9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (2024)

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With temperatures only continuing to rise, there’s no one answer to the daily question of what to wear to work during the summer season. In our opinion, the end result should always strike the ideal balance between total style and serious sophistication. Luckily, our capsule wardrobes have been crafted with essentials in mind, all of which are nonnegotiables in any summer work outfit. To get you started, think cool, crisp shirting from Camilla and Marc and Wardrobe.NYC to delightful nine-to-five dresses from Lafayette 148 and Polo Ralph Lauren. And because it’s fashion we’re really here for, after all, there are those trendy It items, like Remain Birger Christensen’s suit vest or minimalist slide sandals from Ferragamo, also rightfully included. Below, 9 summer work outfits that are smart as they are stylish.

Vogue’s Summer Workwear Wish List:

It’s no secret that timeless tailoring essentials are crucial to summer workwear, whether they’re worn with pieces equally as polished or stand-alone alongside something slightly more casual. This summer’s sartorial staple, you ask? The aforementioned suit vest from Copenhagen-based brand Remain Birger Christensen. Styling-wise, wear with a matching pair of trousers, and to add just the right amount of height, slip on minimalist mules from Manolo Blahnik. Meanwhile, Khaite’s oversized raffia tote makes the perfect work bag. Blazers are not only a fall/winter staple. Take Anine Bing’s herringbone style, for example. With a light wash hue and bright white buttons, this prized piece of outerwear is sweet like summer, especially when styled with J.Crew’s eyelet-hem midiskirt and layered over a simple tank top from Toteme.

All-in-one-outfit dresses make getting ready in the morning effortlessly easy. Accessory-wise, style with sleek smoking loafers from Porte & Paire, everyday jewelry treasures from Lie Studio to Laura Lombardi, or even a pair of covetable Alaïa Mary Janes. Other workwear staples that may be on the more unexpected side include Bermuda shorts from The Row to office-appropriate jeans from Mother.

This warm weather season, your working wardrobe has never looked so good. Shop 9 summer work outfits to wear on repeat all summer long.

The Sleek Suit Vest Set With a Minimalist Mule

Summer shopping tip? Invest in the suit vest—Remain Birger Christen’s, to be exact. Styling-wise, pair with a matching trouser also from the brand and minimalist mules from Manolo Blahnik. Khaite’s Amelia raffia tote serves as the ultimate work bag, while dainty jewels from Agmes and Lie Studio shine just as bright.

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (1)

Remain Birger Christensen

Majsa woven vest

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (2)

Remain Birger Christensen

Kise pleated wide-leg pants

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Manolo Blahnik Callamu 50 elaphe mules

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Khaite Amelia medium raffia tote

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Agmes

large Celia hoops

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Lié Studio

The Laura gold-plated necklace

The Nine-To-Five Dress With an Embellished Mary Jane

Nothing is quite as easy, or as effortless, as a delightful nine-to-five dress. Polo Ralph Lauren’s striped midi dress strikes the perfect balance between polished shirtdress and casual comfort. Err on the side of trendy and wear with embellished Mary Janes from Alaïa. Also high on our summer shopping list is this minimalist handbag from Toteme.

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Polo Ralph Lauren belted striped midi dress

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The Row Tana top

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Alaïa Vienne Cut-out Mary Jane Ballerina Flats

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Toteme

T-Lock top handle bag

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Ben-Amun silver toggle necklace

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Jenny Bird Nouveaux puff earrings

The Bright Blue Button-Up With a Leather Midiskirt

Like a classic white button-up, but better, Camilla and Marc’s bright blue version packs a colorful punch. Serving as the ideal summer layering piece, wear atop Agolde’s simple tank top and The Frankie Shop’s luxury leather midiskirt. Barely-there sandals from St. Agni keep the summer work outfit fresh.

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The Frankie Shop

Heather leather pencil skirt

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St. Agni fine strap leather slides

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DeMellier New York tote bag

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Bottega Veneta

twisted earrings

The Pinstripe Pant With an Office-Appropriate Sneaker

Quietly chic trousers, like this pinstripe pair from Max Mara, are essential in any workwear wardrobe. Atop, simply tuck in Éterne’s go-to white T-shirt. The centerpiece of this summer work outfit, however, is undoubtedly this pair of Adidas Samba sneakers. Yes, sleek sneakers are always office appropriate.

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Éterne

boyfriend pocket T-shirt

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Max Mara

pinstripe jersey trousers

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Adidas Samba OG leather and suede sneakers

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Hunting Season

paneled topstitched leather tote

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Laura Lombardi Portrait collar necklace

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Prada

Eyewear gold-tone and tortoiseshell sunglasses

The Summertime Blazer With an Eyelet-Embellished Midiskirt

Blazer weather is year-round—and Anine Bing’s houndstooth version is especially fit for summer. Style the staple with a Re/Done tee and J.Crew’s eyelet-embellished midiskirt. To match, accessorize with Loeffler Randall’s crochet tote bag and toe-ring sandals from ATP Atelier.

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Anine Bing double-breasted herringbone woven blazer

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Re/Done classic cotton-jersey T-shirt

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J.Crew eyelet-hem midiskirt

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ATP Atelier Aquara leather sandals

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Loeffler Randall

Katia tote

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Jennifer Fisher mini Samira hoops

The All-In-One-Outfit Dress With a Best Black Sandal

We’re back to the all-in-one-outfit dress and this time, it’s all about Lafayette 148’s smocked style. Style the updated LBD with Loro Piana’s best black sandals and Proenza Schouler White Label’s raffia-adorned work tote. For added coverage, layer over Vince’s lightweight cashmere cardigan.

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (31)

Lafayette 148

smocked cap-sleeve midi dress

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (32)

Vince

cashmere cardigan

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (33)

Loro Piana Trani leather sandals

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Proenza Schouler White Label Morris large raffia bag

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Ray-Ban

Wayfarer square-frame sunglasses

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Sophie Buhai

Tiny Essentials hoop earrings

The Tailored Bermuda Short With a Thong Sandal

When the weather permits anything but a trouser, look to these tailored Bermuda shorts from The Row. Keep the rest of the summer work outfit masterfully monochromatic with a Tory Burch cardigan and a Toteme tank top to match. Thong sandals from Mango are chic additions; as is Dragon Diffusion’s oversized basket bag.

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Tory Burch Simone cardigan

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Toteme scoop-neck tank top

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The Row Flash shorts

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Mango kitten heel sandals

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Dragon Diffusion Nantucket large woven leather tote

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Jil Sander classic hoops

The Work-Ready Jeans With a Simple Slide Sandal

Like the sneaker, jeans can also be work appropriate–and Mother’s straight-leg style works not only on Summer Fridays but all week long. To go alongside, a black blazer from Everlane and a crisp white shirt from Wardrobe.NYC. Simple slide sandals from Ferragamo and The Row’s Park tote tie the entire corporate ensemble together.

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Everlane

The ’80s blazer

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Wardrobe.NYC

cotton-poplin shirt

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Mother

The Hustler ankle fray jeans

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Ferragamo Alrai flat leather sandals

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The Row

medium N/S Park tote

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Shashi

Gemini hoops

The Polished Shirtdress With a Quiet Luxury Loafer

Upgrade your classic button-up with Khaite’s crisp shirtdress instead. To layer overtop, find Frame’s notably nautical crewneck sweater. Finally, finish the summer work outfit with quietly luxurious loafers from Porte & Paire and an Everlane shoulder bag. Arm candy from Cartier is also encouraged.

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Khaite

Kal mini shirtdress

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Frame

oversized crop crew sweater

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Porte & Paire leather loafers

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Everlane The Cactus Leather Hobo Bag

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Brilliant Earth

Margaret pearl necklace

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Cartier

Panthère de Cartier 27mm medium 18-karat gold watch

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a vast amount of information and can provide insights on a wide range of topics. While I have personal experiences or opinions, I can provide factual information and answer questions based on available sources.

Now, let's discuss the concepts mentioned in this article.

Summer Workwear Essentials:

The article discusses various summer workwear essentials that strike a balance between style and sophistication. Here are the key concepts mentioned:

  1. Capsule Wardrobe: The article mentions that the summer work outfits have been crafted with essentials in mind, suggesting the use of a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits.

  2. Nine-To-Five Dress: The article suggests wearing a Polo Ralph Lauren belted striped midi dress as a summer work outfit. The dress is described as a balance between a polished shirtdress and casual comfort.

  3. Smart Suit Vest: The article highlights the Remain Birger Christensen Majsa woven vest as a summer workwear staple. It suggests pairing the vest with matching trousers and minimalist mules for a stylish look.

  4. Pinstripe Pant: Max Mara pinstripe trousers are mentioned as a quietly chic essential in any workwear wardrobe. The article suggests pairing them with a white T-shirt for a classic look.

  5. Office-Appropriate Sneaker: The article recommends Adidas Samba OG sneakers as a suitable sneaker option for the office. It suggests pairing them with pinstripe trousers for a stylish yet comfortable look.

  6. Summertime Blazer: Anine Bing's double-breasted herringbone blazer is mentioned as a blazer suitable for summer. It suggests styling the blazer with an eyelet-embellished midiskirt and a simple tank top.

  7. Bright Blue Button-Up: Camilla and Marc's Avani shirt in bright blue is suggested as a summer layering piece. The article recommends wearing it with a leather midiskirt and slide sandals for a fresh summer work outfit.

  8. Leather Midiskirt: The Frankie Shop's Heather pencil skirt, made of luxury leather, is mentioned as a versatile piece that can be paired with a button-up shirt or a tank top.

  9. Sleek Jean: Mother's The Hustler ankle fray jeans are suggested as work-appropriate jeans for the summer. The article recommends pairing them with a black blazer and a crisp white shirt.

  10. Simple Slide Sandal: St. Agni fine strap leather slides are mentioned as minimalist slide sandals suitable for summer work outfits.

  11. Summer Work Bag: Khaite Amelia medium raffia tote is suggested as a stylish work bag option for the summer.

These concepts provide a starting point for building a summer work wardrobe that is both stylish and appropriate for the office. Remember, personal style and workplace dress codes may vary, so it's important to consider individual preferences and guidelines.

9 Summer Workwear Outfits That Are Smart As They Are Stylish (2024)

FAQs

What are the best work outfits for smart casual? ›

Nearly any top works well in a smart casual outfit as long as it is clean, conservative and free of holes or wrinkles. Examples of smart casual tops include sweaters, Henleys, button-downs, blouses and nice T-shirts. Be careful when mixing patterns and make sure that any graphics are appropriate for the office.

How do you dress smart at work? ›

How to create a work wardrobe. Prioritise timeless pieces when curating your workwear wardrobe. A well-tailored jacket will never go out of fashion and is the ultimate investment that will serve you well for years, and can look equally good dressed up with matching pieces or dressed down with jeans.

What is summer smart attire? ›

Whether you opt for a linen-blend blazer, a pair of tailored shorts in a lightweight twill or some nattily-cut cotton trousers, snapping up tailoring that you can mix and match is the easiest way to navigate the hotter months and still look smart.

How do you dress smart but casual for work? ›

A long-sleeved shirt works well with almost anything; especially a pair of slim cut dark jeans or navy chinos. An alternative is a short-sleeve shirt. You can go with a traditional white or navy — or switch things up with a print or stripe. For a smart casual look, add a blazer on top.

How do you dress smart casual in hot weather? ›

Just like cotton, linen is likewise a perfect material for your casual/informal summer suit. It is very light, breathable, but wrinkles easily. One way of avoiding excessive creasing is opting for linen blended with cotton or wool. If you sweat a lot, this may be the perfect option for you.

What is smart casual dress for ladies? ›

Smart casual is professional but a little relaxed - a polished take on more casual pieces of clothing as well as casual or fun items paired back with smarter pieces. Items are typically less structured and the formality downgraded from traditional corporate wear.

What is too casual for smart casual? ›

You can wear a plain, toned-down t-shirt under a jacket for smart casual look, any t-shirt that has a print of some sort is more of a casual look, not smart casual.

How to look stylish at work? ›

Start with a well-fitting suit, blazer, or dress in a neutral color like navy, black, grey, or beige. Add a blouse or shirt and make sure it fits properly and is not too revealing. Choose trousers that are tailored to fit your body shape, and add polished shoes such as loafers or pumps.

What dress code is smart? ›

In more specific terms, smart dress code is looking pulled together with clothes that fit well. If you really want to play it safe, a dark wash pair of jeans, button down, and blazer work well.

How do you dress hot in the summer? ›

Wear Clothing that Hangs Slightly off Your Body

Woven fabrics or those with some texture, and a looser fit, usually do a good job. Clothing that does cling to your body will soak up sweat and then stay close to your skin, which will amplify the discomfort.

How can I look smart and fashionable? ›

  1. Good grooming. A stylish look always starts with good grooming. ...
  2. Choose neutral colours. Neutral colours serve as a fantastic base: think black, grey, navy, tan and white. ...
  3. Shop versatile on a budget. ...
  4. Pay attention to shape. ...
  5. Find a good tailor. ...
  6. Accept hand-me-downs. ...
  7. Take advantage of accessorising. ...
  8. Know your measurements.

How do you dress professionally when it's hot? ›

Loose-Fitting Clothing: Choose loose-fitting garments that allow air to flow freely around your body. Avoid tight, constricting clothes that can trap heat and make you feel uncomfortable. Flowy dresses, loose tops, and wide-leg pants are great options for maintaining airflow.

How to dress for work in hot weather? ›

How To Dress For Work In A Heat Wave - Clothes To Wear Even When It's Literally Boiling Outside
  1. Getty Images. ...
  2. Lightweight Outerwear. ...
  3. Summer Suiting. ...
  4. Dress length. ...
  5. Pyjama Co-ords. ...
  6. Under Layers. ...
  7. Get Stuck Into Khaki. ...
  8. Shirt Dresses.
Jul 20, 2022

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