Fall is my favorite season so I begin planning my wardrobe in the middle of summer! I am already looking at pieces I want to add and different ways I can style what I currently have. I love all the rich textures and colors of fall pieces so I rounded up a handful of finds that I’m loving. Some pieces are great to wear now and into the cooler weather.

Pre-Fall Finds I’m Loving

Tuckernuck Tan & Pink Fair Isle Stowe Oversized Cardigan

A cozy oversized cardigan is a great pre-fall piece to wear before it gets too cold.

BlankNYC Black Coffee Suede Jacket

A chic dark brown suede jacket will always be a classic wardrobe piece for fall.

Tuckernuck Chocolate Corduroy & Peony Jordan Jacket

Barn jackets will still be trending this fall/winter but it’s nice to pick one with a bit more style. I love the contrasting collar and cuffs which elevate this jacket a bit more making it easier to dress up or down.

Tuckernuck Port Poplin Belted Paulette Skirt

This is a heavier weight midi skirt which is perfect for that transition time when it’s a bit chilly in the morning but still warm in the afternoon.

Farm Rio Golden Nature Front Zip Cardigan

I love Farm Rio prints especially in the fall/winter. This cardigan is a great layering option because you can wear it alone or leave it unzipped over a turtleneck or crewneck tee.

Farm Rio Countryside Landscape Quilted Cotton Jacket

This is on my wishlist because it is absolutely stunning! It is not like anything I have seen before. A jacket like this IS the entire outfit. Wear it to work with trousers or out to dinner with some wide leg dark wash denim.

Zara Wide Leg Trousers

Zara has so many great basics. A classic pair of wide leg trousers especially in navy are a fall closet essential.

Hill House Home The Aspen Jacket

Fall is just a rotation of all my lightweight jackets until the temperature really drops. I love wearing printed jackets in the fall because they add so much interest to any outfit.

Boden Erica Lace Top

A long sleeve lace blouse is something I always have in my closet. Lace is timeless and a style like this is the perfect option to wear in the early fall.

Hyacinth House Merlot Knit Phoebe Peplum Top

Peplum tops can be hit or miss but this style is definitely a hit. I love the rich burgundy for fall while the heavier fabric gives it the perfect amount of drape.

Related: What Shoes To Buy For Fall

Dressing for the office becomes more challenging during the warmer months when you want to stay cool without sacrificing a polished appearance. Choosing the right combination of lightweight fabrics, versatile staples, and thoughtful styling can make getting dressed much easier throughout the season. In today’s post, I am sharing a round up of office outfits and styling tips to help you refresh your professional wardrobe in the summer season.

10 Summer Professional Outfits

There are a few key elements that define stylish summer professional work outfits which is why they deserve their own approach compared to dressing for other seasons. Factors like fabric choice, fit, layering, color palette, and the office dress code all influence outfit decisions.

How To Dress Professional In The Summer

Choose breathable lightweight fabrics

The fabrics that you wear in the heat will make all the difference when it comes to comfort. Opt for natural fibers and breathable materials like cotton and linen when shopping for your summer office attire.

Dress in layers

Layering pieces are key!! It’s better to add or remove layers of clothing instead of being stuck with whatever you have on in a climate that is unpredictable.

Add in midi skirts or dresses into your wardrobe

If pants or trousers feel too suffocating in the heat, opt for a classic midi skirt or midi dress as an alternative.

Focus on accessories to add bits of your personal style

Accessories will always make the outfit especially for the office. Even with a very simple professional outfit, adding work appropriate pieces can help elevate your look and allow you to express a bit of your personal style.

Invest in basics first

Invest in the basics first when it comes to your professional wardrobe. Summer clothing tends to be colorful and fun but it’s important to build up your summer wardrobe essentials first before buying the fun things. Choose neutral colors and create somewhat of a work capsule wardrobe where you can put together various office outfit ideas with a core group of pieces.

10 Professional Summer Outfits

White Jeans Styled With a Vest

Outfit details: Vest | Jeans | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace (code: 15MAREE)

If have a business casual dress code and are allowed to wear jeans regularly at the office, be sure to get a classic pair of white denim for the spring and summer. This wide leg pair looks almost like a pair of white trousers and can easily be dressed up in a more professional way. This chic waistcoat is a great piece to wear to the office because it gives the look of a blazer but in a sleeveless form so you won’t be as hot.

Neutral Trousers Styled With a Linen Button Down Blouse

Outfit details: Shirt | Pants | Sandals | Belt (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Necklace (similar)

If you want alternative option to traditional suit trousers, try a stretch twill pair of pants for the summer. They still have a crisp, clean look to them but in a fabric that is a tad more smart casual yet not unprofessional. Pair it with a white linen blouse to embrace a lighter weight fabric for summer. If you can’t wear open toe shoes to the office, go for a chic pair of neutral ballet flats.

Styling a Cropped Trench in the Summer

Outfit details: Trench (similar) | Tee | Pants | Belt (similar) | Sandals | Sunglasses

You don’t have to retire all your black pants in the summer. They are still a great option to wear to work and always go with anything in your closet. This pair is a splurge but the draping, fit and fabric of them is perfection. Especially if you work in a very professional setting, classic trousers are probably a staple in your wardrobe so it’s worth getting a pair that will last and look great.

Black Tailored Trousers with a Tweed Jacket

Outfit details: Lady Jacket (similar) | Pants | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

Boucle/tweed jackets are timeless and are a great closet staple to have. They can be easily dressed up for a work environment but also work casually with jeans for the weekend. Right now boucle jackets are so popular right now and there are a ton at various price points. I love the one I am wearing above because the black trim on the white gives it a unique flair. This style jacket has a very Chanel-esque vibe and styling it with wide leg trousers gives a fresh modern take. Think fashion director meets ladies who lunch. LOL It’s also a warmer option to wear over a camisole or tank when your office is negative 5 degrees all day long.

Wide Leg Trousers with a Colorful Cardigan

Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Sweater | Pants | Shoes (similar) | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses

This is a standard styling option for the workplace – wide leg pants with a cardigan. But it doesn’t have to be boring! Add a colorful cardigan, bold jewelry and a statement belt to elevate the look while still keeping it professional.

Slim Black Pants Styled For Summer

Outfit details: Blouse | Pants | Belt (similar) | Sandals | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace (discount code: 15MAREE) | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)

I’ve had a classic pair of black pants in my closet since my early 20’s. Nothing with added details or elements that make them look too trendy. Clean lines in a classic shape will always be timeless. Adding a crisp striped blouse instantly elevates the look. Wear comfortable work shoes for the daytime and then switch it out for some strappy sandals to dress it up for any evening dinner plans you have. This is one of those summer dinner outfits that can easily go for day to night just by changing out the shoes!

Striped Button Down Blouse with Wide Leg Trousers

Outfit details: Blouse (similar) | Pants | Shoes | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses | Belt (similar)

A classic striped button down blouse is perfect to wear to the office year round but especially in the summer with a pair of crisp white jeans or wide leg trousers. Button down blouses are great to dress up or down for the workplace depending on office dress codes. Opt for neutral shoes and accessories if deciding what to wear with stripes.

Striped Midi Dress with Neutral Accessories

Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Sweater | Sandals (similar) | Bag | Belt | Sunglasses

A simple striped tank dress is perfect for summer workplace attire. If you are able to wear something sleeveless, this is perfect or you can layer it under a white linen blazer or cardigan. Add a neutral belt to break up the stripe pattern and give the dress some structure. If you can wear open toe shoes, these clear sandals are a must have because they go with everything. If you cannot, choose a pair of pointy toe mules to complete the look.

White Midi Skirt Outfit For the Office

Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Tank (similar) | Skirt | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)

Midi skirts are a great option for the summer because they are much more breathable than heavy suit trousers or pants. Be sure to choose something a bit longer and pair it with office appropriate pieces like a cardigan or blazer.

White Jeans For the Office

Outfit details: Shirt | Jeans | Shoes | Belt | Bag | Sunglasses

I wear white jeans all year round but honestly I wear them the most in the summer. I love the look of white jeans in the summer especially with a chic blouse and neutral accessories. To avoid over heating or feeling too hot, choose a straight leg or wide leg pair of white jeans over a slim or skinny style.