Photo credit: Alija/iStock/360/Getty Images
Obligated to wear a suit to work? Instead of thick wool pants and a heavy blazer, try a simple white sleeveless blouse tucked into a beige stretch cotton pencil skirt, and keep the matching jacket on hand for morning meetings or just to warm up indoors. Open-toe pumps, pretty pearl earrings and a summer-ready satchel will ensure you’re dressed for success (and the warm weather).
J. Crew Thompson Blazer (Jcrew.com, $178); J. Crew Pencil Skirt (Jcrew.com, $110); H&M Sleeveless Blouse (HM.com, $18); Victoria's Secret Peep-Toe Pumps (Victoriassecret.com, $59); Rebecca Minkoff Mini Perry Tote (Shopbop.com, $260); Henri Bendel Debutante Pearl Stud Earrings (Henribendel.com, $48)
Jersey wrap dresses are by far our favorite summer staple. Not only do they look pretty and polished at the office, but they’re very figure-flattering, easy to throw on in a rush and non-clingy too, which means you won’t be working up a huge sweat on your commute. Step into some open-toe sandals to help you beat the heat while still staying chic. And, of course, remember to stash a cotton cardi in your desk for those days when the air conditioner is on full blast. A cute and colorful laptop briefcase is the ideal summer accessory to complete your look.
Eliza J Polka Dot Jersey Faux Wrap Dress (Nordstrom.com, $118); McKlein River Forest 15.4-in. Laptop Briefcase (Kohls.com, $190); Pour La Victoire Tifara Sandals (6pm.com, $176); Dorothy Perkins Pale Blue V-Neck Cardigan (Dorothyperkins.com, $28); Athra 14K Gold-Plated Aqua & Smoky Resin 4-Stone Ring (Jcpenney.com, $50)
When it comes to your warm weather work wardrobe, why not take a look on the bright side? This bold colorblock skirt will keep you cool as a cucumber in sweltering hot temps. Plus, unlike a fitted pencil skirt, it provides plenty of breathing room so your legs don’t get all hot and bothered. Style it with a thin (but definitely not see-through) tee and metallic pointy-toe flats for a sophisticated office look that’s playful and professional all at once. A beaded statement necklace and intense coral lipstick will let everyone know you mean business.
Colour Block Midi Skirt (Frontrowshop.com, $50); T by Alexander Wang Classic Jersey T-shirt (Theoutnet.com, $43); Halogen Kylie Flat (Nordstrom.com, $53); You Bijou Necklace (Modcloth.com, $25); VC Signature Roma Hobo (Shoptheshoebox.com, $230); TOPSHOP Lips in Ditsy (Topshop.com, $16); Vince Camuto Two-Tone Asymmetrical Pyramid Hinge Bracelet (Lordandtaylor.com, $18)
Hot summer days call for easy-breezy outfits. To avoid looking like you stepped straight off the beach though, opt for cool cotton-linen pants in a dressier style, like these high-waisted chambray-hued trousers, paired with a summery silk top and on-trend nude and gold T-strap wedges. Because darker colors tend to absorb more sunlight, and in turn, make you feel hotter, it’s best to stick with clothes in paler hues whenever possible. Grab a lightweight blazer to throw on over top of your tee in case an impromptu meeting with your boss pops up or a client wants to take you to lunch. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
MSGM Cotton-Linen High-Waisted Pants (Stylebop.com, $245); Tibi New York Silk Printed Blouse (Boutique1.com, $310); ALDO Chiesina Wedges (Aldoshoes.com, $100); Isabel Marant Lisa Stretch-Cotton Twill Blazer (Theoutnet.com, $192); Charles & Keith Structured Tote (Charleskeith.com, $79)
More work wear
Nautical-inspired work outfits to bring the beach with you
Get the look: Nina Dobrev's business chic outfit
Beauty essentials to freshen up your work bag