For us corporate girlies, dressing for the office when it’s a hundred degrees out (or at least, that's how hot it feels) just might be the trickiest part of your workday IMO – often even worse than dealing with a picky boss. It’s hard to strike the perfect balance between looking professional yet breezy, stylish yet put-together, all without sweating. That's why I've taken it upon myself to help you with some go-to office outfit ideas that'll help you express your fashion sense while staying cool – and firmly in HR's good graces.
When putting together outfits for sweltering summer days, layers are a working girl’s best friend. I’m someone who likes to always keep a cardigan or blazer on hand. Not only will it keep you cool when the office A/C starts to resemble the climate of Antarctica, but it’s also important in the event you get called into a ~very important meeting~ and want to look as professional as possible.
There’s a little something here for everyone, but remember that work dress codes are different in every office setting. The cute summer dresses I find myself living in at my magazine job might not cut it if you work in more buttoned-up fields like law or finance… In which case, help yourself to the preppy powder blue pantsuit below.
A suit set
Nothing excites me more than a good co-ord. You'll look like a total boss wearing it, and extra credit if it comes in a bold colour that’ll brighten up the mood when your team’s workload is piling up. To amp up that “Serious Business Woman” vibe, I’d style it with a pair of professional slingbacks and a luxe suede tote. Don’t forget to protect your eyes with a pair of blue light glasses that are as chic as they are useful!
A blazer and a miniskirt
A good general rule of thumb for wearing skirts in a corporate setting? Keep it around fingertip length, although you might be able to get away with your favourite mini if you work in a more creative space (heyyy, Cosmo!). The key to ensuring your ‘fit remains work-appropriate is by balancing your mini with an oversized blazer and a high-neck top underneath. Not only is it easy to tuck a jacket in your tote while en route to the office, but it’ll add some extra warmth once the powers that be start cranking up the AC.
An oversized button-up and maxi skirt
It's not just all about the mini skirt in the summer. The maxi skirt deserves some love, too, especially when you work in an office that trends a bit more traditional. Lean into lighter colours (think baby blue, cream, or butter yellow) as well as breezy fabrics that are cooling and breathable, like cotton or linen. As someone who never says no to colour, I’d pair my white maxi with bold pops of red and a chic hair pin that’ll keep your locks out of your face when you’re on a deadline.
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A tank and a midi skirt
Keep things simple with your favourite tank top and add an office-ready element with a chic midi skirt. Depending on how strict your work environment is, you can swap out the flats for a pair of sandals on days when it’s simply too hot to wear a pair of closed-toe shoes. And if you’re someone who gets chilly at work, feel free to throw a button-up over your tank.
Tailored shorts and heels
If you’re allowed to wear shorts to the office, try a loose, trouser-inspired tailored pair – and if shorts don’t quite fit in your dress code, swap ‘em for trendy, work-approved capri pants. I’d personally balance the shorts with a lightweight long-sleeved top, especially when it has eye-catching details like bell sleeves. For a fun pop, I’d go with a printed shoe that keeps the vibe easy-going. You can’t go wrong with an animal print mule as far as I’m concerned.
An easy shirtdress
When in doubt, throw on a shirtdress. It’s my go-to style for mornings when I’m running late. Armed with accessories like a belt in a contrasting hue that’ll give your outfit that unexpected pop, you’ll look office-appropriate while still getting to show off your personal style. Top it off with piles of jewellery that mimic the sculptural vibes of this ‘fit.
Monochromatic white
Come summer, I’m living in my white jeans, so if your workplace allows denim, this is about to become an outfit you wear on repeat. I’m almost positive that you have a good white button-up in your closet (that’s quite literally as professional as it gets), so all you need to do is pair it with some chic accessories. I’m very into the way the pops of black break up with the white top and pants – but colour lovers, feel free to accessorise with pieces in your hue du jour!
Madison McGee is a shopping editor at Hearst Magazines, primarily reporting on home, tech, fashion, and books across titles like Cosmopolitan, Esquire, House Beautiful, Country Living, ELLE, Town & Country, and more. Prior to joining Hearst, she covered pop culture and trending news at BuzzFeed and worked in book publishing. Madison is a graduate of both the University of Mississippi and New York University, where she received her Master’s in book publishing and magazine media. When she’s not writing gift guides, product reviews, and sales and deals content, she’s probably exploring New York City’s independent bookstores or cheering on the Baltimore Ravens.
