This Summer Workwear Capsule Will Make You Look Polished on the Hottest Days

In the heat of high summer, it can be hard enough to pop to the corner shop in denim shorts without feeling like you’ve lost all sense of composure as your hair starts sticking to your forehead and the sweat patches set in. So dressing for work when it's 30° can be a challenge, whether that means meetings out and about, a day in the office, or even an important Zoom call.
I always want to feel like the most poised, confident and effortless version of myself in work situations so that I can concentrate fully on the tasks at hand and also—let’s be real—convey that I have my sh*t together. So it's pretty key to have a dependable capsule work wardrobe for summer that consists of elevated, professional pieces that help me stay cool as the mercury rises.
You certainly don’t need a lot of pieces—just a few key items you can rotate and combine in different ways will see you through the warmer months. Not only will an edit like this keep you looking chic, but once you have a few reliable outfits nailed down, it will also eliminate the stress of choosing an outfit on rushed, hot-weather mornings, which is always a plus.
After a lot of research amongst my friends and fellow editors and a deep dive through many new-in sections to find the most polished, efficient pieces, I’ve pulled together a summer workwear capsule I think any wardrobe would benefit from. It's full of lightweight linens and breezy pieces, but nothing see-through. And the best part is that the items are versatile enough to be styled up in different ways for weekends and more relaxed occasions, too. Keep scrolling, then, for some handy summer workwear inspiration and to shop the pieces you love.
See My Summer Workwear Capsule Wardrobe:
1. The White Shirt
2. The Linen Skirt
5. The Relaxed Wide-Leg Trousers
3. The Layering Tank Top
4. The Linen Blazer
7. The Shirt Dress
6. The Smart Summer Shoes
8. The Tailored Shorts
9. The Essential Underwear
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

Emily Dawes is an editor, stylist and writer with over 12 years in the industry. Known for impeccable taste, our readers trust her advice, especially in her top-selling column, expensive-looking high street buys. Working forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020, Emily has been a contributing editor, branded content editor and affiliate editor. Now, as senior shopping editor, she leads the e-commerce content strategy. After obtaining a BA in English and American Studies from Nottingham University, Emily interned at The Mail on Sunday’s YOU. As the magazine’s fashion editor, she managed the fashion team and travelled the globe to style and direct fashion editorials and celebrity cover shoots. As a freelancer, she styled Grazia cover shoots, developed brand marketing and content plans and worked with VIP clients including Elizabeth Day.
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