When it comes to dressing for the office, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine of wearing variations of the same thing. When we see the same people time and time again, we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking “why do I need to dress up to impress my coworkers?” But summer is almost here, and if that’s not cause for a shakeup, we don’t know what is. It’s time to pack away that basic uniform of navy blazers and pinstriped button downs, and start experimenting with your own style. Instead of getting lost in a Pinterest spiral looking for outfit ideas, we’ve rounded up 12 easy and cute work outfits to try, perfect for any office dress code.
Work Outfits that Fit this Office Dress Code: Professional
Key Pieces: Tailored Dresses, Light Summer Separates, and Conscientious Clashing
Sometimes restriction can be the best inspiration. For a work outfit that is totally forgiving in the summer heat (and the freezing air conditioning), opt for a tailored dress that cuts below the knee, refined accessories like a luxurious leather tote for your laptop, and a light cardigan. Flowy separates welcome a breeze to keep you cool and feminine, while geometric jewelry shows that you mean business. Play up a conservative silhouette with artfully combined bright colors to make a powerful statement.
DRESS: PROENZA SCHOULER, TOTE: ALLSAINTS, CUFF: ALEXIS BITTAR
TOP: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, SKIRT: VINCE, EARRINGS: EDDIE BORGO
TOP: AQ/AQ, CULOTTES: TIBI, TOTE: DRAPER JAMES ACCESSORIES
Work Outfits that Fit this Office Dress Code: Business Casual
Key Pieces: Not-Quite Suits, Layered Dresses, and Playful Pencil Skirts
With summer fast approaching, it’s understandable to wonder whether shorts are workplace-appropriate. Layer a long vest over a pair of formal shorts and top the look off with a lightweight patterned blouse. Make a weekend slip dress office-ready by layering it over a patterned blouse for a fun, slightly more-modest look. To update an office staple for summer, find a pencil skirt in a fun colorway and pair it with lightweight poplin for a casual work outfit that’s breathable and fashion-forward.
VEST: B COLLECTION BY BOBEAU, TOP: THE KOOPLES, SHORTS: C/MEO COLLECTIVE
TOP: ELOQUII, DRESS: VINCE., EARRINGS: LELE SADOUGHI
TOP: TIBI, SKIRT: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, TOTE: CLARE V.
Work Outfits that Fit this Office Dress Code: ‘Anything Goes’
Key Pieces: Dressed-Up Loungewear, Festive Prints, and Elevated Denim
With total freedom in what to wear to work, and opt for cool, on-trend, and casual outfits. Get comfortable in a pair of pajama-inspired trousers and a top with built-in layering. You can also add some edge to classic summer work outfits with a crisp white denim jacket. For the ultimate warm weather getup, try a sophisticated spin on overalls with a denim jumpsuit and print blouse.
TOP: DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY, TROUSERS: DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY, EARRINGS: MARNI ACCESSORIES
DRESS: TANYA TAYLOR, JACKET: J BRAND, BAG: LOEFFLER RANDAL
JUMPSUIT: SUNO, BLOUSE: OPENING CEREMONY, CUFF: TORY BURCH ACCESSORIES
Work Outfits If Your Office Has Summer Fridays
Key Pieces: Smart Jumpsuits, Dressy Shorts Outfits, and Almost-the-Weekend Wear
No matter what your workplace’s wardrobe policy, we can all agree that Summer Fridays are one of the best things to look forward to throughout the summer season and the perfect opportunity for you to debut your casual work outfits. Pair dressy shorts with a smart button down that will look just as great in the office as it will at rooftop drinks later. Another option is to pull your best humblebrag-look that tells everyone you’re heading out of town for the weekend by opting for a breezy sundress with chic lace-up sandals. After all, you’ve been working hard all week.
JUMPSUIT: CAARA, SUNGLASSES: ELIZABETH AND JAMES, BAG: LOEFFLER RANDALL
SHIRT: HALSTON HERITAGE, SHORTS: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM, SUNGLASSES: GUCCI
DRESS: TIBI, JACKET: BADGLEY MISCHKA, BACKPACK: REBECCA MINKOFF ACCESSORIES
No matter your office dress code, it’s easy to look chic and stylish with the help of a few key pieces. At the end of the day, creating cute work outfits should be a fun opportunity for you to explore different trends.