Image credit: courtesy of Sir.

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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 that totes the line between beachwear and business chic, and crafted from breathable fabric, is key. Similar rules apply to skirts; we personally find that a midi slip or tailored maxi never fails. As for trousers, opt for a wide leg and relaxed fit. 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 the best summer work outfits and essential pieces to invest in as the weather begins to warm. 

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Vogue’s top picks

• Best summer work dress: Country Road Waffle Knit Midi Dress
• Best summer work pants: Sir. Dorian Wide Leg Pant
• Best summer work top: Cos Rounded Short Sleeve Shirt
• Best summer work shorts: Camilla and Marc Dusk Short
• Best summer work skirt: Matteau Relaxed Tailored Skirt
• Best summer work shoes: Aere Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

The best summer workwear outfits to invest in for 2025

Country Road

Waffle Knit Midi Dress

A simple pair of flats or kitten heels will be a great match for this casual-chic, slinky waffle knit dress from Country Road. Nothing says summer like a simple yet elegant sheath, and a weather appropriate LBD is always a go-to office staple.

Type: Midi dress | Material: Viscose, nylon | Colour: Black | Delivery: Free over $75

Shop now for $179

Cos

Rounded Short Sleeve Shirt

Getting a button-up for the office is non-negotiable, so why not have fun with it? This chic yet playful design from Cos is sure to be comfortable, a crowd-pleaser, and perfect to wear to work in the summer.

Type: Shirt | Material: 100 per cent cotton | Colour: White | Delivery: Free over $75

Shop now for $125

Camilla and Marc

Dusk Short

Don’t believe what they tell you, you can (depending on your office, though) wear shorts to work in summer! They just have to be tailored and appropriately hemmed. These effortlessly chic Bermuda shorts by Camilla and Marc are the perfect example of summery, slouchy, professional perfection. Pair it with a chic belt, and sandals or mules, and you’re good to go.

Type: Shorts | Material: Wool, polyester, lycra | Colour: Beige, black, grey, white, navy | Delivery: Free shipping for all Australian orders

Shop now for $450

Sir.

Montecito Vest

This short sleeve vest from Sir. is fancier than a simple tee, but more pared back than a party top; in other words, it’s a perfect workwear piece that will guarantee you compliments in the office come summertime.

Type: Vest | Material: Linen, viscose | Colour: Khaki, white, black | Delivery: Free over $300

Shop now for $290

Aere

Leather Mary Jane Ballet Flats

Aere’s Mary Jane flats in black will complement any number of summer outfits you have up your sleeve.

Type: Shoes | Material: Leather | Colour: Black | Delivery: Free over $75

Shop now for $140

Witchery

Long Sleeve Mini Shirt Dress

A shirt dress might be the one-piece solution to your summer outfit conundrums. Start with this tailored yet breathable linen-blend design from Witchery, which you can dress up with sandals, heels or the like.

Type: Dress | Material: Lyocell, linen | Colour: White, purple | Delivery: Free over $75

Shop now for $59.95 (was $179)

Sir.

Dorian Wide Leg Pant

The soft ivory shade on these low rise, linen-viscose blend pants from Sir. has us dreaming of the beach and long lunches, but are versatile enough to be worn in a work environment also. Simply pop on a white tank top, black blazer and mules, and you’re in business—literally.

Type: Pants | Material: Linen, viscose, rayon | Colour: White, black | Delivery: Free over $300

Shop now for $420

Flore Flore

Black Timmi Tank Top

Maybe you can’t exactly wear a crop top to the office, but you won’t be able to go without a tank. In black, a boatneck piece like this top from Flore Flore serves as the ultimate chic tank to wear solo or layered. Style it with a pair of pleated trousers and under an open button-up for the ultimate work outfit.

Type: Tank top | Material: 100 per cent organic cotton | Colour: Black | Delivery: Free over $500

Shop now for $145

Matteau

Relaxed Tailored Skirt

Every office-goer needs a casual yet classy tailored skirt during the summer. We’d recommend this maxi from Matteau, which we love for its relaxed fit, trendy chocolate brown hue, and lightweight approach to everyday suiting.

Type: Skirt | Material: Virgin wool, econylon, elastane, cupro | Colour: Brown, black | Delivery: Free over $290

Shop now for $432 (was $480)

Lover

Bodie Longline Vest

This chic white vest from Lovers is as professional as it gets whilst still being wearable enough for the heat of the season, and stylish to boot.

Type: Vest | Material: Cotton, lyocell, polyester, viscose | Colour: White, black | Delivery: Free over $75

Shop now for $90 (was $180)

Viktoria & Woods

Idol Pant

Soft and lightweight suit pants in a summery neutral shade will never go out of workwear style. This pair from Viktoria & Woods stars a comfy, wide leg silhouette with elegant tailored details to elevate it for the office.

Type: Pants | Material: Viscose, nylon | Colour: Sand, beige, brown, grey, charcoal, black | Delivery: Free over $300

Shop now for $350

Charles & Keith

Patent Pointed-Toe Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps

The fashion directors here at the Vogue office are passionate advocates for wearing slingback kitten heels at the office in all seasons. In summer though, that choice becomes even more appropriate when we put our boots and loafers away. Start your season’s collection with this faux leather pair from Charles & Keith.

Type: Kitten heels | Material: Patent faux leather | Colour: Brown, cream, silver | Delivery: Free over $130

Shop now for $103

Camilla and Marc

Alfven Mini Dress

The perfect blend of professional, utilitarian design with modern summery sentiments, this dress by Camilla and Marc takes the best of button-up shirts and tailored mini skirts, and combines them into this ultra-cool, extra versatile piece that’ll suit a day at the office as much as an outdoor lunch.

Type: Dress | Material: Recycled polyester, cotton | Colour: Khaki | Delivery: Free shipping for all Australian orders

Shop now for $495

Viktoria & Woods

Concert Shirt

Just because you’re getting dressed for work during the summer, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun. The breezy silky fabrication of this Viktoria & Woods shirt makes it extra comfy, while the vibrant cherry red hue adds a bit of playfulness, and the sharp collar and lapels elevates it to business-chic.

Type: Shirt | Material: Triacetate, cupro | Colour: Red, beige | Delivery: Free over $300

Shop now for $390

Matteau

Relaxed Shirt

A classic, oversized business button-up is an office workwear necessity—especially this organic cotton poplin shirt by Matteau. Tuck one casually into a tailored pant or skirt, or wear open like a jacket over a midi dress or skirt.

Type: Shirt | Material: 100 organic cotton | Colour: Blue, olive, beige, dark blue | Delivery: Free over $290

Shop now for $252 (was $360)

St. Agni

Cotton Tuck Midi Skirt

This midi from St. Agni is the kind of skirt you can throw on and still manage to look sleek enough for the summer office. The effortless draped silhouette, low rise waist and side split make it particularly suitable for the summer—and the front tuck detail is a sartorial bonus. All you’ll need is a work bag.

Type: Skirt | Material: 100 per cent cotton | Colour: Moss grey, black | Delivery: Free over $200

Shop now for $249 (was $379)

Sir.

Evanthe Blazer

Yes, you can rock tailoring to the office in summer. Case in point: an elegantly colourful, relaxed silhouetted blazer. This olive piece from Sir. is your answer to summer suiting. 

Type: Blazer | Material: Viscose, polyester | Colour: Olive | Delivery: Free over $300

Shop now for $590

How can I dress for work in the summer?

Dressing for work during summer can certainly prove a challenge, but it can also be fun and relatively simple—you just have to consider a few things first. Where you can, opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton to keep cool. Tailored shorts or lightweight trousers paired with a fresh blouse or a structured blazer can give you a polished vibe without overheating. Midi skirts are also a solid choice—cute, but still professional. And don’t forget to accessorise! A pair of stylish sandals or flats, and some simple jewellery can really pull your look together while keeping it chill. Lighter colours are great too, helping you feel fresh and cool all day long.

What is not appropriate to wear in an office in summer?

The answer to this question all comes down to where you work. If you’re in a creative industry perhaps, with more laid-back office rules, casual, beach-worthy attire might be perfectly acceptable. For majority of corporate-style offices however, while summer lets you mix it up a bit, there are probably still some no-gos. Open toe shoes, super short shorts, and tank tops (unless you layer with something) often don’t cut it in the boardroom. Save the jeans and beachy outfits for the weekend, and instead opt for lightweight blouses and pants, midi skirts and slouchy blazers.

Can you wear a summer dress to work?

Definitely! A summer dress can be a great option for the office, so long as it has a polished silhouette and look. A belted waist adds a nice touch, and throwing on a blazer can elevate your look for meetings or client chats. Just make sure to avoid anything too casual. With the right accessories—think kitten heels or chic flats—your summer dress can easily take you from the office to off-duty.

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