As the warmer season officially commences, it’s time to get your best summer work outfits in order. To ensure your office wardrobe is on point you’ll want to incorporate some of the best summer fabrics, like linen and poplin. Breathability is key here, especially when dealing with a hot and sweaty commute. Therefore, we have gathered outfit ideas that include breezy linen suits and cotton poplin dresses, plus the best pieces to style them with, like raffia tote bags and leather flip-flops that look and feel more luxe than they seem. After all, if you have to be at work during the summer when others are on vacation, you might as well have a little bit of extra fun with your wardrobe.
Below, see and shop the best summer work outfits to give your looks a bright and sunny boost.
1. Acing Minimalism
You can never go wrong with a simple black-and-white ensemble. Rely on those airy separates that will work with you, and not against you— especially on the hottest summer days. Style a white button-down, silky midi skirt, and minimalist sandals to create an effortless look that can go from the office and straight to happy hour after. Add in seasonal textures, such as a raffia tote bag that will fit your laptop, summer reads, and more.
Favorite Daughter The Favorite Skirt
Dôen Grande Mathilde Bag
Loeffler Randall Lara Sandal
2. Cream of the Crop
If you want to mix up your summer whites, why not try a cream-colored hue instead? It’s just as chic as bright white and can equally be worn in monochromatic fashion. Start with a hero piece, such as a structured midi day dress, then add a lightweight jacket to ward off those unfortunate in-office chills. Style it with comfortable, yet polished ballerina flats, a top-handle bag, and metallic earrings to pull it all together.
Mango Linen-Blend Jacket with Buttons
Simkhai Kittiya Midi Dress
Scarosso Carla Ballet Flats
Demellier London The Midi Paris
Lizzie Fortunato Hoops In Mixed Metal
For those transitional days when it’s not quite spring and not quite summer yet, or simply to combat those summer showers, a lightweight trench coat will come in handy. Style it with a ringer T-shirt, a breezy A-line skirt, and a pair of statement metallic Mary Janes for a look that is cute, but comfortable too.
Polo Ralph Lauren Silk-Blend Trench Coat
Rag & Bone Mia Ringer Tee
Suzie Kondi The Kyria Midi Skirt
Coach Winley Slingback Mary Jane Pump
Gucci Giglio Large Tote Bag
4. Non-Boring Basics
A cotton t-shirt, khaki pants, and sandals may sound ordinary, but when paired together, these basics can make for a pretty chic combination. Rely on this outfit formula when you need a quick and easy look to get you out the door. Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to layer a white T-shirt underneath a knitted black one for a subtly chic styling choice.
Dries Van Noten Pamplona Pleated Wide-Leg Pants
Madewell Transport Early Weekender Woven Tote
5. Dress It Up
There’s no denying the power of a white dress during the summertime, whether that be for vacation, the weekend, or the office. Keep yours classic for the workplace. This jersey version from Toteme does the job well. It’s lightweight, while still providing a bit of modesty. Accessorize it with seasonal staples, such as leather flip-flops and a charm necklace.
Toteme Sleeveless Cotton Tee Dress
Tkees The Boyfriend Leather Flip Flop
Jenny Bird Rizzo Chain Bracelet
Mansur Gavriel Everyday Cabas Leather Shoulder Bag
Alighieri The Pool of Confidence Necklace
6. Invest in a Vest
If you haven’t bought a longline cutaway vest yet for summer, now is the time. Pair it with billowy trousers, flats, and a ladylike top-handle bag for a fresh summertime office look.
Banana Republic High-Rise Linen Wide-Leg Pant
Margaux The Cap-Toe Demi Jane
Sophie Buhai Deco Silver Onyx Choker
Savette The Florence Leather Top-Handle Bag
7. Stripes in the City
Nautical vibes feel especially appropriate for summer, but don’t save your stripes just for the weekend—try mixing the print into your everyday work wardrobe. Tie a striped knit over your white midi dress or layer a navy button-down shirt over it for days when the A/C is blasting indoors.
Khaite Viola Striped Cashmere Sweater
Aritzia Technique Poplin Dress
J.Crew Quinn Ballet Flats
COS Oversized Linen Shirt
