Who says dressing for work in the summer has to be boring or very basic? When the heat is on, your style needs to be turning up the temperature and not taking the backseat. With the right summer work dresses, you can beat the heat and make heads turn for all the right reasons. Whether you’re in back-to-back meetings or running office errands, these stylish picks will keep you cool, confident, and effortlessly chic.
What to Look for in a Summer Work Dress
Not every dress works when it’s hot outside and you still need to look professional. Here’s what to look for when choosing the perfect summer dress for work.
- Fabric Type
If you still wear heavy and clingy work dresses in summer, you need to make a quick wardrobe upgrade. Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or jersey that let your skin breathe and keep your cool. Getting trapped in a thick, heavy and clingy fabric on a very busy workday is not an experience you should have to go through.
- Comfort
Let’s be real, if a dress isn’t comfy, then it’s not worth it. For summer, look out for loose-fitting styles, knee-length, or midi dresses that give you room to move while still looking very chic and classy.
- Colour
Summer is the perfect time to swap those darker tones for light or bright colours like white, blue, blush, or soft red. They reflect sunlight and complement it way better than black or navy could ever.
9 Must-Have Summer Work Dresses
If you’re indecisive about what an appropriate summer office wear should be, these collections of stylish, beautiful and breathable summer work dresses are a must-have for you.
1. Everlane Linen Shirt Dress
An Everlane linen shirt dress comes with an oversized fit, it hits above the knee, with a button-front closure, and side pockets.
2. Boden Printed Work Dress
Boden’s collection of printed work dresses are perfect for a summer work style. They are designed in a simple but classy manner that makes them ideal for work. You can choose your preferred print from tons of stylish options.
3. Mango Belted Midi Dress
This summer midi belted work dress has an A-line design, a V-neck, is sleeveless, belt loops, belt buckle fastening, two pockets with flaps on the front. Asymmetric hem and zip fastening on the back.
4. J.Crew Puff-Sleeve Cotton Poplin Dress
This summer dress has an A-line silhouette and falls above the knee. It also comes in different colours.
5. Banana Republic Wrap Midi Dress
This summer work dress has a V-neck, cap sleeves, on-seam front pockets, invisible side zipper closure at the wearer’s left, flounce hem, a fabric belt that can be tied at the front or back for a customizable look. It’s also fully lined.
6. Reformation Sleeveless Knit Dress
This Reformation sleeveless knit dress is a perfect summer work dress. It has a V-neck, and is made from a medium weight, soft jersey fabric.
7. Uniqlo A-Line Jersey Dress
This cut-and-sewn summer dress makes a style statement on its own. Made from a comfy jersey fabric with a perfectly crisp feel. It has a flared A-line silhouette and handy pockets.
8. COS Minimal T-Shirt Dress
This T-shirt dress is great for achieving a polished summer work look with minimal effort. It is styled in an A-line silhouette that flares from the waist and side seam pockets where you can rest your hands. It’s crafted from soft cotton-jersey with a hint of stretch and cut to a mini length.
9. Theory Silk Shirt Dress
This Theory silk dress shirt will accentuate your summer work look in no small way. The silk shirt dress has a wrap ribbon at the waist and three-quarter sleeves with cuffs.
How to Dress for Work in Summer: Best Tips for Styling Summer Work Dresses
Dressing for work in the summer can be tricky, especially when you are in the UK, where summer is unpredictable. But you still want to stay cool without looking too casual, and stylish without sweating through your outfit by noon. All you need to do is master that balance. Here’s how to nail your summer workwear look with minimal effort:
- Layering: The temperature in the offices can be all over the place sometimes; you can be freezing from the A/C one minute and feel hot the next. That’s why a smart option is to keep a light blazer, cardigan, or linen jacket close by. It keeps you looking sharp without making you sweat.
- Go for Midi or Knee-Length Dresses: These are short enough to stay cool, but also long enough to remain professional, striking the perfect balance. If you’re going sleeveless, make sure the fit and cut still feel classy and chic.
- The Perfect Footwear: Swap your heavy shoes for open-toe sandals, low block heels, or even pointed flats. Choose styles that are work-friendly and breathable, especially if you get to catch the bus or train on foot.
- Choice of Accessories: Go for minimal jewellery like a simple gold or silver necklace, a simple bag and stylish sunglasses. A cute and simple hat can also come in handy if you’re on the move outdoors before or after work.
- Go for Comfort: Even the cutest dress won’t work if you don’t feel comfortable in it. Always choose dresses that let you move easily in them, feel soft on your skin, and are not so clingy, especially on very hot days.
- Stick with Breathable fabrics and Bright Colours: Lightweight, breathable fabrics are perfect for summer, keeping you cool and comfy, while bright colours help reflect heat and keep you feeling fresh all day.
Finding the right summer dress for work can be tricky, our guide to the Best Summer Maxi Dresses for Every Body Type makes it easy.
FAQs for 10 Must-Have Summer Work Dresses
What type of clothing is best for summer?
Always stick with light breathable fabrics like linen and cotton.
Can I wear sleeveless to work?
Yes, you can; all you have to do is pair it with a stylish accessory to give it a polished look.
Are midi dresses still in style for work?
Yes, midi dresses are still in style for work. You can go for a Banana Republic wrap midi dress or a Mango belted midi dress.
Ready to refresh your summer work wardrobe? See our top picks for you on Amazon and stay stylish all season.