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
Getty Images
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.
-40%
Self Portrait
Bow lace linen and cotton midi dress Red
£249.00
£415.00
Mytheresa
Fat Face
FatFace Immy Teal Blue Petite Linen Dress
£65.00
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.
Sandro
Pleated skort Blue
£249.00
Sandro
-30%
New Balance
Womens Tournament Skort in Green Polywoven, size Large
£28.00
£40.00
New Balance
Sandro
Striped cotton skort Beige
£219.00
Sandro
New Balance
Womens Tournament Skort in Purple Polywoven, size X-Large
£40.00
New Balance
3. A loose jumpsuit
Getty Images
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.
-51%
Reiss
Silk Ruffle Bandeau Wide-leg Jumpsuit, 12 White
£138.00
£280.00
Reiss
Nanushka
Ashton Black Faux Leather Jumpsuit Size M
£180.00
HEWI
-40%
Reiss
Sheer-panel Wide-leg Belted Jumpsuit, 10 White
£148.00
£248.00
Reiss
-28%
PHO Firenze
Tuta Monospalla Lurex Jumpsuit Multi
£186.18
£257.52
Miinto
4. Wide leg trousers
Getty Images
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.
Fat Face
FatFace Hove Grey Embroidered Wide Leg Crop Trouser
£58.00
FatFace
Tommy Hilfiger
Relaxed Wide Leg Pure Linen Trousers Gold
£110.00
Tommy Hilfiger
-73%
Karen Millen
Womens Premium Tailored Linen Drama Cape Jumpsuit - White - Size 6 UK
£67.50
£249.00
Secret Sales
-50%
Moncler
WOMENS CROP TROUSERS Size: 42, colour: BLACK
£235.00
£470.00
Circle Fashion
5. An oversized shirt
Getty Images
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
Fat Face
FatFace Paige White 100% Cotton Jersey V-neck Shirt
£32.50
FatFace
-50%
Ganni
Brown Leopard Peplum Shirt - Size 34 Organic Cotton
£127.50
£255.00
GANNI
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.
-49%
Fat Face
FatFace Annie Black Lace Midi Skirt
£35.00
£69.00
FatFace
-50%
adidas Originals
Womens Satin Skirt Black
£125.00
£250.00
Labels
Fat Face
FatFace Issa Chocolate Brown Linen Midi Skirt
£59.00
FatFace
-9%
Kocca
Midi Skirts, female, Green, M, Chic Leather Look Pencil Skirt
£76.56
£84.39
Miinto
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!
-50%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
Alisson Classic Rib Orange
£35.00
£70.00
Labels
Ami
Green Cotton Ami De Coeur Tanktop Green - XXL - for Women
£100.00
Ami Paris
-57%
Day Birger Et Mikkelsen
Alisson Heavy Rib Tanktop White
£30.00
£70.00
Labels
Fat Face
FatFace Ecru Frill Sleeveless Top
£29.50
FatFace
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Charles & Keith
Sonali Bow Heeled Thong Sandals Red
£59.00
Charles & Keith
Clarks
Sivanne Sun Leather Womens Comfort Sandals - Black - Size:UK 6.5
£34.57
Legend Footwear
