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In a lightweight spring knit, this little black peplum dress is the perfect building block for any summer work wardrobe. It's comfortable, figure flattering and most importantly, versatile. You can layer a cute, cropped cotton jacket on over top to help ward off the frigid office air or go without to beat the heat on your walk to work. Dealing with a consistent case of cold feet? Trade in your summer sandals for some chic closed-toed flats. To keep your legs warm when the temperatures drastically dip indoors, stash a stylish scarf in your tote. It's better to be safe than sorry, right?
Alice + Olivia Victoria Peplum Dress (Aliceandolivia.com, $264); Topshop Stripe Cropped Jacket (Topshop.com, $116); Nine West Histericks Pointy Toe Flats (Ninewest.com, $50); French Connection Anmlman Tote (6PM.com,$53); Kate Spade Gramercy Grand Mother-of-Pearl Watch (Macys.com, $250); Dreams In Colour Lace Layer Scarf (Theiconic.com.au, $39)
Sweltering hot temperatures definitely call for easy breezy work pieces that won't cling to your body, like these pretty pale yellow pleated pants (yep, those are pants). Not only are they professional, but you can really move in them and they're also in a lighter color, which tends to attract less heat. Pair yours with a dressy white tee and luxe linen blend blazer to strike the perfect balance between summer and winter weather-appropriate attire. In general, linen is a great fabric choice for cold offices; it keeps you warm inside and cools you down out.
Zara Pleated Palazzo Trousers (Zara.com, $80); A.P.C. Atelier de Production et de Création Cropped Striped T-shirt (Net-a-porter.com, $95); H&M Jacket in a Linen Mix (HM.com, $50); Aldo Welchpool Pumps (Aldoshoes.com, $49); Rebecca Minkoff Beau Satchel (Rebeccaminkoff.com, $230); Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick (Lordandtaylor.com, $25); Pink Stone Ring Stack (Wallisfashion.com, $9)
A cotton cardigan is a sure-fire summer staple, particularly if you work in an office where the air conditioner is always on full blast. We suggest stowing one in your desk drawer permanently. You know, just in case your shoulders start to really feel the chill or you want to use it as a blanket to cover up cold legs. Pick one in a basic color like black, gray or tan that will pair with practically anything you put on, including this fun floral skirt and peachy Peter Pan collar top.
Dorothy Perkins Pink Floral Crinkle Midi Skirt (Dorothyperkins.com, $44); Peachtree City Top (Modcloth.com, $40); Monsoon Betty Big Button Cardigan (Monsoon.co.uk, $60); Calypso Ivy Solid Cashmere Scarf (Calypsostbarth.com, $165); Express Classic Pointed Toe Runway Pump (Express.com, $70); Fossil Erin Satchel (Fossil.com, $218)
The socks with sandals trend is all the rage right now, so why not take full advantage and try it out on the job? After all, there's nothing worse than frozen feet. You can either throw a plain pair in your purse and put them on at work, or dare to wear a sheer pair to the office and commit to making a serious style statement. A little bit of confidence goes a long way in pulling a bold look like this one off. Plus, no one has to know the real reason you're rocking socks anyway, unless you want them to, of course.
Equipment Sleeveless Snakeskin Print Blouse (Scoopnyc, $228); Reiss Paris Slim Leg Trousers (Reiss.com, $230); NIC+ZOE Daybreak Cardigan (Nicandzoe.com, $76); ASOS Skinny Full Metal Waist Belt (Asos.com, $38); ASOS Sheer Floral Front Ankle Socks (Asos.com, $8); Miss Selfridge Margo Metallic Wedge (Missselfridge.com, $105); Trinny Strappy Colourblock Tote Bag (Oasis.andotherbrands.com, $63)
Nothing beats a bright, bold silky pant for summer, especially when said pants are cropped and come with an elastic waistband so it basically feels like you're lounging in the fanciest PJs ever while you work. Um, amazing. Unlike heavier fabrics, such as corduroy, velvet and leather, silk is lightweight and breathable, making it the perfect pick for a cold office on a hot summer day. Style yours with a thin jersey tee, wow-worthy statement necklace and loose draped-front blazer for an outfit that works in any weather.
J.Crew Collection Cropped Pant (Jcrew.com, $168); Helmet Lang Jersey T-Shirt (Mytheresa.com, $134); Mossimo Women's Draped Front Blazer (Target.com, $30); Mark Major Mix Necklace (Shop.avon.com, $38); Big Buddha Emmie (Zappos.com, $70); Kessie Heels (Aldoshoes.com, $55); Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet (Bloomingdales.com, $75)
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