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.
-40%
Blanca Vita
pleated sleeveless linen midi dress - women - Linen/Flax - 44 - Brown
$340.00
$565.00
FARFETCH
-75%
Rinascimento
Midi dresses Beige
$55.00
$222.00
Yoox
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.
Contemporaine
Womens Patch pockets pure linen skort Blue
$89.00
Simons
Alo
| Flip It Mini Skort Top in Taupe Beige, Size: Medium
$98.00
Alo Yoga
-57%
Icone
Womens Studded faux-suede mini-skort Brown
$29.95
$69.00
Simons
-61%
Rotate
Skort Sequin Logo Mini White
$155.00
$394.00
Balardi
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.
-33%
Icone
Womens Lace bodysuit jumpsuit Black
$59.95
$89.00
Simons
-78%
Mackage
Jumpsuits Black
$243.00
$1,088.00
Yoox
Twik
Womens Lace draped top jumpsuit Black
$79.00
Simons
-65%
BOSS
Jumpsuits Blue
$237.00
$673.00
Yoox
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.
Miiyu
Womens Soothing tone pattern pyjama pant Beige
$49.00
Simons
Alo
| High-Waist Sweatpant Trouser in Black, Size: Small
$148.00
Alo Yoga
-60%
Contemporaine
Womens Flowy dress pant Fit: Wide leg, high rise Blue
$49.95
$125.00
Simons
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.
-43%
HUGO BOSS
Cropped boxy-fit poplin shirt White
$129.95
$229.00
Simons
Levi's
Womens Burgundy stripes loose shirt Blue
$79.95
Simons
Icone
Womens Patch pocket striped shirt Blue
$49.00
Simons
Lauren Ralph Lauren
Womens Striped poplin shirt Blue
$125.00
Simons
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.
-10%
Semper
Midi Skirt With Double Slit Black
$234.00
$261.00
Balardi
-57%
Twik
Womens Sequined midi skirt Black
$29.95
$69.00
Simons
Levi's
Skirts Light Denim Blue
$215.00
Balardi
-28%
Guess
Midi skirts Black
$76.00
$105.00
Yoox
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!
-35%
JNBY
asymmetric cotton tank top - women - Cotton - S - Black
$131.00
$200.00
FARFETCH
Alo
Vapor Muscle Tank Top in Black, Size: Medium
$58.00
Alo Yoga
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
-32%
Xôcoi
Slingback Platform Mules Green
$246.00
$361.00
Balardi
-61%
Bibi Lou
Mules & Clogs Green
$74.00
$189.00
Yoox
Mou
Sandals Brandy
$246.00
Balardi
-79%
J.W.Anderson
Mules & Clogs Black
$164.00
$764.00
Yoox
