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.
Fat Face
FatFace Jonie Olive Green Regular Jersey Midi Dress
£59.00
FatFace
-42%
Majestic
Linen Blend Long Dress Green
£138.00
£238.00
Balardi
Farm Rio
Sweet Bloom Bouquet linen-blend minidress Red
£240.00
Mytheresa
-57%
Rochas
Draping Neckline Dress Pink
£250.00
£582.00
Balardi
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.
-30%
AllSaints
Wool/Polyester Mimmie Asymmetric Skort, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£111.30
£159.00
AllSaints
-46%
Rotate
Skort Sequin Logo Mini White
£116.00
£215.00
Balardi
Sandro
Pleated skort Brown
£209.00
Sandro
-63%
Alexander Wang
Alexander Wang Drawstring Skort With Crystal Hotfix Blue
£195.00
£533.00
Balardi
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
-41%
Reiss
Burgundy & cream Colourblock Wide Leg Belted Jumpsuit, 12 Red
£158.00
£270.00
Reiss
-50%
Max Mara
Nice halterneck jersey jumpsuit Black
£172.00
£345.00
Mytheresa
Roman
Sequin Bodice Cowl Neck Jumpsuit Blue
£58.00
Roman
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.
-18%
Max Mara
Weekend Max Mara Ballo Technical Cotton Palazzo Trousers Brown
£160.00
£196.00
Balardi
-50%
Lounge
Cotton Pyjama Bottoms - Lilac - XXL - The Perfect Gift For Her Purple
£17.50
£35.00
Lounge
-41%
Avenue Montaigne
Corduroy Cropped Trousers Silver
£200.00
£341.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Cotton Essen Wide Leg Trousers, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£132.30
£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.
Pinko
Pinko Camicia White
£137.00
Balardi
Fat Face
FatFace Paige White 100% Cotton Jersey V-neck Shirt
£32.50
FatFace
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cotton corduroy shirt Brown
£215.00
Mytheresa
-9%
Pinko
Pinko Tops White
£110.00
£121.00
Balardi
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.
-18%
Max Mara
Zarda Wide Taffeta Skirt Blue
£178.00
£218.00
Balardi
-30%
Max Mara
Paraggi cotton velvet midi skirt Black
£224.00
£320.00
Mytheresa
-16%
MC2 Saint Barth
Darline Crochet Midi Skirt Black
£128.00
£153.00
Balardi
-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!
Diesel
Top White
£102.00
Balardi
-36%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
ALISSON Heavy Rib Tanktop White
£45.00
£70.00
Labels
-26%
Diesel
Diesel Black
£149.00
£202.00
Balardi
-30%
AllSaints
Lyocell Rina Crew Neck Sleeveless Tank Top, Size: XS Red
£22.40
£32.00
AllSaints
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
-9%
UGG
Tasman Ii Suede Shoe Brown
£139.00
£153.00
Balardi
Charles & Keith
Ivette Woven Square-Toe Heeled Mules Black
£65.00
Charles & Keith
Taji
Sandals
£160.00
Balardi
