29 Summer Outfits You Can Actually Wear to Work

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

On the weekends, you can wear whatever you want: shorts, swimsuits, and sandals included. But even in 90-degree heat, summer work outfits have to fulfill a certain set of guidelines. Once you’ve arrived at your desk, you’ll want to be prepared for the possibility of an air conditioner set to extra-high. (A desk sweater is a welcome compromise.)

That being said, just because you can’t show midriff or perhaps need to steer clear of cutouts, that doesn’t mean you can’t embrace the light, colorful, carefree vibes of summer style. You don’t want to spend your commute sweating to walk immediately into an important meeting.

Inspired by the women tackling high fashion in high heat during Fashion Week, a roundup of 29 outfit ideas lies ahead, all of which will fit your office dress code without feeling too corporate or stuffy. And since warm weather can make everything feel a little fuzzy first thing in the morning, they’re all easy to throw together. A focus on lightweight fabrics like silk, linen, and cotton can even help make more conservative ensembles feel practically breezy. From classic suit sets to comfortable dresses, consider this shopping list the starting place for a refresh of your summer work wardrobe. Now all you’ll have to worry about is not spilling any of your iced latte on the way to your desk.

Keep It Casual

Slouchy trousers and a classic white tee are a cool combination that balances tailoring and ease.

Tropical Wool Marit Pullon Pants

These relaxed trousers can be easily dressed up or down—try swapping out sneakers for heels.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Dark stone

Go Bold With Accessories

Don’t be afraid to dress up a streamlined look with bold accessories like a funky shoes or a statement belt. They have the power to make an outfit you’ve worn a million times feel entirely different.

Small Axel Belt in Black Leather With Gold

A sculptural belt has the power to transform an entire outfit.

Sizes: 70–90

Colors: Black, python

Taylor Rollneck Cardigan

This comfy cardigan looks great thrown over the shoulder for a casual summer ensemble.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Blue, beige

Embrace the Cardigan

In summer, office air-conditioning can mean that despite it being sweaty outside, it’s freezing at your desk. A cardigan you can tie around the neck on your commute will come in handy when you get to work.

Try a Patterned Midi

A midi dress in a vibrant, modern print is a no-brainer. Pair it with elegant accessories, like a Mary Jane heel and button earring, for an elevated spin that’s still comfortable to wear all day.

Oceanscape Printed Midi Dress With Handkerchief Hem

The handkerchief silhouette of this Jason Wu dress makes it perfect for easy summer styling.

Sizes: 0–14

Colors: Multi

Slip Into Something Satiny

A silky midi skirt is easily office-friendly with the help of some mainstay basics, like a white button-up shirt, crewneck sweater, and pointy kitten heels.

Satin Midi Skirt

One of Vince’s top styles, the satin midi skirt can be worn during the day with the right pairing. Style with muted neutrals to keep things monochrome.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Champagne, black

Strap Into Sandals With Lift

A modern sandal shape like a strappy square-toed heel makes any work outfit a little more dressed up.

Avi Sandal

This forgiving heel height ensures you will be comfortable during a long day at the office. (Must come with a good pedicure.)

Sizes: 5–10

Colors: Black and skin Nappa

Suit Up With Something Oversize

Wearing white used to come with a set of rules, but they’ve been outdated for years, and you can’t go wrong with a smart suit in the summertime. Opt for a slouchy fit for something that feels more casual and less business.

Rope-Tie Blazer

Oversize and roomy, this blazer shows the relaxed way to do workwear in the heat. Pair with the matching trousers for a chic approach to summer whites.

Sizes: 000–24

Colors: Off-white

Play With Print

Retro-inspired prints in breezy silhouettes are ideal on a scorching-hot summer day. If you’re bold enough, try wearing a dress over billowy pants.

Casette Oversize Striped Silk-Organza Shirt

Bold stripes stand out without overwhelming another bold piece. Pair with a flat or sandal and top-handle handbag for an easy, dressed-up look.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Multi

Keep Up in Khaki

Khaki basics are now hot, thanks to Miu Miu. Aside from being of the moment, they’re also fail-proof in warm weather. A crisp button-up and coordinated khaki skirt are a workwear match made in heaven.

Arwen Belted Linen-Blend Midi Skirt

This mid-rise pleated skirt is a summer workwear must. Hitting just above the knee, this style can be paired with slingback flats or heels for a Prada runway-inspired touch.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Tan

Upgrade Your Basics

Who says tank tops aren’t for work? The classic casual staple becomes office-suitable when paired with smart, tailored trousers and an of-the-moment pump. Add a simple structured bag to further elevate the look.

Women’s Compact Knit Tank

What’s more ideal for summer than a white tank? Helmut Lang’s ribbed version is made from breathable cotton and has a high-neck cut that provides the ideal amount of coverage.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: White

Float On in Florals

The classic fashion joke is this: Florals for spring are not necessarily groundbreaking. But they do solve most hot-weather dressing dilemmas. They’re easy to throw on when you’re in a rush, and always look good.

Kason Floral Dress

Airy floral dresses are a summer speciality. When you don’t feel like styling out a full look, lean on this one-and-done midi for a pulled-together approach.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Floral

Go for Comfortable Flats

The ballerina flat was everywhere in the 2010s, and now it’s back in a big way. Brands like Miu Miu and Tory Burch are revitalizing the classic, with styles made of satin or covered in studs, which look nothing like the ballet flats you remember. Try an ivory shade for summer, with everything from pencil skirts to jersey dresses.

The Italian Leather Day Ballet Flat

Buttery-soft leather and a cushioned insole make these a comfortable option for commuting, meetings, and more. These ballet flats are also made with recycled leather, for a sustainable approach.

Sizes: 5–11

Colors: Canvas, sugar almond, pale pink, moss, black, seafoam green

Minis That Work

Miniskirts can work for the office when balanced out by a long-sleeved top and a pair of closed-toe kitten heels. Look for a cut that is far longer than the Miu Miu mini, and hits just slightly above the knee.

Linen Skirt

This mini is long enough to be work-appropriate, yet special enough to stand out due to the brand’s signature tie closures. Made primarily from linen too, this one is beyond breathable.

Sizes: 0–14

Colors: Blue

Crop to It

Crop tops are fine for work—when they’re made from a more serious shirting. Keep things covered with a high-waisted bottom that hides your midriff.

The Silky Cotton Way-Short Shirt

Whether you’re petite or simply looking to change up your workwear, Everlane’s effortless style is a no-brainer.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Mariner blue/white, laurel, black, chambray blue, white

Knits Are It

Don’t discard those knit dresses when warm weather hits. When made from the right yarns or materials, these flattering dresses can be worn through September with the proper accessories.

Anouk Wrap-Front Knit Midi Dress

This knit midi dress has a waist-tie detail that makes it particularly unique. Wear with a utilitarian sandal and shoulder bag for a relaxed look that still has plenty of polish.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Brown

Graphic Possibilities

A graphic tee is so easy to dress all the way up. Pair yours with a knee-length skirt and a simple sandal for a polished effect (sans coat, of course).

Buon Appetito Shrunken Tee

This logo T-shirt summons warm-weather vibes with a sunset backdrop and fennel flower graphic. Tuck into a skirt or throw over a blazer for a casual work look.

Sizes: 6–16

Colors: White

Keep Things Simple

Summer is the season for keeping things simple. Style a classic button-up with an easy pair of summer jeans for a look that’ll have you channeling Jane Birkin’s je ne sais quoi.

Baggy Straight Jeans in Paxton Wash

A relaxed, straight-leg jean made from cotton is the jean you will live in all summer. Grab a silky button-up and flat shoe for a summer Friday look you’ll want to wear to after-work plans.

Sizes: 23–33

Colors: Paxton wash

Take Tailoring to the Next Level

A tailored vest and matching trouser is the new definitive suit of summer, no blazer needed. The look is often spotted on J.Crew’s Olympia Gayot, so you know it’s incredibly chic.

Slim-Fit Linen Vest

J.Crew’s vest is made from linen, breathable enough for summer. Whether styled alone with a matching trouser, worn with a blazer or a tee underneath, the styling options are limitless.

Sizes: 00–24

Colors: Flax, white, navy, green

Find the Balance

Long shorts are great for transitional weather days. They can bring a tough of edge to an otherwise frilly top, and are more unexpected than your classic pair of denim cut-offs.

Tailored Wide-Leg Shorts

A longer hem length and trouser-front cut keep shorts suitable for the workplace. The relaxed fit on this tailored version works great with a voluminous blouse and simple slide.

Sizes: 34–42

Colors: Black

Look to Uniform Dressing

For a grown-up look that still feels as whimsical as a schoolgirl’s uniform, start with a military-inspired blazer. Then add a tee or tank and a pleated skirt.

Miller Dickey Jacket

This structured blazer has a touch of stretch and cotton that won’t make you sweat on hotter days. Brass buttons also add a bit of edge to the classic shape.

Sizes: 00–16

Colors: Navy, black

Tanner Trench Coat

A lightweight trench coat, like this one from Nili Lotan, is a more-than-worth-it investment. Double-breasted and belted, this is a wardrobe must you can wear into fall.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Khaki, black

Make the Jacket the Whole Look

The right trench coat can moonlight as a dress when it’s properly secured. Swap the leather for something more lightweight for warmer-weather days.

Lean Into Menswear

If you want to try a menswear-inspired look, don’t just stop at the oversize shirt. Add a pair of floor-skimming trousers that are light and flowy enough for the office, too.

Gelso Pleated Woven Wide-Leg Trousers

Trousers aren’t just for winter. These wide-leg, pleat-front pants are billowy enough for hot, sticky days.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Black, gray

Make It Matchy-Matchy

The combination of a laid-back button-up and pants always looks more put-together when they’re a matching set. This look will work anywhere and everywhere from the office to the airport lounge.

Tropea Oversize Silk Shirt

Pajama-style dressing is no longer just for the bedroom. Pair your silky shirt with matching pants, and add a ballet flat with a structured crossbody bag for office days.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Green

Go Monochrome

Match your outfit to all your accessories for a look that is instantly chic. Summer-ready materials, like raffia, are great to build your outfit around.

The Lafayette Sandals

A textured mule in a neutral hue is the perfect summer shoe. Pair with a khaki shirtdress for a monochrome look that’ll feel like a vacation-ready look built for your nine-to-five.

Sizes: 5–12

Colors: Jute

Play With Texture

If your office tends to get chilly, make sure to keep a cotton sweater on hand. You’ll be thankful you bought one when your PTO rolls around and you need to pack something for a night near the beach.

Soft-Spun Cotton Crew

A relaxed crewneck in pure cotton will save you from the office chills. Whether worn with trouser shorts, an A-line skirt, or wide-leg jeans, this versatile option will keep you both cool and professional.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Natural

Top It All Off

A blazer paired with a slip skirt is great for the transitional period between spring and summer. Opt for contrasting colors and rolled-up sleeves to give the look a cool vibe that doesn’t feel stiff.

Exclusive Sweet Pea Oversize Blazer

Office-friendly silhouettes in brighter colors are an easy way to make workwear more weather-appropriate. Be sure to look for lightweight fabrics, such as this linen blend, that will keep you cool once you head outdoors.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Light blue

Start With a Midi Skirt

A midi skirt acts as the ultimate blank canvas to build an endless amount of work-ready summer outfits on. You can’t go wrong styling yours with an off-the shoulder top or a button-up. For the weekends, pair this style with a slinky crop top.

Santa Monica Floral-Print Crepe de Chine Midi Skirt

Tuck a crisp blouse or lightweight knit into this high-waisted skirt to create an easy, everyday work look when styled with mules or sandals.

Sizes: XS–XXL

Colors: Blue

Take the Guesswork Out With a Shirtdress

The throw-and-go style of a shirtdress makes you look instantly polished, thanks to its menswear roots. Swap the boots for slingbacks for a dressier vibe.

Michelle Dress

This billowy minidress is made from cotton with a bit of stretch, and is a great option for the hottest of days. Wear with flats or loafers to keep it simple and sleek.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Green

Add a Scarf

Throw a silk scarf around a ponytail or bun for a summery touch that feels straight out of a Godard film. If you feel like your look is missing a little something, this is the easiest way to add an accessory that won’t make you sweat.

Printed Silk-Twill Scarf

A bright scarf can spice up even the most casual outfit, so lean into bold prints, like Pucci’s vibrant swirls.

Sizes: One size

Colors: Multi

Why trust Harper’s Bazaar?

For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

You Might Also Like

• 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora

• The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine