Summer Work Outfits: 8 Office-Friendly Looks to Keep You Cool While Still Looking Cute

This post will show you 8 summer work outfit ideas, with tips on what to wear to work and where to shop for work-appropriate clothing.

We are well into the summer, and it’s been a scorcher. Dressing in these temps can be tricky and uncomfortable even when you’re just hanging out with your friends — add the particular perils of dressing for the office, and it feels impossible!

But have no fear. This guide is here to help you stay cool (especially during your commute) but still look polished at work, with summer work outfit ideas, tips, and suggestions on the best affordable items to add to your summer work wardrobe.

Where to Buy Clothing for Work

First off, you may be wondering where to shop for fashion-forward workwear without breaking the bank. I’d suggest checking out the following stores for work-appropriate clothing:

• J.Crew and J.Crew Factory
• Gap
• Aritzia
• Abercrombie & Fitch
• H&M
• Banana Republic & Banana Republic Factory
• Loft
• Department stores, including Nordstrom and Macy’s

8 Stylish Summer Work Outfits

Now that we’ve covered where to shop for officewear, let’s get to the summer work outfit inspiration.

Note that while the following eight outfits would pass in most workplaces, be sure always to check your office’s dress code, observe what your co-workers wear (to get a sense of what is acceptable and what is not), and use your best judgment when putting together office outfits.

Some offices may be more casual and allow you to wear jeans and sneakers, while other workplaces may require more formal attire — so dress accordingly!

Linen Pants & A Vest

To combat the summertime heat, go for lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton, and avoid heavier synthetic fabrics like polyester.

These pinstriped trouser pants are a great option, as they look elevated thanks to their neutral tone and tailored design, but their breezy fit and linen-blend fabric will help keep you cool.

Try styling them with a sleeveless vest top for a trendy yet office-appropriate look; this button-through vest features a boat neck, which makes it better suited for an office (as opposed to a V-neck vest top).

These mini wedge crisscross sandals have a sleek, sophisticated look that will add a modern touch to the outfit (just be sure to check your office’s policy on open-toe shoes to be safe).

Keep accessories minimal — it’s best not to overdo it with super bold accessories at the workplace — and opt for some classy croissant hoop earrings and a gold snake chain bracelet.

Shirt Dress & Flats

A shirt dress is a classic choice that is perfect for the summertime, as it gives off a similar vibe as a button-down shirt (a work wardrobe staple piece).

This midi-length beige shirt dress is made with a gauzy linen-blend fabric, making it ideal for the summertime heat, along with its airy, loose-fitting silhouette. With a collar, short flutter sleeves, a neutral color, and a removable tie belt to cinch your waist, it will look polished while keeping you cool. (Nothing is worse than wearing something tight-fitting and *not* breathable on a hot summer day!).

You can wear this dress with heels, sandals, or flats. These beige and black knit ballet flats are sure to become a go-to in your work wardrobe, since they are ultra-versatile thanks to their color scheme and they are machine-washable!

Bring the ensemble together with a dainty gold layered necklace, gold interlocking hoop earrings, and a black woven tote bag, plus some oval sunglasses for your time outside of the office.

Linen Shorts & A Button-Down Shirt

It’s no secret that shorts are a summertime staple on the weekends but for the office? Well… it depends.

Look for tailored shorts with a longer length, like these linen high-rise shorts that hit at the mid-thigh. They are cut like trouser pants, with knife pleats and a tailored silhouette, and are made with a soft linen-blend fabric that has a drapey look rather than fitting tightly. (But of course, always check your office’s dress code!).

The other key to making shorts appropriate for the workplace is wearing them with polished pieces, like a classic button-down shirt. You can never go wrong with a crisp white button-down, and this linen-blend option is ideal for summertime, being lightweight.

Elevate the outfit even further with classy accessories like a brown leather monogram belt (to tuck your shirt into) and matching brown slip-on loafer flats with gold hardware. A pair of brown tortoise cat-eye sunglasses will come in handy during your lunch break or when you’re commuting to and from the office.

Utility Dress & Flats

Similar to the shirt dress, a utility dress makes for another office-friendly clothing item that is professional yet effortless.

TBH, I find that dresses are one of the easiest things to wear to work during the summertime: throw one on, and you’re good to go! No need to match a top to a bottom with a dress — plus, dresses are ideal for hot weather.

Just be sure to opt for dresses that are not ultra-short (while the dress above is technically a mini dress, it hits just above the knee) or tight-fitting. Notice how this short-sleeve utility dress has a loose fit that is not clingy, making it both appropriate and more comfortable to wear.

I love these loafer espadrilles, which put a summery twist on a classic loafer. These look like standard loafers on top, but they feature a woven espadrille sole that gives them a summertime vibe.

Bring the ensemble together with a simple yet cute pendant necklace, some sculptural earrings, and your work tote bag.

This roomy vegan leather tote bag is one to consider, as it allows you to personalize it with a foil-debossed monogram. It comes in several colors, is spacious enough to fit a laptop, and has a chic, versatile look.

Pleated Midi Skirt & A Boat-Neck Top

There’s just something about pleats that looks extra polished, so a pleated midi skirt makes for a perfect addition to your workplace wardrobe, especially during the summertime.

This breezy pleated midi skirt features an easy pull-on design and has a swingy silhouette that won’t stick to you on a hot day. Plus, its neutral taupe coloring makes it ultra versatile.

Consider styling the skirt with an elevated basic, like this white boat-neck top with short cap sleeves. Its stretchy jersey fabric and draped design (which creates a flattering tapered effect at the waist) make it look luxe despite its budget-friendly price tag.

Both flats and heels work with this outfit, and this pair of cognac brown slide sandals with a short block heel and square toe are a good combination of the two options. The low heel makes them more comfortable than, say, stilettos, but still gives them a dressy look.

I like matching my shoes to my bag, so this scallop-trim structured tote bag in a similar brown shade will compliment the outfit nicely while also holding your daily belongings. For a final touch, add a pair of small gold-plated textural hoop earrings for an elegant look.

Vest Dress & Flats

Vests have been a big fashion trend this season, and now the trend has extended to dresses, not just tops. And while not all fashion trends are office-friendly, this trend is! How chic is this sleeveless vest dress with a contrasting tie-belt?

It is knee-length, making it ideal for the workplace, and features a lightweight woven fabric that’s great for the heat. It has a lapel similar to a classic blazer but with a feminine twist for a fashion-forward look.

Accessorize with some large pearl stud earrings and a delicate pearl bracelet to match, along with some black ballet flats. Ballet flats are another major trend currently, so these will add to the outfit’s trend appeal while also keeping the ensemble refined.

Don’t forget your work tote bag, like this one made from a durable, water-resistant material to keep your laptop secure during your commute.

Midi Skirt & Short-Sleeve Polo Top

You can’t go wrong with an A-line midi skirt: these skirts are so incredibly versatile! They feel like practically nothing on, can be dressed up with a blouse or worn casually with a t-shirt or sleeveless top, and transition well from the summer into the fall (just swap out your top and sandals for a sweater and boots).

This midi skirt is made from a satiny, lightweight fabric and features a cute yet subtle floral print (subtle prints are best for the workplace; as a general rule of thumb, you should avoid anything that’s too “loud”).

A black short-sleeve polo top adds a polished touch to the skirt, thanks to its classic collar. For footwear, you could wear heels, loafers, flats, or sandals; these black strappy flat sandals have an ankle strap detail which makes them look extra elevated.

Complete the ensemble with simple jewelry like some small silver hoop earrings and an elegant silver watch.

Chambray Trousers & A Button-Down Shirt

When it’s ultra-hot outside, jeans are one of the last things you’d want to wear. Chambray, however, has a similar look to denim but is much more lightweight and has a breezy feel that’s much better suited for this time of the year.

These chambray wide-leg trouser pants are a great foundation for a casual summer work outfit: their tailored silhouette makes them appear polished, but the chambray material gives them a slightly more laid-back look.

Wear a blue and white striped button-down shirt tucked into them, along with a brown leather belt to break up the shades of blue and define your waist. Since these trouser pants have a flowy, wide-leg fit, pair them with a heeled shoe, like these tweed mules. They have a short block heel and match well with other brown accessories like the belt and a brown faux leather tote bag.

Gold rectangle hoop earrings add a final stylish touch.

What do you think of these summer work outfits?

Would you wear these outfits to work? Which work outfit is your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!