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
Toteme is an expert in timeless classics.
From the office to holidays, you'll find plenty of use for a classic white shirt.
Throw on over a vest top with linen shorts.
2. The Linen Skirt
It also comes in black and white.
The base to all great outfits.
This linen blend mix won't crease as much as 100% linen.
5. The Relaxed Wide-Leg Trousers
The drawstring waist will make them extra comfy.
Love the soft stripe.
These comes in sizes 6-26.
3. The Layering Tank Top
So many great outfits start with a simple tank top.
This comes in an array of colours.
You can also tick off the butter yellow trend with this one.
4. The Linen Blazer
This blazer will pull any look together.
Yes to the matching trousers.
The answer is yes, you can wear black in summer.
7. The Shirt Dress
Stack up your jewellery to take this look even further.
So chic with a straw bag.
This blue hue is exquisite.
6. The Smart Summer Shoes
All about that contrast stitch.
For the minimalists.
These come in so many colours.
8. The Tailored Shorts
Cool and comfortable.
Longer length styles work best for the office.
Pair with the matching halterneck top.
9. The Essential Underwear
Perfect will all the summer bandeau dresses and tops.
We've long turned to M&S for their excellent selection of lingerie.
You could wear this on its own with shorts.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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