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
$331.00
$549.00
FARFETCH
Lois
Blue Linen Dress
$201.00
Balardi
-58%
Sandro
Midi dresses Black
$188.00
$445.00
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.
Alo
| Flip It Mini Skort Top in Taupe Beige, Size: Medium
$98.00
Alo Yoga
-46%
Rotate
Skort Sequin Logo Mini White
$212.00
$394.00
Balardi
Icone
Womens Thick crepe plain skort Black
$59.00
Simons
-47%
Alexander Wang
Denim Skort Bermuda E Short Blu-Donna Blue
$197.00
$370.00
Wanan Luxury
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.
Levi's
Dresses Blue
$245.00
Balardi
Twik
Womens Lace draped top jumpsuit Black
$79.00
Simons
-35%
CORINNA CAON
Jumpsuits Black
$210.00
$323.00
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.
Alo
| Serenity Wide Leg Sweatpant in Black, Size: Medium
$128.00
Alo Yoga
-36%
Niù
Wide Leg Denim Jeans White
$226.00
$354.00
Balardi
Alo
| Serenity Wide Leg Sweatpant in Ivory White, Size: Medium
$128.00
Alo Yoga
-49%
Polo Ralph Lauren
Corduroy Trousers Purple
$236.00
$460.00
Balardi
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.
-27%
Weekend by Max Mara
Eureka Light Blue Cropped Shirt
$248.00
$339.00
Balardi
-24%
Closed
Closed Oversized Cotton Shirt White
$249.00
$329.00
Balardi
-51%
Sportmax
Sportmax Black Popeline Gesso Shirt Blue
$246.00
$500.00
Balardi
Dunst
Light Beige Striped Shirt With Ruffles
$249.00
Balardi
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.
-16%
MC2 Saint Barth
Darline Crochet Midi Skirt Black
$234.00
$279.00
Balardi
-19%
Dunst
Midi Skirt Grey
$219.00
$271.00
Balardi
-36%
Closed
Closed Utility Skirt
$245.00
$381.00
Balardi
adidas Originals
Adidas Originals Midi Pleated Skirt Black
$162.00
Balardi
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
-30%
P.A.R.O.S.H.
round-neck sleeveless tank top - women - Polyamide/Viscose - M - Blue
$179.00
$254.00
FARFETCH
It’s too hot for laces and any shoe that has a back, OK?
-50%
UGG
Goldenstar clogs Woman 5 Brown
$94.00
$188.00
rBoutique
-32%
Xôcoi
Slingback Platform Mules Green
$246.00
$361.00
Balardi
-74%
Ganni
Womens Lacing and eyelets heeled mules Women Black
$199.99
$775.00
Simons
Keen
Suede Mules Grey
$235.00
Balardi
