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Summer dressing? Most of us have the basics down pat: bare shoulders, strappy sandals, sunglasses and a sizeable tote. But workwear in warm weather presents a trickier dress code. A professional context requires you to put together an outfit that takes both the sun and the setting into account: polished, but breezy; appropriate, but not stuffy. Sway too far one way, and you’ll be going to work in a T-shirt and Daisy Dukes. But play it too safe, and you’ll be sweating buckets in a suit; the art of summer tailoring is a delicate one to master.
Fortunately, there are a number of wardrobe staples you can treat as the building blocks for your summer workwear collection. A lightweight dress is key—midi, crafted from crisp cotton-poplin, and preferably in a fresh shade (white, perhaps, or pale blue). Similar rules apply to skirts; we personally find that a bias-cut slip never fails, and feels like butter on the skin. As for trousers, opt for a wide leg. A silky pair with an elasticised waist is a great choice, but if you’re looking for something a little more slim-fitting, a classic cotton-jersey trouser won’t fail you. And, since it’s summer, tank tops and button-ups are a given. Elevate these for your office dressing needs with gold jewellery and heels.
Below, Vogue picks 17 of the best summer work outfits and essential pieces to invest in as the weather begins to warm.
Vogue’s top picks
- Best summer work dress: Assembly Label Florence Midi Knit Dress
- Best summer work pants: Sir. Dorian Wide Leg Pant
- Best summer work shoes: Aere Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats
- Best summer work top: Elka Collective Ira Vest
