Summer 2019 could be one of the hottest years ever. That’s good news if live by the beach or are vacationing somewhere tropical, but for everyone else, the extreme heat poses some challenges. When you’re spending your summer in an office, you need to consider how to dress appropriately for work.
At the same time, it is summer. It’s a time to have a little bit of fun with your style. You always want to dress in outfits that will keep you cool when you are outside, and can easily transition into a nighttime outfit for post-work activities.
Summer office wear shouldn’t be something that you feel stressed about. Having easy summer outfits will help you get out of the door and be happier at work.
Below, we’re sharing ideas for 11 summer work outfits that you can wear all season long. Read on!
1. A Shirtdress
Summer work clothes should be both comfortable and appropriate. A shirtdress is both. The button detailing and collar ensure that the dress is appropriate for work, but the loose fit of the dress is also comfortable in the warm summer air.
Linen is a great summer fabric, and a shirtdress in linen is effortlessly chic. Wear it with kitten heel pumps for work, and then change into sandals or white sneakers for post-work dinner or drinks.
2. Bright Colors
Summer is a time to stand out in rich, saturated colors, and summer work clothes are no exception. Bright oranges, pinks, and yellows grab attention, but they are also a versatile color palate. You can wear them different ways depending on how formal your office is.
If your office has a more conservative dress code, wear tailored pieces in bright colors to show off your summer style while still looking appropriate. If you have a more relaxed dress code, there’s no limit to how you can incorporate these shades into your work wardrobe.
3. White Pants
White pants are summer stable, and they should be in your regular summer office outfit rotation. Besides being appropriate for the season, they are a great base for an outfit. Everything will match with white pants, so you can have fun with color and print when choosing a top.
White jeans are an easy way to wear this summer trend, but if your office is more formal, you can opt for white linen pants or white silk pants instead.
4. Sleeveless Vest
A long sleeveless vest is a surprising summer item, but it’s perfect for summer office wear. It adds a layer of polish and sophistication to any outfit. Layer it over pants and a simple top or a short-sleeved dress. Look for one in a neutral color and a lightweight fabric, so you can wear it all summer long with any outfit.
It’s especially great for days when you have plans after work. You can wear the same outfit without the vest for a more casual vibe.
5. Bermuda Shorts
Believe it or not, you can wear shorts to the office! While jean shorts and gym shorts will never have a place at work, there are a lot of shorts that are perfectly appropriate for a summer office outfit. The key is finding shorts that are the right length and the right fit.
You want shorts that are Bermuda length and hit at the knee. You should also avoid anything too tight, so look for shorts with a slightly wider leg and looser cut.
6. Pastel Prints
Because summer is a time when you should have fun with your fashion, you shouldn’t be afraid to wear printed pieces to the office. Dresses, tops, and skirts that feature pastel prints have a distinctly seasonal feel. They’re a little bit preppy, and a little bit relaxed, and great for summer work clothes.
If you’re not sure how to incorporate pastel prints into your summer wardrobe, you can shop this site for inspiration and lots of great options.
7. A Tank Dress
A tank dress is one of the most work appropriate summer dresses. It provides you with all the right coverage, but still exposes your arms and legs so you can stay comfortable in the warm summer air.
Tank dresses come in a variety of lengths, but you never want to wear anything too short when you’re going to the office. If you’re wearing a hemline that hits you at your mid-thigh, pair it with flats. If you’re wearing knee-length or longer, you’re safe to pair it with pumps or heeled sandals.
8. Sandals
In the summer, the right sandals can make the outfit. That’s true even when it comes to summer outfits for work, and there are lots of sandal styles that are appropriate for the office.
Keep in mind, this is not the time for flip-flops. Sandals with a back and front strap are best, including espadrilles or other platform shoes. And don’t forget to get a pedicure whenever you’ll be showing off bare feet at work.
9. White Button-Down
A white button-down shirt is a classic for any season, but it’s especially useful in the summer. Having an arsenal of sleeveless or short-sleeved white button-downs in your arsenal means you can mix and match them with any outfit.
They’re great on top of printed pants or a printed skirt, but you can also layer them under a slip dress for a work-appropriate day-to-night look.
10. Two-Piece Set
A summer two-piece set is a far cry from the suits of winter. The summer two-piece is all about a lightweight bottom and top in the same fabric and matching prints. This is a great place for silk, but wide-legged cotton pants with a slim-fitting matching top is a chic option too.
11. Midi skirt
Mini-skirts are never work appropriate, but even street style has been moving away from short hemlines. Midi skirt—or skirts that hit at the ankle or mid-calf, are going to be one of the hottest trends this summer. Fortunately, they look just as good on the sidewalk as they do at the office.
Pair them with sandals or wedges for work, and then switch into flip-flops or white sneakers for running errands or grabbing happy hour drinks.
Want More Idea for Summer Work Outfits?
There are so many creative summer work outfits that will keep you looking and feeling cool all summer long. Don’t be afraid to be a little bold with your summer style, but always make sure you’re appropriate for your office’s dress code.
For more style inspiration, please browse the blog.
