9 Summer Work Outfits For When It's Really Hot Outside
By Andrea Cheng. Photos: Getty Images, Courtesy of Brand.
When summer reaches peak oven temperatures (sunny, 90-plus degrees, and painfully hot), you’re burdened with the struggle of figuring out an outfit that not only meets the office dress code but is ventilated enough to withstand the heat—all without compromising style. But it is possible (really, truly) to look and feel good in this kind of weather. We pulled nine outfits that check all the boxes, so all you have to do is study up on these easy fashion formulas for effortlessly cool looks (both literally and figuratively), one for every single day of the week. Consider all your summer workwear problems gone.
1. Add Structure
Anchor breezy separates with traditional office-friendly pieces, like a blazer sans sleeves (because summer) and loafer slides.
Cos pleated back top, $99,cosstores.com; Zara long waistcoat, $129, zara.com; Babaton Jude skirt, $135, aritzia.com; Botkier Cobble Hill satchel, $258, shopbop.com; Everlane loafer mules, $155, everlane.com.
2. Master Minimalism
A neutral color palette instantly sharpens a flowy top and skirt.
Cuyana poplin top, $115, cuyana.com; J.Crew clip-dot tiered skirt, $70, jcrew.com; Simon Miller Bonsai purse, $390, simonmillerusa.com; M. Gemi The Attorno sandals, $248, mgemi.com.
3. Pack On Personality
More of a maximalist? Express it through summery extras, like fun two-tone sandals or a laser-cutout belt, against a cheery yellow dress.
Diane von Furstenberg dress, $270, net-a-porter.com; Johnny Loves Rosie corset-waist belt, $35, asos.com; Zara crossbody bag, $50, zara.com; Loeffler Randall Sylvia sandals, $265, loefflerrandall.com.
4. Pick One Statement Piece
It’s the season of statement shirting—make it work-appropriate with no-nonsense staples.
Zara pleated blouse, $70, zara.com; Tibi asymmetrical snap skirt, $345, tibi.com; Neely & Chloe No.19 Mini Lady Bag, $148, neelyandchloe.com; Maryam Nassir Zadeh leather pumps, $426, farfetch.com.
5. Suit Up
Lighten up your boss suit with crisp whites. #pantsuitnation
Aerie Real Soft boy tank, $11, ae.com; H&M blazer, $55, hm.com; H&M wide-cut pants, $40, hm.com; Senreve Doctor Bag, $895, senreve.com; Ancient Greek Sandals Thalia slides, $175, ancient-greek-sandals.com.
6. Throw On Tweed
If your workplace (1) errs on the side of casual and (2) is guilty of blasting the AC, then—voilà—this is the perfect outfit.
Cut + Sew T-shirt, $63, cutandsewclothing.com; Re/Done high-rise ankle-crop jeans, $310, shopredone.com; Zara textured-weave cardigan, $100, zara.com; Rebecca Minkoff chevron-quilted crossbody bag, $385, rebeccaminkoff.com; Topshop Jolene toe-cap heels, $68, topshop.com.
7. Play With Ladylike Elements...
...like florals and pleats, but add interest with shine and texture.
Mango ruffled printed blouse, $50, mango.com; Witchery metallic skirt, $131, witchery.com; Elizabeth and James croc shoulder bag, $395, net-a-porter.com; Steve Madden Irenee sandals, $80, stevemadden.com.
8. Experiment With a New Silhouette
A new take on workwear: a ruffled top + waist-highlighting paper-bag-style pant + sleek mules. So chic.
Madewell eyelet bellflower ruffled top, $70, madewell.com; Mango high-waist trousers, $80, mango.com; Monpurse mini bowler bag, $380, monpurse.com; Dear Fances Eva mules, $430, dearfrances.com.
9. Make a Match
Balance darling prints with sleek, streamlined accessories.
Vanessa Seward Dear silk jacquard blouse, $396, net-a-porter.com; Vanessa Seward Anais pleated silk jacquard skirt, $312, net-a-porter.com; Mansur Gavriel crossbody bag, $595, mansurgavriel.com; &Other Stories pointed suede pumps, $125, stories.com.
This story originally appeared on Glamour.
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