Beat the heat with these summer workwear essentials
Going to work in the summer is no joke—in fact, doing pretty much anything except lying horizontally with a cocktail in hand is kind of a big ask. But, alas, we soldier on, and because we’re fashion-savvy (among our many attributes), we do so in style.
Read on to discover eight wardrobe essentials that will help keep you cool at the office this season (air-con not included).
1. A linen dress
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If ever there were a summer workwear must-have, it’s got to be the linen dress. Linen is a lightweight, natural fabric that allows your whole body to breathe as much as possible, making it the perfect hot-weather staple.
-55%
AllSaints
Womens Linen Skye Floral Asymmetric Hem Midi Dress, Size: 6 White
£116.10
£259.00
AllSaints
-63%
Fat Face
FatFace Amy Natural Linen Blend Stripe Dress
£22.00
£59.00
FatFace
-30%
Faithfull The Brand
Hedy draped linen maxi dress Brown
£203.00
£290.00
Mytheresa
-41%
Fat Face
FatFace Jonie Olive Green Regular Jersey Midi Dress
£35.00
£59.00
FatFace
Thought skorts were just for netball? Think again. Skorts offer a more practical alternative to mini skirts, as they eliminate all chances of chafing and awkward accidents.
Still think you can’t leave your fave mini skirt sitting in the wardrobe? A pair of tight biker shorts underneath will do the trick.
-50%
Sandro
Pleated skort Brown
£104.50
£209.00
Sandro
AllSaints
Polyester Dotty Broderie Mini Skirt, Size: UK 14/US 10 Pink
£199.00
AllSaints
Sandro
Ruffled skort with topstitching Black
£239.00
Sandro
New Balance
Womens Tournament Skort in Black/White Poly Knit, size Medium
£45.00
New Balance
3. A loose jumpsuit
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Sometimes jumpsuits definitely beat dresses, and summer workwear is one of those times. They don’t blow up in a breeze, and you look super smart and stylish having only put one item of clothing on. Winning.
-66%
AllSaints
Viscose/Silk Mari Silk Blend Lace Trim Jumpsuit, Size: UK 6/US 2 Black
£68.40
£199.00
AllSaints
-50%
Sandro
Velvet jumpsuit Black
£214.50
£429.00
Sandro
Nanushka
Ashton Black Faux Leather Jumpsuit Size M
£180.00
HEWI
-64%
Reiss
Burgundy & cream Colourblock Wide Leg Belted Jumpsuit, 12 Red
£98.00
£270.00
Reiss
4. Wide leg trousers
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Not only do wide-leg trousers make us feel like a glamorous actress from the 70s, but they’re also ultra-sophisticated and ideal for hot days, as they’re looser than your regular straight pants.
Go for natural fibres like cotton, linen, or lightweight denim, and try to steer clear of synthetic materials: polyester and similar will only trap heat and moisture in.
-46%
AllSaints
Cotton Essen Wide Leg Trousers, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£101.70
£189.00
AllSaints
-52%
Christophe Lemaire
Utility Pocket Jeans Beige
£235.00
£490.00
Labels
-55%
AllSaints
Womens Cotton Frankie Studded Wide Leg Jeans, Size: 30 Black
£80.10
£179.00
AllSaints
-39%
Fat Face
FatFace Aubrey Black Wide Leg Crop Trouser
£30.00
£49.50
FatFace
5. An oversized shirt
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Commutes and stuffy meeting rooms have never been kind to tight clothing. An oversized shirt is essentially like wearing secret pyjamas to work – you look smart but you’re so comfy you forget.
Closed
Shirts, female, White, XS, Cape-skjorte i bomuld
£162.00
Miinto
-43%
Fat Face
FatFace Dusky Purple Kat 100% Cotton Embroidered Shirt
£26.00
£46.00
FatFace
-55%
AllSaints
Cotton Lulu Ruffled Cotton Shirt, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£71.10
£159.00
AllSaints
-39%
Fat Face
FatFace Whitney Chambray Blue Bows Shirt
£28.00
£46.00
FatFace
The midi skirt has pretty much been our saviour since 2018—it’s so easy to throw on, and if you go for a pleated or printed style then all you really need is a simple t-shirt and you’re good to go.
-30%
Fat Face
FatFace Annie Black Lace Midi Skirt
£48.00
£69.00
FatFace
-9%
Kocca
Midi Skirts, female, Green, M, Chic Leather Look Pencil Skirt
£76.56
£84.39
Miinto
Fat Face
FatFace Harper Black Layered Animal Midi Skirt
£59.00
FatFace
-40%
New Balance
Womens Stretch Corduroy Midi Skirt in Brown Poly Knit, size X-Large
£45.00
£75.00
New Balance
Sleeveless tops are a must during hot summer days, and if you play your cards right you can definitely get away with wearing one at the office.
Our advice? Go for a refined fabric like silk or viscose, and avoid spaghetti straps or deep V-necks. If you want to feel extra put-together, try a vest top or a two-piece suit!
Closed
racer tank top - Black
£106.00
FARFETCH
-50%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
Alisson - Classic Rib RD Orange
£35.00
£70.00
Labels
-50%
Fat Face
FatFace Isla Green Lace Jersey Tank Top
£16.00
£32.00
FatFace
Ganni
Soft Cotton Rib Tank Top Stripe Brown
£110.00
Labels
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Charles & Keith
Whitney Leather Heeled Mules
£85.00
Charles & Keith
Steve Madden
Tobin Flat Shoe CHESTNUT SUEDE Brown
£129.99
Steve Madden
Charles & Keith
Ivette Woven Heeled Mules Black
£65.00
Charles & Keith
