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.
-50%
AllSaints
Womens Linen Skylar Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, Size: UK 6/US 2 White
£129.00
£259.00
AllSaints
-41%
Fat Face
FatFace Jonie Olive Green Regular Jersey Midi Dress
£35.00
£59.00
FatFace
-33%
AllSaints
Linen Lyra Linen Midi Dress, Size: UK 12/US 8 Black
£133.00
£199.00
AllSaints
Roman
Abstract Linen Mix Midi Dress Blue
£40.00
Roman
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%
AllSaints
Wool/Polyester Mimmie Asymmetric Skort, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£79.00
£159.00
AllSaints
-50%
Sandro
Pleated skort Brown
£104.50
£209.00
Sandro
Maje
Pleated Skort - Grey - Maje
£229.00
Maje
Sandro
Ruffled skort with topstitching Black
£239.00
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.
Roman
Pleat Detail Wide Leg Stretch Jumpsuit Blue
£55.00
Roman
-50%
Sandro
Velvet jumpsuit Black
£214.50
£429.00
Sandro
Roman
Linen Blend Jumpsuit Black
£40.00
Roman
-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.
-50%
Lounge
Cotton Pyjama Bottoms - Lilac - S Purple
£17.50
£35.00
Lounge
-40%
AllSaints
Lyocell Averie Tencel Wide Leg Linen Blend Trousers, Size: UK 16/US 12 Grey
£107.00
£179.00
AllSaints
-55%
Acne Studios
Tailored Satin Trousers Beige
£245.00
£550.00
Labels
-60%
AllSaints
Cotton/Viscose Sae Wide Leg Relaxed Fit Trousers, Size: UK 10/US 6 Black
£79.00
£199.00
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.
-40%
GANT
Women Regular Fit Floral Printed Cotton Silk Shirt (38) EVENING BLUE
£78.00
£130.00
GANT
-40%
Sandro
Oversized striped rhinestone shirt Grey
£131.40
£219.00
Sandro
-52%
Fat Face
FatFace Sanchez Ivory Shoal Shirt White
£20.00
£42.00
FatFace
-44%
Roman
Sequin Tassel Stretch Shirt Pink
£25.00
£45.00
Roman
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
-67%
DUSK
Metallic Shimmer Ruched Midi Skirt Blue
£10.00
£30.00
Roman
Adnym Atelier
Lach Kilt with Wide Pleats Grey
£245.00
Labels
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
-41%
AllSaints
Cotton Imogen Sleeveless Tank Top, Size: XS Pink
£17.00
£29.00
AllSaints
-57%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
ALISSON Heavy Rib Tanktop White
£30.00
£70.00
Labels
-38%
Fat Face
FatFace Lillian Dark Natural Space Dye Knitted Tank
£30.00
£48.00
FatFace
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Steve Madden
Ivie Mule IVORY PEARL White
£109.99
Steve Madden
Steve Madden
Penny Mule BLACK PATENT
£99.99
Steve Madden
