Summer Work Outfits: What to Wear When It's Super Hot

Finessing an office-friendly summer outfit presents a slew of challenges. For one, you’d like to avoid drowning in a pool of your own sweat while en route to your nine-to-five. On the other side of that sartorial coin, air conditioning-induced arm icicles don’t sound too appealing, either. Then there’s the small matter of sticking to HR’s guidelines when crop tops and cutoffs are ubiquitous. And fashion-forward employees have tricky trends to contend with, like tie-dye, statement earrings and neon. But depending on your work environment, there are ways to stay stylish at the office this season. First, look for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen or silk to stay cool. Keep skirt and dress lengths to the knee and down (obvs), but embrace options with subtle ventilation in the form of slits or buttons. When it comes to footwear, sandals may work in certain professions, but slingback pumps are another practical way to expose your feet to fresh air without baring your pedicure. If you’re feeling like planning your summer work outfits is a job itself, we’ve put together 16 outfits that will suit any field, from creative to strict conservative. All you need to do is add in your favorite structured day tote and some low-key jewelry for a polished, professional capsule collection guaranteed to beat the heat. And, hey, there’s always summer Fridays, right?

[ Next: 25 Easy Summer Dresses Perfect for the Work Week and Beyond ]

What to Wear to Work in Summer

Creative Outfit #1

Zara Blouse With Contrast Topstitching, $49.90 at Zara

If you work in a more creative workspace, these next outfits are for you. (Think magazines, interior design, small architecture firms, tech companies/startups, etc.) Structured tops and statement footwear welcome.
Creative Outfit #1

Zara Ribbed Pencil Skirt in Purple, $25.90 at Zara
Creative Outfit #1

Jeffrey Campbell Kara Wedge in Black Suede, $148 at Free People
Creative Outfit #2

Mango Mixed Flowy Top in Black, $59.99 at Mango
Creative Outfit #2

& Other Stories Jacquard Dot Print Trousers in Red Dot, $65 at & Other Stories
Creative Outfit #2

& Other Stories Slip On Leather Loafers in Black Knot, $125 at & Other Stories
Creative Outfit #3

Farrow Caitlin Short Sleeve Flannel, $55 at Need Supply Co.
Creative Outfit #3

Tibi Viscose Suiting Skirt, $197.99 at Need Supply Co.
Creative Outfit #3

Zara Slingback Leather High Heel Pumps, $99.90 at Zara
Creative Outfit #4

Violeta by Mango Bow Long Jumpsuit in Russet, $99.99 at Mango
Creative Outfit #4

J.Crew All-Day Mule (60mm) in Croc-Embossed Leather, $89.99 at J.Crew
Creative Outfit #5

Black Crane Two Panels Top in Cream, $109.99 at Need Supply Co.
Creative Outfit #5

Mango Cotton Crop Trousers, $79.99 at Mango
Creative Outfit #5

FP Collection Gisele Block Heel in Mustard, $128 at Free People
Creative Outfit #6

Zara Floral Print Shirt With Tied Bow, $49.90 at Zara
Creative Outfit #6

Urban Renewal Remnants Linen Pin-Up Pant, $59 at Urban Outfitters
Creative Outfit #6

Zara Slingback Pumps With Elastic Strap, $45.90 at Zara
Semi-Conservative Outfit #1

Farrow Skye Top, $27.99 at Need Supply Co.

If your office leans a tad more conservative, think tailored trousers and light tops with delicate details. Skirts and dresses should hit at the knee or lower.
Semi-Conservative Outfit #1

Mango Straight Striped Trousers, $79.99 at Mango
Semi-Conservative Outfit #1

Marni Sling Back Shoe in Pale Sky, $473.99 at Need Supply Co.
Semi-Conservative Outfit #2

Urban Outfitters Drawstring Safari Button-Down Shirt, $49 at Urban Outfitters
Semi-Conservative Outfit #2

Nanushka Opal Asymmetric Denim Wrap Skirt, $340 at Net-a-Porter
Semi-Conservative Outfit #2

Sam Edelman Hazel Heels, $118 at Anthropologie
Semi-Conservative Outfit #3

ASOS Curve Color Block Blazer Dress With Belt, $76 at ASOS
Semi-Conservative Outfit #3

Urban Outfitters Arlo Corduroy Platform Heel in Rose, $69 at Urban Outfitters
Semi-Conservative Outfit #4

& Other Stories Scalloped Blouse in Light Blue, $55 at & Other Stories
Semi-Conservative Outfit #4

ASOS White Pleated Button Through Two-Piece Skirt, $95 at ASOS
Semi-Conservative Outfit #4

Carmen Salas Woven Kitten Heels in Rose, $138 at Anthropologie
Semi-Conservative Outfit #5

COS Poplin-Panelled Jersey Dress in Ivory, $99 at COS
Semi-Conservative Outfit #5

Kelsi Dagger Brooklyn Shiloh Heels in Black, $128 at Anthropologie
Conservative Outfit #1

Zara Lapelless Linen Blazer, $99.90 at Zara

Law offices and accounting firms call for serious separates like fitted blazers, pencil skirts and boxy blouses. The one place you can have a bit of fun is with your footwear. Just don't pick anything with plastic or Lucite accents.
Conservative Outfit #1

Zara Striped Top With Embroidery, $39.90 at Zara
Conservative Outfit #1

Zara Wide-Leg Linen Trousers, $49.90 at Zara
Conservative Outfit #1

Ganni Olive Suede Mules in Sky Blue, $235 at Net-a-Porter
Conservative Outfit #2

ASOS Design Curve Sleeveless Maxi Dress in Polka Dot, $67 at ASOS
Conservative Outfit #2

Zara Leather Mid-Heel Pumps in Lilac, $89.90 at Zara
Conservative Outfit #3

Mango Contrast Trim Blouse in Aqua Green, $49.99 at Mango
Conservative Outfit #3

Zara Gathered Satin Skirt, $45.90 at Zara
Conservative Outfit #3

Mari Giudicelli Jeanne Raffia Sandal, $239.99 at Need Supply Co.
Conservative Outfit #4

Violeta by Mango Buttoned Flowy Blouse in Cherry, $39.99 at Mango
Conservative Outfit #4

ASOS Design Curve Tailored Midi Skirt in Check With Button Wrap Detail, $56 at ASOS
Conservative Outfit #4

Violeta by Mango Leather Pumps, $99.99 at Mango
Conservative Outfit #5

J.Crew Paneled Sheath Dress, $148 at J.Crew
Conservative Outfit #5

Mango Laser-Cut Heel Mules, $99.99 at Mango