summer office outfits

No matter what kind of office environment you work in (conservative, laid back, etc.) come summer, you definitely want to add some interest and oomph into your outfits. No one wants to be putting on bland grey pantsuits when the sun is shining, the sky is blue, and it's 30+ degrees (plus humidity). Even if you have to wear pants and a blazer, you should be able to express your summer style, even while at work. So I've decided to help you with your summer office outfits inspo.

Pants/Shorts
For a more conservative and formal office environment (I'm talking blazer and pants all year long), switch it up from your wintery black and navy suits so something a little lighter, like blush or white. There are also some great dress shorts or culottes out there that you can still match with a blazer to keep yourself cool in the summer, but should still be appropriate enough for work. And if your company allows it, go for a bold suit, like in a light blue or even yellow. Just keep the rest of your outfit simple and classic, like with a white button down and pointy pumps.

Blouse: Moschino

Blazer: New Look

Trousers: Victoria Beckham

Earrings: Tiffany & Co

Watch: Oasis

Bag: Gucci

Pumps: Christian Louboutin

Left

Blouse: Alexander McQueen

Shorts: Acne Studios

Earrings: Kate Spade

Bracelet: Kendra Scott

Bag: Boticca

Pumps: River Island

Right

Blouse: ROMWE

Culottes: Alexander McQueen

Ring: Nadri Pave

Watch: DKNY

Bag: Michael Kors

Pumps: Casadei

Dress

For a not-so-strict office dress code, a fun colour block dress is perfect, paired with simple and classic accessories. Closed toe shoes, a structured bag, and a chain link necklace show that you're still appropriate for a business environment (if you did super trendy accessories, it would change the whole vibe of the outfit), while the modest silhouette of the dress says you're stylish but still a bit conservative. Add a bold, bright lip for that extra pop of summer. And if you're office dress code is even less strict, go for a brighter colour in your blocking palette, like a orange or pink. And of course, you can always throw a blazer on top as needed.

Dress: George

Blazer: Topshop

Necklace: Ashley Stewart

Watch: Marc Jacobs

Bag: Givenchy

Pumps: Casadei

Lipstick: Smashbox Be Legendary in "Shock Me Pink"

Now if your company is very laid back, I would go for a cute, casual dress, but in a solid colour (no print), because you do still want to give off the feel of professionalism. But definitely go for a beautiful, bright colour for the summer, and don't be afraid to go for more playful accessories. If allowed, I would go for an open-toe flat sandal or one with a heel. And if a jacket is needed (if your office is chilly or you need to cover your shoulders at some point) even a denim jacket will be cute with your simple dress, or as always, a blazer (but go for an unstructured one).

Dress: Maurices

Jacket: French Connection

Ring: Lane Bryant

Bag: H&M

Sandals: See by Chloe

Skirt
This outfit is the perfect basis for an office environment that has a balance between conservative and casual. Heeled sandals and a sleeveless blouse are great for this type of office setting, but it's super easy to tailor this look towards your specific company, if the dress code differs. For example, if you work in a more formal environment, trade in the sandals for closed toe shoes and add a blazer to cover your shoulders if needed, as well as a simpler necklace. Because of the subtle and modest print on the skirt, it should be fine even for this type of office, but if need be, switch it up for a skirt in a solid colour, like peach or baby blue. If you work in a more casual workplace, you could even do a sleeveless denim or chambray blouse, with flat sandals or even strappy wedges.

Top: Proenza Schouler

Skirt: River Island

Necklace: Kate Spade

Watch: Marc Jacobs

Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim

Shoes: Go Jane

Left

Top: Givenchy

Skirt: New Look

Blazer: Imixcity

Bag: Carven

Pumps: Christian Loubutain

Right

Top: H&M

Bracelet: Forever New

Bag: DKNY

Flats: Best Society

A lot of the bags I used in this post are structured, working-woman type bags, only because I feel those are the best for a professional setting (and they tend to fit a lot of stuff, including laptops). But you can also go for a relaxed tote bag, or even a shoulder bag or briefcase. If you want to keep the summer vibe going even in your bag, go for light neutral colours, like being, white, or light grey. Really just try and add some fun summer prints and colours to your wardrobe and try and go for non traditional pieces, like a shorts suit or fun skirt, as long as your dress code allows.