20 style tips for summertime office looks

Layering is essential to a good office look in the summertime. What’s appropriate to wear to certain meetings and events may change throughout the day, as might temperatures outside and in the office, so it’s essential to stay prepared. 

Kitten heels are great options for anyone who wants a little bit of height but doesn’t want to sacrifice comfort or the ability to walk. Rather than suffering in a full heel or conceding to a pair of flats, embrace the kitten heel. 

It’s summer, so you want to wear all your cute tank tops, but not all of them are appropriate for the office. Find a loophole by pairing your slinkier tops with a T-shirt underneath. You’ll still be able to showcase the top without getting flagged for wearing something too risque. 

Sandals aren’t inherently inappropriate for the workplace, but you can’t wear just anything. You’ve got to find a pair that can be worn in a professional setting, and you need to look for something with a back strap. Say hello to open toes at the office. 

There’s no reason you can’t wear color at the office, but you’ve got to be smart about it. Make it a little more professional by wearing a color in a monochromatic office. Think a wide-leg pant and a satin button-down in a matching hue. 

If dressing for the office is getting a little boring, switch it up with some fun patterns. Find patterned pieces in basic shapes that are still versatile enough to wear so often that you can justify the purchase and mix and match with the rest of your wardrobe. 

Basics are important, but they can get a little boring after too many wears. This summer, make basics for the office fun again by elevating them with new shapes, colors, and fits. You’ll still look sharp but with a more modern take. 

Mini skirts aren’t exactly office-friendly, but when they come in a suitable length, they can totally be worn. Search for a mini skirt that grazes your knee. It’s a flattering option that doesn’t compromise suitability. 

Oversized outfits don’t always pass the office vibe check, but they totally can when done right. Choose oversized pieces that still have structure — think collars and buttons — and pair them with other pieces in the same color family. It’s a chic way to rock a comfortable trend. 

There are many unfashionable Bermuda shorts in the universe, but a stylish pair makes for great office wear. Find a pair that’s fitted around the waist but wide around the leg. The length makes them perfect for the office. 

A blazer is a wardrobe staple throughout the entire year, and it’s just as good an office piece for summer looks as for winter looks. Whether you’re using it as a layering piece or buttoning it up as a standalone top, a blazer is a super versatile piece. 

That’s right. Outerwear isn’t just for the fall and winter. On a rainy or cloudy day, or when you plan to be inside your chilly office most of the day, try wearing summertime outerwear. This could be in the form of a trench coat or a lightweight leather jacket. 

Who doesn’t love a button-down? For summer office looks, pair a button-down with slacks, shorts of an appropriate length, or a midi skirt for a cool and cinch professional outfit. 

Knits don’t have to be worn exclusively in the fall and winter. Save some of your loose knits for the summer to wear as layering pieces. When paired with the right top, they can be ditched in the afternoon when it’s warmer. 

If you feel like you have nothing to wear, grab your most basic outfit and accessorize. Make your jewelry the focal point of your outfit. Mix metals, opt for both chunky and dainty pieces, and layer. 

Everyone needs a good casual day look, and finding some good denim is a good place to start. Find a pair of lightweight jeans that look good with all your favorite casual day tops and shoes.

When it’s tough to know exactly what to wear — like when dressing for work in the summer — it leads to experimentation. If you’re open to some major experimentation, try out some menswear. A button-down or suit coat will act as an oversized piece, and there will still be plenty of options for making the overall look a little more feminine.  

As noted, oversized looks are totally chic. If you’ve got an oversized shirt that is long enough, wear it as a dress. Cinch it at the waist with a belt to add shape, and layer and accessorize to make it a little dressier. 

Like dressing with statement jewelry, opt for a pair of statement shoes if you need a fun outfit while still relying on basics. They’re easy to find, and you’d be surprised how versatile statement shoes are. 

Playing with hem lengths is a great way to add some variety to your wardrobe, especially when it comes to office wear. Midi lengths are perfect because they all hit at slightly different places, but they are certainly appropriate for the office.