7 Versatile Summer Workwear Looks That Are Polished, Chic and Guaranteed to Earn You Compliments

Dressing for work in the summertime can be tricky, but never fear! I've rounded up seven easy yet incredibly chic outfits that you can rely on for the office when the temperatures warm up.

Three summer workwear outfits including knit dresses, trousers and blazers
(Image credit: @styleidealist, @divrav, @anoukyve)

When it comes to summer workwear, the onus is on textiles. Workwear isn’t always associated with the most breathable of fabrics. Typically, power dressing alludes to heavily tailored suits, single-breasted blazers and pinstripes. Growing up, I’d watch films like Baby Boom in awe. The female protagonists with their weighty padded shoulders and bulging briefcases symbolised the high-powered working woman. Although the attire was of that time, it’s what I considered typical workwear. School-uniform dressing didn’t help either. We’re conditioned into thinking that clothing should look and feel a certain way to be deemed smart.

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(Image credit: @writtenbyavalon)

Although those items have their place, there’s an opportunity to make your workwear as fruitful as your off-duty looks. There’s no rule of thumb when it comes to workwear, which is ironic given the aforementioned tighter perimeters we ascribed to. Of course, in most cases, formality is expected, but you can adhere to boundaries whilst finding your footing and the pieces you feel most align with your style. You can also incorporate a few summer micro trends and still have fun with dressing for the office! During this season, the weather allows for looser-fitting textures and subtle flashes of skin—a turned-up sleeve here, an ankle-skimming length there, a button undone when the office air-con doesn’t quite suffice.

Summer is a good time for a wardrobe assessment. The past few years have seen fashion releases reflect the state of the world and the transition from loungewear to back-the-office wear. Now, tailoring in natural fibres such as linen and lyocell is trickling into the market. In addition to being eco-friendlier, those materials allow for some movement. You’ve likely seen the trend of lightweight waistcoats has spilt over into this year, which are perfect for light layering.

@anoukyve wearing a white suit

(Image credit: @anoukyve)

You mightn’t think workwear is the most exhilarating category of outfits, but with the right summer workwear looks, there's much fun to be had. It’s an opportunity to highlight accessories and play with lengths, texture and jewellery. If you’re worried about materials, don’t fret. I always make sure my edits have a high percentage of natural fibres so you won’t be left with the cloying feeling of work trousers sticking to your body on humid days in the office. If you’re feeling uninspired by your summer workwear wardrobe, or just want to have a peek at some outfit inspiration, keep on scrolling.

Shop the Best Summer Workwear Looks According to a Fashion Editor

1. Heat-Proof Tailoring

@femmeblk wearing a white suit

(Image credit: @femmeblk)

Style Notes: Unless this is the first story you've ever read onBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing (if so, welcome!), then you'll know how much we love tailoring. Embrace light linen fabrics and enjoy the breeze.

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2. Slip Skirt and a Shirt

@francescasaffari wearing a slip skirt and sheer shirt

(Image credit: @francescasaffari)

Style Notes: A silky skirt and a shirt is perhaps one of my favourite (and the most effortless) work looks, and for days when a blazer is too warm, I love the look of a longer, semi-sheer shirt (with a tank vest underneath if needed). You can easily wear this from the office to date night.

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3. A Linen Two-Piece

@monikh wearing a lemon vest and trouser set

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Swap your wool suit for a linen one, or for a more relaxed look, opt for a co-ord. Either way, doubling up on the linen will keep you cool when the weather isn't.

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4. Black Midi Dress and Sandals

@daniellejinadu

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: When all else fails, you can't go wrong with a simple black midi dress. If you can wear sandals to work, a chunky, fisherman-style is a great choice. But if not, ballet flats and loafers also work with this look.

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5. Knit Dress and Trench

Karina in a butter yellow dress, flats and trench coat

(Image credit: @styleidealist)

Style Notes: As many Brits know, not every summer day is balmy. A lightweight knit dress is a great choice, as it feels breezy but keeps you protected from blasts of office air conditioning. If it's cooler in the mornings or rain is expected, add a trench over top for truly functional summer attire, just like Karina has done here.

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6. Black Tailored T-Shirt and Trousers

Div in an all-black T-shirt and trouser outfit

(Image credit: @divrav)

Style Notes: The right T-shirt can take you far with office wear, especially one that's clean-cut and well-tailored. A cooler top like this is a staple, especially when the warm weather arrives. Tuck it into crisp trousers and add a belt for a sophisticated outfit like Dev's that won't leave you boiling. Add a cool pair of flats, mules or sandals to complete the look.

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7. White Blazer and Light-Wash Denim

Yamila in a white blazer and light jeans

(Image credit: @dolcecurvy)

Style Notes: Swap out your heavy woolen blazer for a bright white one. Then do the same with your jeans—trade in your favourite pair of black denim with a light-wash pair. As Yamila has proven here, the same outfit can look much more ready for summer just by changing the colours and materials.

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This story was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities.She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications,Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK and Stylist.

With contributions from