Picking out an appropriate outfit to wear at your 9-5 office job is tough, especially when the summer heat makes it tempting to not even get dressed at all. The clothing you wear to work is likely the clothing that you wear the longest, since a night on the town doesn’t generally last for eight long hours. The length of time you wear your work clothes, the intensity of the summer heat, and the dress code of your work environment are the main factors to keep in mind when you’re considering summer outfits for work.
Putting together work outfits for summer doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Follow these basic suggestions for work style, including color schemes and fabric options. We’ll also go over some suggestions to leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on the heat in the workplace.
Classy essentials
Let’s begin by going back to the basics for those days when it’s not as appropriate to express yourself fully with your work attire. Keep in mind that simply because your dress code mandates that you dress a bit more conservatively, it doesn’t mean you can’t add some summer flair to your work outfit. Loose blouses, sleeveless silhouettes, and cropped pants are just a few ways you can tailor your work outfit to the summer weather while still looking classy and professional.
Light layers
Match your sleeveless dress and combat the office’s air conditioning by incorporating light layers into your summer outfits for work. Breezy overshirts, denim jackets, and loose cardigans act as lovely accents to your outfit. Moreover, they keep you comfortable when you’re stuck sitting under the AC vent all day.
For example, if your typical work outfit consists of a button-up shirt and skirt, complement your blouse with an appropriately colored light sweater. Leave the shirt collar and cuffs out for an extra pop of color. You now have a versatile outfit you can modify throughout the day as the temperature fluctuates.
Let’s talk about color
Changing up the color scheme of your wardrobe is one of the telltale signs that summer has arrived. Let’s explore the various ways that you can incorporate your favorite colors into your summer wardrobe.
Neutrals and pastels
One way to stay fresh and cool during your summer work day is to layer muted colors such as blush, gray, and ivory. Neutral and pastel colors like these give you a chic look while still looking bright and fresh. You also don’t overdo it with many bright and vivid colors.
Bold patterns
If you’d rather include your vivid style into your summer outfits for work, go for clothing with bold patterns. Try keeping the frame of your professional attire the same to maintain a look appropriate for the workplace, such as with an A-line skirt, pencil skirt, or shift dress. Choose articles of clothing with bright, intricate patterns anywhere from a tribal look to the abstract.
Mix it up
You’ll quickly find that combining your different prints into one cohesive outfit greatly increases your potential outfit options, providing you with all new looks while using the same articles of clothing.
Floral prints
For a tamer look, go for a floral print. Floral prints are one of the essentials of summertime attire, and it’s fun and simple to incorporate them into your summer outfits for work. Stay on the safe side by keeping most of your outfit relatively neutral, and accent it with an article of clothing that shows off your fabulous florals.
Add a splash of color
If an outfit consisting of loud, bright colors isn’t your thing, you can still celebrate the warmer, sunnier season by adding a splash of color to make your outfit really pop. A bright pink necklace paired with a white dress, neon yellow shoes to match your black and white pencil skirt and blouse, or a teal skirt that pops amid the rest of your relatively neutral outfit creates a sharp and savvy look that still says that summer’s here and so are you.
Fabric matters
When you’re considering what to wear to work during the sweltering summer heat, choosing clothing made from cool, lightweight fabrics makes a big difference in your level of comfort. You certainly don’t want to make that work commute in a knitted dress. Let’s take a look at what fabrics you do want to wear on your daily work grind.
Cotton, now and forever
Cotton is certainly one of the most commonly used natural fibers, and it’s not without good reason. Cotton clothes bring comfort throughout the year, even during the hottest months. Its soft, fluffy fibers are interwoven to create airy loops that are miraculously breathable, making it the perfect fabric in dry or humid heat.
Linen love
Linen is one of the oldest textiles in the world and another popular natural fiber. Linen is widely known for its coolness and breathability, and it works well in any kind of heat.
Chambray all day
Chambray is actually a woven cotton textile, but the difference lies in how the threads are put together. Chambray clothing generally has a higher thread count, which means the weave is finer and the fabric is even more breathable. Since it looks like a lighter form of denim, however, you’ll have to be savvy when incorporating this fabric into your work attire.
Summer outfit ideas for work
When you’re considering which colors and fabrics would create the best work outfits for summer, it’s important to remember how comfortable you feel in the outfit, both physically and mentally, as well as how the outfit would be accepted in your workplace. While you may be most comfortable donning a sundress and sandals, this more casual look may not be acceptable in the office. This doesn’t mean you have to forego your own sense of comfortable fashion completely.
Whether your personal style is casual or professional, let’s explore how these summer outfit ideas for work can make you look and feel your best while at work.
Skirt and tucked-in T-shirt
A classic look that is often appropriate for a day at work or a day on the town is a plain white or neutral-colored T-shirt tucked into a skirt. Try a tailored midi-length skirt for a sleek look or a printed A-line skirt for a more casual look.
Tank top and midi-length skirt
For those days that feel too hot to function, wearing a tank top to work is normally acceptable as long as it isn’t too strappy or low-cut. To offset the amount of bare skin showing up top, pair your tank with a midi-length skirt and sandals to match. It doesn’t hurt to bring a light cardigan with you, either, just in case.
Wide-leg pants with a sleeveless button-down
An outfit for the truly sophisticated summer fashionista that’s assuredly workplace-appropriate is a pair of wide-leg pants paired with a sleeveless button-down shirt. The collared sleeveless shirt is professional and will keep you feeling cool throughout the day, especially when combined with billowing slacks.
Pantsuits all year-round
Summertime is the ideal time to try out pantsuits in all their colorful glory. While you might stick with the traditional darker-toned pantsuits during the wintertime, summertime allows you to don pantsuits in various tones such as coral, white, or teal. A plain tank or breezy top works great under the jacket to keep you cool, and minimal accessories ensure your outfit isn’t too loud.
Shirtdress season
Shirtdresses make great summer outfits for work with their comfortable, loose fit, professional collar and buttons, and their versatility. They look great with flats, sandals, and heels, and you can wear them alone or cinched at the waist with a thin belt.
Waistcoats, tunics, and vests galore
Give your everyday dress or tank and skirt combination some extra pizzazz by throwing a waistcoat, tunic, or vest over the outfit. Long waistcoats and vests look great over a tank top and some culottes, and a long tunic gives your cropped tailored pants a polished, put-together look.
Don’t sweat the work stuff
Now that you’re an expert on summertime workplace fashion, it’s time to start mixing and matching outfits of your own. Only you know your personal style and how that can translate to your necessary work style. Therefore, don’t work yourself up trying to create a work outfit that doesn’t suit you at all. You can create summer outfits for work that are uniquely you and that will keep you fresh and cool, even when things get a little heated at work.