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.
-60%
AllSaints
Womens Linen Skylar Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, Size: UK 16/US 12 White
£103.20
£259.00
AllSaints
-41%
Fat Face
FatFace Jonie Olive Green Regular Jersey Midi Dress
£35.00
£59.00
FatFace
-44%
AllSaints
Linen Lyra Linen Midi Dress, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£111.20
£199.00
AllSaints
-40%
Self Portrait
Bow lace linen and cotton midi dress Red
£249.00
£415.00
Mytheresa
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.
-60%
AllSaints
Wool/Polyester Mimmie Asymmetric Skort, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£63.20
£159.00
AllSaints
Sandro
pleated buckle skorts - Grey
£249.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Self Portrait
Belted houndstooth skort Red
£165.00
£275.00
Mytheresa
-50%
Sandro
Checked skort Brown
£99.50
£199.00
Sandro
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.
-50%
Max Mara
Nice halterneck jersey jumpsuit White
£172.00
£345.00
Mytheresa
-69%
AllSaints
Viscose/Silk Mari Silk Blend Lace Trim Jumpsuit, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£60.80
£199.00
AllSaints
Roman
Pleat Detail Wide Leg Stretch Jumpsuit Blue
£55.00
Roman
-20%
Guess Co
lace-embellished jumpsuit - White
£210.00
£263.00
FARFETCH
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.
-50%
Lounge
Cotton Pyjama Bottoms - Lilac - S Purple
£17.50
£35.00
Lounge
-15%
Emporio Armani
logo-plaque zip-up tracksuit - Black
£189.00
£223.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Frame Denim
High-rise wide-leg jeans Blue
£210.00
£300.00
Mytheresa
-52%
AllSaints
Cotton Essen Wide Leg Trousers, Size: UK 16/US 12 Black
£90.40
£189.00
AllSaints
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.
-20%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton corduroy shirt Brown
£172.00
£215.00
Mytheresa
Fat Face
FatFace Paige White 100% Cotton Jersey V-neck Shirt
£32.50
FatFace
-30%
Isabel Marant
Etoile cotton-blend pajama shirt White
£182.00
£260.00
Mytheresa
-20%
Karen Millen
Womens Twill Contrast Hardware Collared Woven Shirt - Navy - Size 6 UK Blue
£79.20
£99.00
Secret Sales
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.
Chinti and Parker
cashmere-blend skirt - Green
£120.00
FARFETCH
-40%
Isabel Marant
Angele faux leather midi skirt Black
£237.00
£395.00
Mytheresa
Levi's
back-slit denim midi skirt - Blue
£86.00
FARFETCH
-30%
Frankie Shop
Gabrielle knitted midi skirt Black
£161.00
£230.00
Mytheresa
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%
Maison Margiela
Four Stitches tank top Black
£210.00
£420.00
Mytheresa
-36%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
ALISSON Heavy Rib Tanktop White
£45.00
£70.00
Labels
-76%
AllSaints
Womens Merino Wool Kayla Wool Tank Top, Size: L White
£30.40
£129.00
AllSaints
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
-20%
Högl
70mm Joyce open-toe block-heel mules - Black
£137.00
£172.00
FARFETCH
Charles & Keith
Ivette Woven Square-Toe Heeled Mules Black
£65.00
Charles & Keith
Crocs
platform clog slides - Grey
£89.00
FARFETCH
