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.
-39%
Fat Face
FatFace Fifi Ivory Vintage Bloom Petite Cami Blouse
£30.00
£49.50
FatFace
-50%
Sandro
Maxi dress with lace details
£219.50
£439.00
Sandro
Fat Face
FatFace Delphine Green Regular Linen Midi Dress
£75.00
FatFace
-50%
Calvin Klein
Soft Lyocell Linen Midi Dress White
£90.00
£180.00
Calvin Klein
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
Striped sequin skort Blue
£249.00
Sandro
-40%
New Balance
Womens Tournament Skort in Purple Polywoven, size X-Large
£24.00
£40.00
New Balance
Sandro
Pleated skort Blue
£249.00
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.
-23%
Reiss
Raspberry Pink One-shoulder Drape Wide-leg Jumpsuit, 18
£228.00
£298.00
Reiss
-74%
Karen Millen
Womens Premium Tailored Linen Drama Cape Jumpsuit - White - Size 6 UK
£63.75
£249.00
Secret Sales
-50%
Reiss
Navy Pinstripe Tailored Wide-leg Jumpsuit With Wool, 18 Blue
£128.00
£258.00
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.
Fat Face
FatFace Black Jersey Stripe Wide Leg Trouser
£49.50
FatFace
-50%
Sandro
Floral-print wide-leg trousers Pink
£124.50
£249.00
Sandro
Fat Face
FatFace Hove Grey Embroidered Wide Leg Crop Trouser
£58.00
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.
Fat Face
FatFace Paige White 100% Cotton Jersey V-neck Shirt
£32.50
FatFace
Fat Face
FatFace Letty Yellow Petite Embroidered Blouse
£49.50
FatFace
-50%
Serena Bute
Cotton Oversized Shirt - Green Stripe
£88.00
£175.00
Serena Bute
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.
Fat Face
FatFace Issa Chocolate Brown Linen Midi Skirt
£59.00
FatFace
-50%
New Balance
Womens Twill Midi Skirt in Blue Polywoven, size X-Large
£32.50
£65.00
New Balance
-50%
adidas Originals
Womens Satin Skirt Black
£125.00
£250.00
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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!
Fat Face
FatFace Sarah White Sleeveless Jersey Shirt
£38.00
FatFace
-33%
Thom Krom
W TS 617 Rose
£60.00
£89.90
Labels
Fat Face
FatFace Ecru Frill Sleeveless Top
£29.50
FatFace
Tommy Hilfiger
Ribbed Scoop Neck Slim Tank Top Black
£30.00
Tommy Hilfiger
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
Clarks
Sivanne Sun Leather Womens Comfort Sandals - Black - Size:UK 6.5
£34.57
Legend Footwear
Ancient Greek Sandals
Womens Velvet Slippers Size: 36
£110.00
ABASK
