Dressing for work, or a formal occasion, is tricky in the Summer. It’s a challenge to look smart when the temperature soars.
You may be restricted by a dress code. Some corporates prevent women from baring their legs and so female staff are forced to resort to flesh-coloured tights… (excuse my personal aversion!!!)
A previous employer of mine didn’t allow open-toes, which was both frustrating (‘cos I keep my toes freshly pedicured!) and tough on my poor puffy feet that suffer in the heat!
Hopefully your place of work isn’t so strict (and set in the dark ages), but whatever the policy – a dress is an easy solution. A one-stop outfit that requires less thought to put together and less accessorising.
I suggest that too much exposed flesh, maxi lengths, frills, boho styles, spaghetti straps and ditzy prints are all saved for the weekend.
If you want to come across as smart, efficient and professional then opt for clean lines, bold colours/prints and minimal fuss.
A shirt dress is an obvious solution. It is cool and contemporary, especially in this colour from Marks and Spencer (it also comes in blue banker stripes – see main image).
Or go for a bold, summer print in a clean cut, like this dress from Mango.
A utility style, khaki shirt dress is another easy-to-wear piece for the workplace.
Mango has some great dresses right now. This cream, ribbed dress looks effortlessly sophisticated.
Vertical stripes are a safe bet as they always look smart. This dress (Mango again) just needs a cropped navy blazer to complete the look.
Have you come across the Wiggle dress from ASOS? The classic 50s-style shape is incredibly flattering. It comes in petite, tall and plus sizes, and in lots of different colours and prints (see main image). I adore the bold flower print below.
For a more relaxed look this lovely white dress from La Redoute still packs a punch… (great styling here!)
If you don’t mind getting your legs out, then show them off in this shorter dress from Esprit. A longer-line blazer would work well with this length.
I love this dress from Oasis which looks like a two-piece. Pair with a short, cropped white jacket… or a simple, fine knit cardigan in one of the colours from the floral skirt.
Esprit have these two-part dresses in several colour-ways (see main image for the light-blue version). I love the classic black breton below with the chiffon, pleated skirt – très chic!
Shoes are another conundrum for the workplace in warmer months. Closed-in, pointy mules (see previous post here) are perfect to pair with the above dresses and will maintain that professional look.
Do you have a particular challenge when it comes to your summer work wardrobe? Lucky you if you work in a casual environment and don’t need to veer too far from your weekend wear!!!
Thanks for reading X
10 comments
I am not blessed with fab legs but want that Esprit dress ?
Jane you have great legs!!!!! ?
That is so you Jane it will look great x
Could you look for something for ladies like myself with a fuller figure?
Hi Cerys, many of the dresses in this post suit a fuller figure… I am no expert, but I do know that a pulled-in waist and a full skirt is a good way to accentuate the best bits (and hide the bumpy bits) of ‘fuller figures’. So the dresses above from M&S, Esprit, La Redoute and the floral Mango dress are a good style. The Oasis dress would also be great as it cinches-in at the waist – all that’s needed is some good ‘spanx-style’ underwear. The 50s-style shape of the Wiggle dress is fantastic for curvier ladies – just take a look at it on the ASOS website as the larger sizes are modelled by ladies with fuller figures.
For inspiration, why not take a look at the Instagram feeds of these gorgeously curvaceous (and incredibly successful) fashion bloggers: @erica_davies, @fashionfoiegras, @hannahfgale. If you scroll through Erica Davies’ IG feed you will see her wearing the orange M&S shirt dress and she looks bloody amazing in it! X
I’m staring a new office job and am visiting my new team in France next week (the temp is set to be 25 degrees)
I know French office wear is usually more casual – but I am in a panic over what to wear….and Sunday night panic packing is going to feature heavily 🙁
Any thoughts greatfully received 🙂
These are beautiful dresses!
Hi Lisa, in my opinion you can’t beat a shirt dress… not too corporate, but still very smart and you wouldn’t need to wear it with a jacket. Or how about a pleated midi-skirt or prom-style skirt with a crisp white short-sleeve shirt (no jacket)? Or culottes with a simple top & cropped jacket? I have lots of ideas, but it’s tricky when I don’t know your style or shape!!! Hope this has helped? Good luck with your meeting in France X
Thank you Club Forty these are great summer work wear recommendations.
I love the orange M&S dress which is perfect for our current unpredictable weather and the 2nd Mango dress for when summer decides to arrive!
I thought you would like the orange M&S shirt dress Sam! ? Didn’t I get you something similar last year from La Redoute???
love this selection thanks C! I have my eye on the Oasis dress. they are all very wearable.