Finding the perfect balance of dressing for the summer heat against a chilly air-conditioned work environment is no easy feat! That’s what makes getting ready for work in the summer so difficult. The outdoors may be sweltering, but your office may feel like someone left the refrigerator open. Figuring out how to dress in the summer months while still looking chic can be a challenge, but luckily there are a few go-to solutions I like to employ in the summer such as layering, lightweight fabrics, and creative pairings. The list of 13 chic summer work outfits below has a little bit of everything, whether your office dress code leans more toward business formal or business casual.
1. breezy blouse + white pants + sandals + gold jewelry
blouse | pants | belt | tote | sandals | bracelet | earrings
Summer workwear is the perfect reason to break out your elegant, loose pieces that don’t cling too heavily to the body. For example, a flowy blouse with short sleeves and draped trousers will provide relief from the heat of the summer season while still looking chic and elegant.
Accessories will help take this look to the next level. Add a black leather belt to add contrast to the neutral colors of the light fabrics. Then add further contrast with a black leather tote bag. The organic shape is perfect for summer time, and is another point of interest.
Black leather sandals are comfortable and also help to provide airflow if your office allows open-toed shoes. Finish off the look with gold accessories like an interlocking chain bracelet and gold hoops.
2. cashmere tee + pleated midi skirt + leather tote + mary janes
skirt | shoes | tote bag | watch | earrings | tee
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite winter staples, like cashmere and long skirts. You can easily adapt your treasured cold weather pieces for the summer season with a few styling tweaks.
Start by styling a pleated slip midi skirt with a short-sleeved cashmere tee. This style of skirt was popular in Parisian street looks this past fall! As for the tee, even though cashmere is typically associated with colder temperatures, it’s a chic and quality fabric that can be worn in smaller doses throughout the warmer months.
Accessorize with classic pieces like neutral Mary Janes (this pair is from a Parisian brand called Sezane, and is one of their best-sellers). Sezane is one of my current favorite European clothing brands! Store your laptop and workplace necessities in a luxe leather tote. Finish the look with gold earrings, and an elegant watch that is as pretty as it is practical – you don’t want to be late to the morning meeting.
3. striped button-down + cotton sweater + drape pants + canvas tote
pants | shirt | sweater | sandals | tote bag | earrings
In my years of working the hottest season in an office, I have found that layering is key to the best summer work wardrobe. Choosing breathable materials like cotton and linen are also perfect for the warm weather. This outfit incorporates both helpful tips!
First, start with a pair of linen drape pants. A neutral color are always a good idea if you’re shopping for a pair of pants like this, as they’ll pair well with more tops that way. Next, try a striped button-up. Style it by cuffing the sleeves once or twice, and if you’d like, tuck the half with the buttons into your pants to show off your waistline. Tie a cotton sweater over your shoulders. Although you may not end up needing it, it’s a chic accessory tied over the shirt.
Accessorize with a canvas tote from Longchamp to meet your daily commuting needs, a comfortable pair of leather sandals, and gold earrings.
4. oversized blazer + midi dress + pearl earrings + sandals
dress | sandals | blazer | tote bag | earrings
Pair unexpected pieces like a midi dress and an oversized blazer to create interest in your summer fashion. Finding the right summer work dresses can be a challenge, and that’s why I love a basic style like the one shown above – the midi length is appropriate for office wear, as well as the higher neckline and looser shape.
It also covers a portion of your shoulders, and doesn’t reveal too much skin. Although it might not look like much on its own, this is the perfect piece for a capsule wardrobe that can be styled in a countless number of ways.
Need more ideas of what to include in a summer capsule wardrobe? MCO has a free resource that you can access here.
One way that you can style it in an interesting way is by layering it under an oversized blazer. It creates a great balance of masculine and feminine, and the blazer adds a traditionally professional element to your look. Mix in new textures like a slouchy leather tote, woven knit sandals and gold and pearl earrings to finish the outfit.
5. striped blouse + navy pants + leather tote + day flats
smocked top | navy pants | day flats | tote bag | pearl earrings
Chic summer work outfits don’t have to be complicated, especially if you have a more casual dress code! A casual outfit can be minimal and still look chic with the right pieces. First, try a poplin blouse with a smocked top. The little details such as the frill around the neckline, the puff sleeves and the small buttons all set this top apart. On the bottom, swap out your jeans for a pair of organic utility pants. They feature a mid rise and a cotton twill fabric, details that will make them comfortable to sit in for long periods of time.
Keep your accessories simple with pearl stud earrings, a leather tote bag, and leather day flats. Quality over quantity is the theme of this particular look!
6. little black dress + thin belt + slingback heels + classic jewelry
bracelet | earrings | heels | purse | dress | belt
For those who work in an office setting that requires formal work attire, you’ll love this sheath dress. A little black dress is perfect for summer work outfits, and is versatile enough to translate to a variety of other formal occasions as well. I love the high neckline and the pencil skirt style of this particular piece, which means that it is appropriate for a more rigid office dress code.
However, the shape will also be flattering due to its structure! If you’d like to add even more definition to your waistline, try adding a skinny belt with interesting hardware like the one shown above.
Classic is the theme of this look, so a pair of chic slingback heels is fitting. These help to elongate your legs, as the point of the toe and the absence of an ankle strap help to move the eye in a vertical line. Plus, the small kitten heel is ideal for a long day that might be spent hustling from meeting to meeting.
Add a shoulder bag, a gold bangle, and gold and pearl earrings to complete the outfit that will take you from the office to happy hour in no time at all.
7. pleated midi skirt + lady jacket cardigan + nude heels
pleated skirt | heels | ring | earrings | cardigan
Speaking of midi skirts, here’s another one to style for your chic summer work outfits. If your office is especially chilly, try pairing it with a lady jacket style cardigan in a coordinating color. Monochromatic looks are an easy way to instantly elevate your outfit, and make it look more intentional.
If you’re worried about overheating, try wearing a tank top or t-shirt layered underneath. That way you can always remove the sweater and tie it around your shoulders if necessary.
Keep your accessories classic with gold and pearl accents in a dome ring and hoop earrings. Neutral heels with an ankle strap for added support complete the look.
8. blazer + striped button-down + t-shirt + jeans + sneakers
button-down | jeans | watch | tote bag | t-shirt | blazer
Now, here’s another summer outfit for those who may be aiming for a more casual look! If jeans are allowed (or maybe even the norm) in your workplace, try elevating what you wear on top to ensure you still maintain a professional appearance.
Start with a classic white t-shirt for your first layer. Next, add a striped button-down shirt. The vertical lines are slimming, and the blue and white stripes are perfect for summer. Add a black blazer on top (if you’re not too warm) for another professional touch. White sneakers, a leather tote bag, and a gold watch complete the look.
9. drape dress + tote bag + cap-toed flats + gold watch
flats | watch | earrings | tote bag | dress
Summer dresses are ideal for chic summer work outfits as they are comfortable, easy to move in, and easy to throw on if you’re in a rush. The details make all the difference, and in this dress, the main attraction is the draping of the fabric. This small touch elevates this dress from a simple piece to a fashion statement that is fitting for an important meeting or presentation.
The dress is the star of this outfit, so keep your accessories neutral and simple. Cap-toed flats are the perfect shoe for this chic look, and a structured black tote is ideal for your laptop or any handouts you may be carrying with you. A gold bracelet watch and pearl studs round out the classic ensemble.
10. french blue button-down shirt + relaxed sweater + navy pants + loafers
loafers | pants | tote bag | button-down | sweater | ring | earrings
If you love the understated elegance of East Coast fashion, try this next outfit formula. First, start with a pair of navy flare pants paired with a French blue button-down shirt. Something about this color pairing always screams East Coast summer to me!
Next, add a light sweater tied over your shoulders. It can also act as a layering piece if you tend to get chilly when the air conditioner is on. Add classic leather loafers, a woven tote bag, and gold and pearl jewelry to complement the Northeastern vibes of this ensemble.
11. striped shirtdress + leather tote + gold watch + day flats
dress | flats | tote bag | gold watch | earrings
A striped shirtdress is high on my list of contenders for perfect summer work outfits. Not only are the vertical stripes slimming and the quintessential summer pattern, the dropped waist on this style helps to set it apart from typical pieces.
If you have a shorter torso, a dropped waist is a great solution to help balance your proportions. The short sleeve is also perfect for those who wish to keep the majority of their arms bare. Add a leather tote, Everlane’s perfect day flat, a gold watch, and gold studs to accessorize.
Related: How to Flatter Your Body With These Slimming Outfits
12. blazer top + tank top + jeans + tote bag + slingback heels
heels | watch | tote bag | jeans | tank top | blazer top | earrings
If you love the look of a structured blazer but aren’t willing to commit to a full sleeve version in the summer heat, there is a vest style of the classic style staple that might be perfect for you. Although this currently might be a trendy design, I think it’s also a classic one that has staying power!
It features the same chic look of a traditional blazer but in a sleeveless style. And if you’re worried about the v-neck of the piece, try adding a tank top underneath for additional coverage.
This would be a great look for casual Friday. Pair it with medium-wash jeans to maintain the elegance of the look, but also dress it down just a bit. Accessorize with slingback heels, a leather tote, and silver jewelry.
13. linen blazer + drape pants + linen tank top + leather tote + woven mules
pants | tank top | blazer | mules | tote bag | watch | necklace
A classic pair of drape pants with a matching blazer in linen is the perfect way to update the traditional 2-piece suit for summer. Summer is the perfect time to wear linen as it’s a breathable fabric that will help keep you cool, even if you’re wearing multiple layers.
Keep the linen theme going with linen shirts worn underneath – for this ensemble, try a scoop-neck tank top in a slightly different natural tone. Lightweight blazers are perfect for summer looks when you may want to cover up a little bit more, but don’t want to overheat.
Complete the chic look with woven mule flats, a gold necklace pairing, a bracelet watch and a cognac leather bag.
Related: 15 Linen Pants Outfit Ideas for a Chic Summer Wardrobe
Chic Corporate Wear for Summer
Whether you love simple summer looks or still prefer to layer your looks all year long, dressing for the warmer months can be easy with the right pieces that you can mix and match. My best advice? Build a foundation with neutral pieces (and a pop of color here and there), prioritize comfort, and don’t be afraid to try creative combinations! Save these looks for inspiration when you’re in a rut, and hopefully, you’ll reinvigorate your love for dressing even in the hottest months of the year.
Want more tips and tricks to elevate your summer style? Up Next: Top 10 Ways to Dress to Impress: Tips & Tricks for Elevating Your Style
