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
$340.00
$565.00
FARFETCH
Diane Von Fürstenberg
Elliot Linen-Blend Midi Dress Brown
$170.99
Rue La La
Mare Mare
Asymmetric Button Midi Dress Red
$168.00
Anthropologie
Tommy Bahama
Paradise Palmera Linen Shirtdress Pink
$49.99
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.
Tommy Bahama
Aubrey Skort White
$29.99
Rue La La
Amanda Uprichard
Kya Denim Skort Romper Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
-40%
AllSaints
Mimmie Asymmetric Skort
$149.40
$249.00
AllSaints
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.
Adrianna Papell
Tie Front Jumpsuit Black
$50.00
Rue La La
Bishop + Young
Strapless Stripe Jumpsuit Black
$158.00
Anthropologie
Peixoto
Harriet Jumpsuit Black
$158.00
Anthropologie
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.
-66%
Maeve
The Colette Full-Length Sparkle Jeans by Maeve Blue
$59.95
$178.00
Anthropologie
Theory
Canvas Tweed Wide Leg Pant Brown
$81.99
Rue La La
-38%
Maeve
The Colette Scalloped Crop Wide-Leg Pants by Maeve Black
$98.00
$158.00
Anthropologie
James Perse
Wide Leg Denim Pant Blue
$129.99
Rue La La
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.
Kenneth Cole
Button Front Shirt Green
$39.99
Rue La La
Sanctuary
V-Neck Buttondown Top Black
$69.00
Anthropologie
Nic+Zoe
Portofino Long Sleeve Shirt Blue
$58.99
Rue La La
Maeve
Rolled-Sleeve Oxford Buttondown Shirt Pink
$118.00
Anthropologie
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.
Ganni
Tint Denim Midi Skirt Blue
$129.99
Rue La La
Vince Camuto
A-Line Slip Midi Skirt Beige
$49.99
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
-26%
Nike Jordan
Womens Jordan Sport Diamond Tank Top in Black | FB4629-010
$30.97
$42.00
Nike
Tahari by ASL
Plus Mock Neck Sweater Tank Blue
$33.99
Rue La La
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Bibi Lou
Exclusive Zagreb Slip-On Loafers Beige
$160.00
Anthropologie
Sarto
A-Bennet Pointed-Toe Mules Beige
$145.00
Anthropologie
Candie's
Emiliana Platform Sandal in Cognac at Nordstrom, Size 11
$99.95
Nordstrom
