaia's designs often feature clean lines, geometric shapes, and natural materials like wood, bamboo, and raffia. The brand embraces a sense of effortlessness and free-spiritedness, creating pieces that are both fashionable and timeless. Their collections are inspired by nature, architecture, and art, resulting in pieces that are as visually striking as they are wearable.

2. Who What Wear Collection

The Who What Wear Collection is a fashion brand that emerged as an extension of the popular fashion website, Who What Wear. Launched in 2016 by Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power, the brand aims to bring accessible and on-trend fashion to women of all sizes and styles.

One of the brand's key strengths is its focus on inclusivity. The collection features extended sizing options, offering a diverse range of sizes to accommodate different body types. By prioritizing inclusivity, the Who What Wear Collection aims to empower women and promote body positivity.

3. Bronx and Banco

Bronx and Banco is a luxury fashion brand known for its sophisticated and feminine designs. Founded by Natalie DeBanco, the brand combines intricate detailing, high-quality craftsmanship, and contemporary aesthetics to create garments that exude elegance and glamour.

Bronx and Banco embrace femininity, celebrating the female form with flattering cuts and silhouettes. From figure-hugging bodycon dresses to flowing A-line gowns, their designs aim to enhance and accentuate the wearer's natural beauty. The brand's attention to fit and construction ensures that its garments not only look stunning but also feel comfortable to wear.

4. Faithfull the Brand

Faithfull the Brand is a popular fashion label known for its effortlessly chic and bohemian-inspired designs. Established in 2012 by Australian designers Sarah-Jane Abrahams and Helle Them-Enger, the brand draws inspiration from travel, vintage fashion, and the carefree spirit of the '70s.

The aesthetic of Faithfull the Brand revolves around relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, and feminine prints. The brand's collections feature flowy maxi dresses, breezy jumpsuits, lightweight tops, and skirts, all designed to capture a sense of wanderlust and adventure. The garments often showcase delicate details such as ruffles, smocking, and tie accents, adding a touch of romance to each piece.

5. Jacquemus

Jacquemus is known for its emphasis on clean lines, architectural shapes, and innovative silhouettes. The brand often plays with proportions, incorporating oversized details or exaggerated elements to create visually striking pieces. These unconventional designs challenge traditional notions of fashion and showcase a sense of artistic experimentation.

One of the standout features of Jacquemus is its ability to blend elements of both masculinity and femininity. The brand's collections often feature structured tailoring, sharp angles, and angular cuts, juxtaposed with delicate draping, feminine accents, and soft fabrics. This combination creates a harmonious balance that is both modern and alluring.

6. Staud

Staud's designs are characterized by clean lines, minimalistic silhouettes, and a focus on functionality. The brand takes inspiration from retro influences, incorporating vintage-inspired details and classic elements into its collections. By reimagining timeless styles with a contemporary twist, Staud creates garments that are both stylish and versatile.

Staud places a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality. The brand uses high-quality fabrics and materials to ensure that its pieces are not only visually appealing but also durable and long-lasting. Attention to detail is evident in the brand's tailoring, finishing, and thoughtful design elements, which contribute to the overall refined and polished look of Staud's collections.

7. Reformation

One of Reformation's key pillars is sustainability. The brand utilizes eco-friendly materials, such as recycled fabrics and deadstock (surplus) fabrics, to reduce waste and promote a circular fashion economy. By giving new life to existing materials, Reformation helps to reduce the environmental footprint associated with fashion production.

Reformation's designs are known for their effortless, feminine aesthetic. The brand offers a wide range of clothing options, including dresses, tops, bottoms, and outerwear, all designed with a contemporary and flattering fit. Whether it's a flowy maxi dress or a sleek jumpsuit, Reformation's garments are designed to make women feel confident and beautiful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the summer heat while maintaining a professional and stylish look for work can be a challenge, but with the right strategies and outfit choices, you can conquer the season with confidence. By embracing lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, you can ensure optimal comfort and breathability throughout the day. Incorporating dresses into your work wardrobe offers a versatile and effortless option, allowing you to stay cool while exuding a polished and feminine vibe.

It's important to remember to always check your workplace dress code and adapt these outfit suggestions accordingly. Some environments may have stricter guidelines, while others may embrace a more relaxed and casual approach. By adhering to the rules and expectations of your workplace, you can strike the perfect balance between personal style and professionalism.