Summertime is almost here. You’re probably standing in front of your closet right now, wondering how to dress cool enough to commute to work, while still adhering to the business casual dress code. Oh, and the office becomes an iceberg in the summer, so you have to work around that, too.
Don’t start a panicked shopping spree yet. There are plenty of office-appropriate summer outfits out there, and we’re willing to bet you can copy quite a few of them with clothes you already own.
That’s why we’ve rounded up fifteen summer work outfits for women in this post. With this inspiration, you’ll put together amazing hot-weather looks that will make your coworkers beg to know your secrets.
Summer Office Outfit Tips
Consider Fabric
For summer outfits, you want to wear breathable fabrics. Cotton and linen are both excellent options, or even a lightweight wool. Avoid synthetics like polyester or acrylic, as they make you sweat more.
Bring a Layer
If you get cold at work thanks to a thermostat set for tundra, pack an extra layer to keep warm. Lightweight sweaters, blazers, and button-up shirts are all excellent options.
Check Coverage
Just because you’re at the office doesn’t mean you can’t wear your favorite summer styles. The key is picking modest, full-coverage versions of tank tops, shorts, and sandals. We also suggest not wearing them all at the same time, but mixing them with more polished pieces.
Skirts > Pants
Skirts are an overlooked hero of summer outfits. They allow for plenty of airflow while still looking professional and feminine. The same goes for dresses (and all you have to do is throw them on and go).
Play with Color
Summer is the perfect time to be more playful with color. Don’t melt anyone’s eyes with your neon pinks or greens, but trying more colorful or patterned pieces is a great way to make a regular outfit feel fresh.
Summer Work Outfit Ideas
Shirt Dress
A shirt dress will give you the polished look of a button-up with all the easy-breeziness of a dress. Gold accessories and a pair of sandals complete the look.
Shift Dress
Want even more breathability in your outfit? Opt for a loose, but not baggy, shift dress. Add a few classy pieces of jewelry and ballet flats to keep it from looking too casual.
Maxi Dress and Blazer
A flowing cotton maxi dress will make you feel like you’re at the beach, not your desk. Top it with a lightweight blazer and add a belt for more structure.
Linen Suit
You can still wear a suit, even in the summer. Just go for a structured linen one instead of sweaty polyester or wool. Wear a tank top underneath so you can take off the jacket on your commute home.
Skirt Suit
A stylish skirt is another great option. Pick one with a looser skirt and short-sleeved jacket for optimal airflow. Throw on a pair of heels and put your hair up to complete the look.
Short-Sleeve Blazer and Shorts
Short-sleeve blazers are a godsend in the summer. When worn with a pair of dress shorts and loafers, it gives you a very trendy, yet professional vibe.
Button-Up and Shorts
Another way to style a pair of shorts for the office is to pair them with a nice button-up shirt. Avoid denim shorts, opting for tailored khaki or linen ones instead.
Button-Up and Skirt
A button-up shirt also pairs nicely with a skirt of your choice. A-line, midi, and circle skirts are all great options for summertime work outfits. To stay even cooler, use a short-sleeve button-up.
Blouse and Linen Pants
This combo is very old-money coded. Start with an elegant, lightweight blouse, and pair it with wide-legged linen trousers. To finish, add a pair of flats and maybe a statement necklace.
Vest and Pants
The trendy vest and pants combo is a great choice for summer. Just make sure the vest covers enough of your chest and shoulders to be professional. Otherwise, consider throwing a blazer on top.
Vest and Skirt
Another great outfit combo is a vest and skirt. This can look amazing with either a flowing maxi skirt or a more polished pencil skirt. Add flats or sandals, and you’re good to go.
Short-Sleeve Cardigan and Jeans
A short-sleeved cardigan makes you look put together without overheating you. Wear it with a nice pair of jeans and loafers for the ultimate summer look.
Sleeveless Top and Midi Skirt
Capture the vibe of a tank top with a sleeveless blouse for a look that’s fully office-appropriate. Add a midi skirt and kitten heels to complete your outfit.
Matching Set
When you don’t know what to wear, a matching set is always the answer. For summer, pick one with short sleeves and lightweight fabric. Then you can throw it on, add a few accessories, and head out the door.
Blazer and Skirt
A blazer and skirt combo is great because it works any time of year. For summer, go with a linen or short-sleeve blazer and loose skirt for maximum breathability.
Summertime officewear doesn’t have to be boring or stifling. All of these outfits would be fantastic options to put in rotation this year.
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