Beat the heat with these summer workwear essentials
Going to work in the summer is no joke—in fact, doing pretty much anything except lying horizontally with a cocktail in hand is kind of a big ask. But, alas, we soldier on, and because we’re fashion-savvy (among our many attributes), we do so in style.
Read on to discover eight wardrobe essentials that will help keep you cool at the office this season (air-con not included).
1. A linen dress
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If ever there were a summer workwear must-have, it’s got to be the linen dress. Linen is a lightweight, natural fabric that allows your whole body to breathe as much as possible, making it the perfect hot-weather staple.
-40%
Blanca Vita
pleated sleeveless linen midi dress - women - Linen/Flax - 44 - Brown
$331.00
$549.00
FARFETCH
-62%
Faherty
Anna Kahalekulu Kendall Linen Dress Red
$75.99
$198.00
Rue La La
Thought skorts were just for netball? Think again. Skorts offer a more practical alternative to mini skirts, as they eliminate all chances of chafing and awkward accidents.
Still think you can’t leave your fave mini skirt sitting in the wardrobe? A pair of tight biker shorts underneath will do the trick.
-63%
Free People
We The Free Stephie Denim Skort
$35.99
$98.00
Rue La La
-61%
Helmut Lang
Pleated Wool Skort Black
$179.99
$465.00
Rue La La
Frame Denim
The Structural Denim Skort in Axiom at Nordstrom, Size 27
$248.00
Nordstrom
3. A loose jumpsuit
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Sometimes jumpsuits definitely beat dresses, and summer workwear is one of those times. They don’t blow up in a breeze, and you look super smart and stylish having only put one item of clothing on. Winning.
-54%
Tahari by ASL
Tahari Asl Plus Tie Waist Jumpsuit Red
$67.99
$149.00
Rue La La
-80%
Max Studio
Button Top Collared Jumpsuit Green
$30.99
$158.00
Rue La La
4. Wide leg trousers
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Not only do wide-leg trousers make us feel like a glamorous actress from the 70s, but they’re also ultra-sophisticated and ideal for hot days, as they’re looser than your regular straight pants.
Go for natural fibres like cotton, linen, or lightweight denim, and try to steer clear of synthetic materials: polyester and similar will only trap heat and moisture in.
-75%
Palm Angels
Beige cotton wide trousers
$115.62
$462.48
TheDoubleF
Alo
| Serenity Wide Leg Sweatpant in Black, Size: Medium
$128.00
Alo Yoga
5. An oversized shirt
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Commutes and stuffy meeting rooms have never been kind to tight clothing. An oversized shirt is essentially like wearing secret pyjamas to work – you look smart but you’re so comfy you forget.
-54%
Free People
Sabine Tailored Shirt White
$49.99
$108.00
Rue La La
-35%
Nic+Zoe
Monogram Mix Button-Up Top in Blue Multi at Nordstrom, Size Petite P
$109.20
$168.00
Nordstrom
-72%
Free People
Mae Eyelet Shirt Green
$41.00
$148.00
Rue La La
-50%
Frame Denim
The Swing Crop Denim Shirt in Flightless at Nordstrom, Size X-Large
$174.00
$348.00
Nordstrom
The midi skirt has pretty much been our saviour since 2018—it’s so easy to throw on, and if you go for a pleated or printed style then all you really need is a simple t-shirt and you’re good to go.
-60%
Ganni
Tint Denim Midi Skirt Blue
$149.99
$375.00
GILT
-56%
Vince
Midi Skirt
$129.99
$298.00
Rue La La
-70%
Margaux Lonnberg
Navy blue wool-blend Marlo skirt
$79.88
$266.27
TheDoubleF
-77%
Sandro
Midi Skirt Black
$83.99
$370.00
Rue La La
Sleeveless tops are a must during hot summer days, and if you play your cards right you can definitely get away with wearing one at the office.
Our advice? Go for a refined fabric like silk or viscose, and avoid spaghetti straps or deep V-necks. If you want to feel extra put-together, try a vest top or a two-piece suit!
-35%
JNBY
asymmetric cotton tank top - women - Cotton - S - Black
$131.00
$200.00
FARFETCH
-30%
P.A.R.O.S.H.
round-neck sleeveless tank top - women - Polyamide/Viscose - M - Blue
$179.00
$254.00
FARFETCH
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Korks
Auburn Stud Clog in Dark Tan at Nordstrom Rack, Size 10 Brown
$79.97
Nordstrom Rack
Sanita
Kristel Stud Leather Clog in Black at Nordstrom, Size 10Us
$137.00
Nordstrom
-81%
Tod's
TodS Double T Leather Heeled Mule Red
$134.99
$695.00
Rue La La
Sanita
Lissy Clog in Black at Nordstrom, Size 10Us
$159.00
Nordstrom
