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.
Faherty
Sunrise Smocked Dress Blue
$52.00
Rue La La
PQ Swim
Jace Lace Wide-Leg Pants Blue
$164.00
Anthropologie
-30%
Reformation
Birdie 100% Linen Midi Dress Black
$209.95
$298.00
Anthropologie
English Factory
Palm Tree Skirt Green
$170.00
Anthropologie
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.
Cole Haan
Womens Grand Ambitition Skort - White Size Medium
$128.00
Cole Haan
Cole Haan
Womens Grand Ambitition Skort - Blue Size Medium
$128.00
Cole Haan
Alo
| Unmatched Skort Yoga Mat in Black, Size: Medium
$94.00
Alo Yoga
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.
Anthropologie
Pilcro Adi Printed Overalls Green
$198.00
Anthropologie
-70%
A.L.C.
Lucie Wide-Leg Halter Jumpsuit Black
$208.49
$695.00
Neiman Marcus
-27%
Bishop + Young
Pinstripe Jumpsuit Black
$129.95
$178.00
Anthropologie
Dolce & Gabbana
Jumpsuit - Multicolor
$224.26
Italist
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.
Just Cavalli
Mid Waist Flared Cotton Trousers - Beige
$135.36
Italist
Alo
| High Road Straight Leg Pants in White, Size: Medium
$158.00
Alo Yoga
Carhartt Work in Progress
Brandon Jeans - Blue
$190.43
Italist
Alo
| High Road Straight Leg Pants in Black, Size: Medium
$158.00
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.
English Factory
Cap-Sleeve Buttondown Shirt Pink
$75.00
Anthropologie
Maeve
Cropped Collared Shirt Top Pink
$118.00
Anthropologie
-32%
Maeve
Shrunken Bennet Buttondown Shirt
$79.95
$118.00
Anthropologie
Mother
The Cropped Bestie 100% Cotton Buttondown Shirt Black
$238.00
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.
Maeve
Twyla Paneled Faux Suede Midi Skirt Beige
$158.00
Anthropologie
-50%
Kobi Halperin
Brooks Lace-Trim Midi Skirt
$249.00
$498.00
Neiman Marcus
Hutch
Curved Brushstroke Midi Skirt Black
$158.00
Anthropologie
-70%
Proenza Schouler
Morena Textured Knit Midi Skirt Black
$195.00
$650.00
Neiman Marcus
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!
Alo
| Ribbed En Pointe Tank Top in Black, Size: Medium
$78.00
Alo Yoga
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Birkenstock
Tokyo Clog - Beige
$235.09
Italist
Intentionally blank
Wynona Heeled Sandals Red
$224.00
Anthropologie
-63%
Stuart Weitzman
50mm Stassi Leather Mules
$185.62
$495.00
Neiman Marcus
Birkenstock
Boston Big Buckle Clogs Brown
$180.00
Anthropologie
