Aheatwave always results in a style conundrum when it comes to workwear. As the temperature soars and our collective mood lifts, the temptation to throw on a maxi dress and a pair of flip-flops increases – but when it comes to summer workwear, there are still some clear dos and don’ts. Although dress codes have relaxed over the years, and the days of suffering in a stiff suit are long gone, it still pays to look professional in the office, no matter how warm it is outside.
1/ Consider long-line shorts
Culottes and bermuda shorts are a great officewear option. Offering a heatwave-friendly alternative to trousers, these breezy styles deliver on professional-looking tailoring while leaving a bit more leg room. Style with a shirt tucked into a belt or opt for a vest and oversized blazer, and don't be afraid to get creative with your footwear choice: a pair of white socks and loafers make a sleek statement.
2/ Always wear the appropriate underwear
Your underpinnings make a fundamental difference to how polished you look, so consider yours carefully. Make sure you have "a flesh-tone bra underneath anything white or light; a strapless bra under anything with spaghetti straps; a camisole or vest underneath anything sheer," says Weleny . "A word of warning about off-the-shoulder tops, too: viewed from the other side of a computer screen, you can look entirely naked. Depending on where you work, this may not really be okay."
3/ A white shirt always works
"There's a reason this is a classic piece – everyone looks good in a white shirt, without exception," says Weleny. You can find a myriad of variations on the high street for summe. "For a new-season update, consider changing white to blue," says Weleny. "Otherwise, look for interesting details like long cuffs."
4/ Adapt key pieces from your winter wardrobe
We advises investing in a few key pieces such as a good A-line skirt ("that affords you a lot of flexibility, because you can wear it with a simple tank top or a crisp cotton shirt"), a great pair of trousers – peg, Capri or palazzo are all suitable warm-weather options – a very fine silk or georgette shirt and a loose-fitting jacket. The best buys don’t fit only into a summer of winter wardrobe – they can leapfrog over seasons.
5/ Great shoes are key
"If you’re going for a sandal, you have to choose carefully – it should be quite dressy and not expose too much of the toe area," advises Weleny. A flat mule is a good choice because it avoids that issue but still gives you the feeling of an open shoe. Very pointed ballet pumps look chic with, say, a sleeveless pencil dress for a Sixties-style silhouette."
If you work in an office where open-toe sandals are allowed, get a pedicure. But no matter how relaxed your work environment, flip flops are never okay. The jury's out on pool slides.
6/ Monochrome is always in...
"Black and white looks great at work," assures Weleny. "Appropriate doesn't need to be boring, though: a white T-shirt plus a black leather skirt is the easiest summer outfit imaginable."
7/ ...But embrace colour and pattern in small amounts
I think the way we dress in the office has become less formal and a lot more joyful, especially in terms of colour and expressing your personality. whose brand is known for its mood-boosting prints and patterns. If you’re not brave enough to go all-out, try pairing a white T-shirt with a statement blazer in an amazing colour, or add a pair of shoes in an offbeat shade. Stripes are a good way to introduce pattern gently.
8/ Focus on natural fabrics
To make your summer-holiday wardrobe work for everyday life, Weleny recommends focusing on non-synthetic fabrics (“linen is hard to beat”). These will keep you cooler in hot weather, meaning you can wear more demure, looser styles to the office without feeling uncomfortable.
9/ Get clever with layering
For Weleny, layering is the key to adapting your wardrobe for summer. If you’re going from a blazing commute to a very cold, air-conditioned office, I’d suggest opting for a relaxed version of a classic two-piece – perhaps a sleeveless shift dress in jersey fabric with a light jacket on top. An outfit like that is fluid and comfortable, but still has form." White is always stylish and gives you the flexibility to be bolder with your accessories, but brighter hues also work for the office in summer.
During the summer months, a blazer will become your best friend. Throw an oversized navy or white blazer over a summer dress to sharpen up your look. This is the kind of wardrobe staple that you'll never regret investing in.
