EGO’s Guide to Summer Work Outfits

That 8:30 AM central line commute is a literal sauna, but by 9:00 AM the office AC has you shivering at your desk. Navigating this daily temperature whiplash at this point should be an Olympic sport. The corporate girlies know exactly what I’m on about here. The goal is simple: looking entirely put-together while feeling like you are wearing next to nothing.

Deciding what to wear to work in summer simmers down to three simple concepts: chilled silhouettes, breezy fabrics, and next-to-no layering. You want pieces that say “This is the perfect summer work outfit, isn’t it?” when it is 30 degrees outside.

Loose Silhouettes All the Way

Tight clothes in July? Is that some kind of sick joke? A chilled silhouette is the only way forward when sorting what to wear in summer for work. Oversized, lightweight tailored pieces that sit comfortably on the shoulders and look just as good outside as they do in your meetings. And floaty midi and maxi skirts to keep things easy and breezy. It just gives corporate chic.

Breezy Fabrics

The only way you’ll actually survive the heat is by choosing pieces designed to let your skin actually breathe. We are focusing on loose, airy fabric, like linen and cotton, that keep you cool without clinging –  the easiest way to nail what to wear to work when it’s very hot.  No heavy winter weight pieces, and definitely no suffocating synthetics that trap heat. That being said, are we all just so glad it’s no jacket weather?

Summer Workwear Outfits for Every Dress Code

For the Super Corporate & Business Casual Office

When trying to figure out what to wear to the office in a heatwave, we’re only accepting a sleeveless asymmetrical vest paired with matching tailored wide-leg trousers. Do not forget the blazer and a minimalist mule for that 2 o’clock meeting. A midi skirt with a little shirt also fits the bill, and don’t get us started on capris and a loose-fit long-sleeve top. Really, these are the GOAT’d outfits for work summer edition.

For the Chill Creative Office

Bet you’re grateful you work here when it’s hot. Go for an oversized white shirt with a sleek, column mini skirt. Add chunky gold earrings and some ballet flats. A statement midi skirt and cami top is also a move; both looks will make the transition from the meeting to post-work margaritas effortless. These are the ultimate clothes to wear to work in the summer if you like catching those “where did you get that?” comments.

5 Hero Pieces for Your Summer Work Wardrobe

1. The Tailored Wide-Leg Trouser

Genuinely, these are the only bottoms you want to be wearing when it’s boiling. Low-waisted, slightly pleated, and they go so well with a simple racerback tank or cap-sleeve top for when you’re keeping it casual, making the humble wide-leg trouser a true staple for your work summer rotation.

2. The Co-Ord

Clean, on point, and slightly sultry. A co-ord is the obvious choice when it comes to summer outfits to wear to work. Also, who doesn’t feel super put together in a co-ord? Everyone looks good in them, and they look so professional. A blazer and mini skirt set or a trouser and top set is ‘chef’s kiss’ always. These are the holy grail of summer outfits to wear to work.

3. The Slightly Fitted Shirt

It’s masculine tailoring but made so so chic. Roll the cuffs, leave the top three buttons undone, and wear it loose over tailored trousers or a mini skirt to build the kind of summer outfits to wear to work that require zero brain power. Shirts are simple, direct, and will take you from the desk to after-work drinks so seamlessly, it’s actually a bit questionable whether you dressed for the office to begin with.

The Debate: Can You Wear Shorts to the Office?

So, can I wear shorts to the office? Yes, but maybe don’t do the denim shorts and go for knee-length, tailored Bermuda shorts instead. And you can style them with a plain top, even the matching co-ord top, or something with an asymmetrical neckline. Keep it super chic with some sling-backs or a heeled mule.

The Footwear Edit: Are Open-Toe Shoes Okay for Work?

Is it okay to wear open-toe shoes to the office? Yes, you actually can, because we said so. Open-toe shoes are a major minimalist move in the most Scandinavian way. A clean, pointed-toe leather mule heel or a platform flip-flop goes so hard with some wide-leg trousers or a mini skirt. Ventilating your dogs just got so much more chic.

The End

And that is how you stay cool and look professional at work when the city is literally melting. Save these workwear looks to your mental mood board. Don’t say we don’t do anything for you.

 FAQs

What to wear in summer for work?

You can’t go wrong with loose-fitting, tailored pieces like wide-leg trousers and breezy oversized shirts that look on point while looking super corporate.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for clothes?

It is a classic wardrobe trick where you mix and match three tops, three bottoms, and three pairs of shoes for infinite outfit combinations.

 What to wear to work when it’s very hot?

When deciding what to wear to the office in a heatwave, go for loose midi skirts or co-ords in light shades that do not cling to your skin.

What is the 5 outfit rule?

Simply prep all five of your weekday work looks on Sunday night to skip the morning stress, would probably give you a few more mins in bed.