Tank | Linen pants | Sandals (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklaces here and here (discount code: ALITTLEBITETC)
The heat and humidity has officially arrived and summer is now here. Summer is an easy season to dress for when it comes to casual looks, but office dressing can always be tricky. Back in my corporate days, I would walk to work in NYC and completely melt from the warm weather before I reached the office and then immediately freeze when I walked inside. It’s like dressing for two totally different seasons when it comes to office looks in the summer. Creating chic office style looks when dealing with the heat and humidity and then a commute is not an easy task. The key is choosing looks that are breathable, comfortable and can possibly be layered. I rounded up some of my recent looks that will give you ideas of what to wear to stay comfortable and stylish while working throughout the summer season. I also like looks that can transition past the office so many of these pieces could be styled in other ways or transitioned to evening events or outings just by simply changing shoes or your handbag.
What to wear to work in summer
Boucle/tweed jackets
Jacket | Bodysuit | Pants | Shoes | Bag | 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 black one I am wearing above because it has different buttons down the front which gives it a unique flair. This style jacket has a very Chanel-esque vibe and styling them with wide leg trousers or even these satin cargo pants gives it 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. I’m also wearing one of Express’ Body Contour bodysuits under the jacket and the entire line is a must have for your closet and especially for your work outfits. They have a ton of basic styles that are great for layering or wearing alone.
Wide Leg Trousers
Tank | Pants | Belt (similar) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses
Trousers have always been a workplace staple, but I am loving how they are being styled now. Wear them with pumps for a more corporate environment, sandals for a business casual workplace or even style them with sneakers for a relaxed work atmosphere. A great pair of linen trousers like the ones I am wearing in the first photo are perfect for the summer heat, but I also love these cropped wide leg pants I found on Amazon because they are so breathable and comfy.
Fitted Dress
Dress | Sandals | Bag
I’m always a fan of a simple fitted dress because it’s so easy to throw on with some shoes and a bag and go. Choose something simple in color like black, white, gray or tan and make it more exciting with great accessories, a chic bag and statement shoes. You can never go wrong with a classic black dress for work. My hesitation always when wearing a dress with buttons down the front is my concern for gaping, but with this dress the buttons are only for show so there is no concern about having a wardrobe malfunction during the day! Ha! I always recommend sizing up in a fitted dress if you plan on wearing it to work and then go with a smoothing or minimizing bra and seamless underwear or lightweight shapewear.
White Blazer
Blazer | Camisole | Shorts | Sandals (similar) | Tote bag | Sunglasses | Necklaces here, here and here (discount: ALITTLEBITETC)
A white blazer is not just a staple for summer workwear but a basic wardrobe staple. It will work for a more professional environment or business casual or you could style it with a cute tee, denim shorts and flip flops for the weekend. I’ve shared this hack a few times over on my Instagram but use a hair elastic to scrunch up your sleeves to a 3/4 length for a more stylish and effortless look. Put your hair elastic over the blazer a little above your elbow and then push up the fabric so that the elastic holds it in place. I’ve been doing this trick for years with all of my blazers and have always loved the look.
Wrap Blouse
Bodysuit | Pants | Sandals | Bag | Necklaces here, here, here and here (discount code: ALITTLEBITETC)
As someone who is on the busty side (I wear a 32DD/E), I am always on the hunt for blouses that are flattering and can be versatile in my wardrobe. Wrap style blouses and tops have consistently been a go-to for me for years because they manage to minimize the appearance of a large chest but can also flatter those with a smaller bust. However, it has to have a clasp or hook on the front because I cannot be worried about anything coming undone when I’m out or in the past at my previous corporate job. I absolutely love this wrap bodysuit because it fits so well but there is a hook at the front so it is guaranteed to stay closed. It’s a great option to wear alone or layer under a blazer or suit jacket.
Bright Colors
Blazer | Bodysuit | Pants | Shoes | Sunglasses | Bag
Obviously this will depend on exactly where you work, but I highly recommend adding some bright colors to your summer office style. It’s an instant mood lifter and summer is a great time to wear things that are more vibrant. Personally, I gravitate towards a neutral color in a brighter shade such as this green set which still feels within my comfort zone. Again I’m wearing my white blazer with this look – it’s an absolute necessity for your summer closet (and it will keep you warm in the summer office air-conditioning tundra)!
Tote Bags
Braided Tote Bags
This Naghedi braided tote bag is one of the best tote bags I have ever used and perfect for carrying to the office as well as using for everyday errands. I have it in black but it comes in a ton of different colors. It’s super sturdy and flexible and looks so chic too!
What’s your summer office style?
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