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If you’re like us, you may still be trying to nail down your style after the seemingly never-ending sweatpants phase of quarantine, especially when it comes to being back in the office. At the same time, temperatures are rising and you want to keep cool, but know the office air conditioning will likely be blasting. Finding something to wear to work is now way more complicated than ever.
We’re here to suggest office-appropriate summer clothing, from midi dresses to jumpsuits to lightweight summer blazers. Let’s have fun getting dressed, shall we?
A midi dress in a pretty floral print…
If there’s one thing we know, it’s that the midi dress was made to wear to the office. It’s the best length to keep you covered but cool. This one is super soft and stretchy, so you’ll be comfortable all day long. It comes in sizes M–6X. ($69.50, Torrid)
A denim jacket to throw on over summer dresses…
Consider this the cold-office summer staple. It comes in a light wash, with a roomy fit. The denim is pre-softened, so it actually feels good and looks lived-in. There’s really nothing you can’t wear this with. It comes in sizes M–6X. ($99.50, Torrid)
A shirt-dress for a polished look…
Vertical stripes elongate your silhouette in this classic shirt-dress. It has a built-in belt to cinch your waist and looks just as good paired with a heel as a ballet flat. It’s cotton, so it’ll be breathable as you commute. ($49.99, Saks OFF 5TH)
A lightweight cardigan to keep at the office…
When the office air conditioning is on full blast, you’ll find yourself grabbing this lightweight rayon beauty that goes well with a dress. It’s the perfect length and drapes in the front for an eye-catching silhouette. It comes in more than ten colors and sizes S–3XL. ($18.99, Amazon)
A jumpsuit for a one-and-done outfit…
There’s really nothing better than a jumpsuit when you’re having trouble deciding what to wear. This one comes in five different colors and has a ruched top with wide-leg pants for the most flattering fit. Customers confirm that even those who typically have trouble finding a jumpsuit that fits their body will love this one. ($148, Free People)
A white pinstripe pant that’s not too formfitting…
The key to wearing pants in the summer is keeping them light and loose. This pair is made with the best combination of fabrics: linen, cotton, and spandex. So they’re breathable and will give as you move about. The pinstripes are adorable and the high-rise fit will keep you covered from 9-to-5 and beyond for after-work drinks. ($178, Reformation)
A sweater-vest that begs to be paired with trousers…
For an out-of-the-box outfit, why not pair this striped vest with the pants above? The contrasting stripes will be eye-catching. This vest is just as cute paired with a skirt if you want to lean into prep-school vibes. It comes in a variety of patterns (we can personally attest to loving the strawberry one), and customers note it runs a little small, so size up for a roomier fit. ($24.50, Urban Outfitters)
A button-up shirt you’ll reach for day after day…
Grab this to layer under the sweater vest and don’t be shocked when it becomes your favorite thing to wear. It’s great tucked into jeans or a skirt, or even left open with a camisole underneath. This one has an oversized fit, and customers love that it’s not see-through. ($60, Abercrombie & Fitch)
A tiered midi dress with pockets…
This option is the definition of breezy. On exceptionally hot days, just throw this number on. With its flattering square neck, tiered bodice, and smocked back, you’ll feel put together yet comfy. Yes, it also has pockets and comes in bright green or a few patterned options. It’s available in sizes X–4X. ($35, Target)
A body-con dress that’s made for layering…
This soft cotton jersey dress is just begging to be paired with a blazer, cardigan, or jacket. It has a twist on the side that will emphasize your waist in the best way. Wear this with sandals during the day and stash a pair of heels in your bag to dress it up as you head to dinner. It comes in blue, green, and black. ($150, Nordstrom)
A linen blazer that comes in a summer-appropriate cream…
J.Crew has always been doing blazers well. This one is no exception. Made from recycled linen and cupro (a fabric that makes it feel silky), it’s just the right weight for hot summer days. It’s also slightly shorter than traditional blazers for a more tailored look. While we’re partial to the weathered sand, it comes in three other colors and sizes 00–24. ($228, J.Crew)
A pair of linen trousers to match your blazer…
You knew we had to include the matching pants, right? These are high-rise with a free-flowing straight leg, aka a breezy summer fit. Plus, they are machine-washable and come in classic, petite, and tall. Pair ’em with the blazer and you’ll have an automatic fabulous outfit you won’t have to think twice about. ($158, J.Crew)
And a more affordable linen blazer in a crisp white…
If cream isn’t great for your skintone, may we suggest this white option? It’s a linen-and-cotton blend, so still very breathable and at a lower price point. Plus, the shoulders are padded to give it a chic menswear vibe. Think: power suit. ($99, Revolve)
A maxi skirt that goes with pretty much anything…
For better or worse, the maxi skirt is back. This one has a cinched elastic waistband that you can easily tuck a T-shirt or tank into. It also has side slits for extra ventilation and comes in six versatile colors. Psst…It has pockets too. ($88, Everlane)
A racerback tank bodysuit for seamless layering…
An unsung workwear hero is the racerback tank bodysuit. It gives you plenty of coverage in the front and always looks good under a blazer. But the real positive here is that you can wear it with pants and skirts without having to worry about the dreaded bunching from tucking anything in. This one has a tiny bit of spandex too for a little stretch. Customers love that it’s thick enough to not show your bra. ($19.99, Amazon)
A floral midi dress you’ll want to wear every week…
We can vouch for this brand — we simply love wearing their dresses. This one features a bright floral print that’ll look adorable in photos. Plus, the V-neck is flattering but still appropriate for the office. The fabric is body-skimming but won’t cling. It also comes in a mini for date night. ($199, Saks Fifth Avenue)
A pair of wide-leg jeans for casual days…
Though jeans are more low-key, you can definitely dress them up or down. This wide-leg pair is cropped and has a raw edge, so they go just as well with heels as they do with booties or sandals. They’re made from recycled cotton and spandex, which makes them a great sustainable choice. They come in a range of washes, but we love the darkest for the office. ($88, Oliver Logan)
And a pair in a fun, abstract print…
These are high-rise with an elastic waistband, aka they’ll feel like pajama pants but look incredibly polished. The doodle print will make a statement, especially if you pair it with the matching top. The set also comes in bubblegum pink. Just be prepared to receive compliments on your outfit all day. ($99.95, Eloquii)
A bohemian long-sleeve maxi dress for days you wish you could go back to sleep…
We all have days when getting out of bed is considered a small win. The second will be throwing on this dress that’s so comfortable you could nap in it. It’s flowy, midi-length, and ties at the front. It comes in more than 20 patterns, so it’ll be easy to find one you like. Hard to pass up. ($30.99, Amazon)
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