1. Shirt Dress
Shirtdresses are an ideal option for looking professional while staying cool and on-trend at work. Borrowing from classic menswear, these little numbers have collars, button fronts and sometimes cuffed sleeves, but with a feminine skirt element. Shirtdresses come in a variety of fabrics, colors and patterns, making it easy to choose which style works best for your office environment.
If your office is casual, opt for a fun print or even chambray fabric and statement necklace. If your office has a more formal environment, stiffer cotton or even silk would be a good option for hot weather work wear.
2. Nontraditional Suits
Keep it classy in a suit silhouette, but mix it up in hot weather to keep your office fashion interesting as well as weather appropriate. A few ways you can do this is by playing with the length of your blazer or pants. Give your traditional suit a summertime feeling with a 3/4-length sleeve top or mix in cropped pants.
Another way to add some sunshine into your work wear is to incorporate lighter fabrics. There is no need for heavy wool or tweed in the sunny months; try incorporating linen, lightweight cotton, or silk. Linen blazers with light dress pants can create an especially fashion forward, yet professional outfit.
3. Add Color
Add a little color into your work wear and stand out in the crowd! A good way to incorporate color is with bright dress pants or a vibrant blazer. The best options for work wear colors are jewels tones and pastels. Jewel tones are classic, beautiful, deep colors that work well in formal office environments as well. Pastels are perfect for the spring and summer months, offering a breath of fresh air to your office wardrobe. Add some color to your summer work wear and you’ll be your offices’ best-dressed employee in no time
4. Silk Blouses
Silk blouses are work wear classics. They look expensive, luxurious and professional, while breathing better than other fabrics and keeping you cool. Typically a looser fit, silk tops are office appropriate in any work environment. Paired with slacks or skirts, these chic tops are easy to wear and look good on everyone.
Keep in mind- silk, not SHEER, tops, are recommended for work. Sheer tops are NEVER office appropriate.
5. Sleeveless Tops and Dresses
To sleeve or not to sleeve? This has been a debatable issue in work wear etiquette for quite some time and the verdict is in- sleeveless is acceptable in the office!
Don’t go overboard with spaghetti straps or halter-tops, but tasteful sleeveless tops or sleeveless sheath dresses (bra straps must be completely hidden) are work wear appropriate for spring and summer.
6. Tea Length Pleated Skirts
Tea length skirts are a perfect, very feminine option for spring and summer office fashion. The length makes these skirts somewhat conservative, which means this is a fabulous way to mix up your fashion choices in a formal office environment. This style looks best with heels because of the extended length and also comes in an array of fabric, print, and shape variations. A structured shape, such as pleats, in a solid color, or subtle color blocking, is office appropriate and fashionable.
7. Dresses with Blazers
The classic mix of masculine with feminine, this combination is a sure success for hot weather work wear. Throw a blazer over (almost) any dress and you’ve got yourself a professional, office-appropriate, look. You can also use this pairing as a fun way to play with color and texture; for example, a lightweight cotton blazer over a knit dress or a light blazer over a deeply hued dress are fun ways to keep your look interesting while keeping cool and professional.
