Getting dressed for work is rarely fun. Getting dressed for work in the dead of summer? It’s practically an Olympic sport. Since office dress codes don’t exactly bend for heat waves, you’re left to navigate the impossible: dodging armpit stains on your morning commute, steering clear of anything that reads crop top-adjacent, and somehow trying not to dissolve into a puddle of polyester and existential dread by noon. The good news? You can do it with the right pieces.
The secret to warm-weather office dressing lies in smart fabrics and easy silhouettes. You can trade in your structured trousers for breezy linen pants or swap out your usual sheath dress for a flowy, relaxed-fit number that won’t cling. Once the basics are in place, it’s time to accessorize. Summer is the season for extras: a scarf tied to your bag for a pop of color, jelly flats (yes, they’re back and cuter than you remember), or mesh ballet flats that let your feet breathe without looking too off-duty. And your dark leather tote? Try a woven or light-colored leather version instead. One that still means business—just with a little more personality.
To make things easier, we’ve styled eight foolproof warm-weather office outfits. Think of it as your personal survival kit for looking put together without breaking a sweat (literally).
Quick Summer Office Outfit Ideas
- Patterned maxi skirt + flutter-sleeve top
- Cotton shirt dress + mesh flats
- Linen trousers + smocked blouse
- Wrap top + linen maxi skirt
- Sleeveless patterned dress + slingback heels
- Asymmetrical tank + satin midi skirt
- Short-sleeve button-up + barrel pants
- Cotton blouse + lightweight jeans
What to Wear to Work in Hot Weather
When I sat down to style these outfits, I started to think about what bothers me while commuting in the summer: sweating, feeling sticky, and wearing any sort of shoes that are uncomfortable came to mind first. Not only do you have to consider breathable fabrics for commuting that are not going to turn you into a sweaty mess before you even arrive at the office, but you also have to make sure you’re balancing comfort and professionalism. And don’t even get me started on freezing cold office AC.
The eight outfits below are meant to be professional (no matter what your office dress code is), while still being comfortable enough for those sweltering-hot days. From breezy skirts to cotton dresses to linen trousers, these outfits are full of pieces that will keep you feeling your best on summer office days. I paired each outfit with a shoe that is breathable but still office-ready and a tote bag for all of your work essentials. The jewelry is simple enough that you can wear it with any office outfit you have in your capsule wardrobe.
A patterned maxi skirt with a flutter-sleeve top
Shop this look: Top | Skirt | Flats | Tote | Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch
A cotton shirt dress with mesh flats
Shop this look: Dress | Flats | Tote | Earrings | Watch
Linen trousers with a smocked blouse
Shop this look: Top | Trousers | Flats | Tote | Glasses | Earrings | Watch | Kindle Case
A wrap top with a linen maxi skirt
Shop this look: Top | Skirt | Flats | Tote | Sunglasses | Earrings | Watch
A sleeveless patterned dress with slingback heels
Shop this look: Dress | Heels | Tote | Earrings | Watch
A satin midi skirt with a simple tank
Shop this look: Top | Skirt | Flats | Tote | Necklace | Earrings | Watch
A short-sleeve button-up with barrel pants
Shop this look: Top | Pants | Flats | Tote | Glasses | Earrings | Watch
A cotton blouse with easy jeans
Shop this look: Top | Jeans | Flats | Tote | Sunglasses | Earrings | Phone Case
FAQ: Getting Dressed for Work in Hot Weather
What should I wear to work in hot weather?
Stick to easy, flowy, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. Dresses and skirts will be your best friend. There are a lot of high-neck, sleeveless tops and dresses that make for great summer additions to your work wardrobe. The outfits in this article are a great place to start.
How do I survive a hot commute while still looking professional?
If you follow the tips and outfit formulas above, you should make it through your summer commute without too much trouble. It doesn’t hurt to pack a portable fan for any long train or bus rides.
Are shorts appropriate for the office?
This depends on your office’s dress code. While shorts are not considered business professional, tailored trouser shorts work in some business casual settings. And if your workplace is casual, you can wear shorts as long as they are a work-appropriate length and style.
What fabrics are best for summer work clothes?
Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are best. Avoid synthetic materials such as polyster if you don’t want sweat to show through your clothes.
Can you wear sandals to work?
This also depends on your office’s dress code. Most offices don’t consider sandals appropriate for business casual or business professional settings. But if your office leans more casual, a polished sandal is definitely an option.
What shoes should I wear with summer office outfits?
Ballet flats, loafers, and slingback heels are all safe options for summer work shoes. If your feet are prone to sweatiness, try a more breathable mesh or woven flat.
What should I wear if my office is freezing?
Never underestimate the power of a desk cardigan or blazer. This is one less layer you have to wear during your commute, but you’ll be thankful you have it when the office air conditioning starts blasting.
Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, and Kohl’s.
Products included in graphics linked within article. Feature graphic image credited to: Niki Malek | Dupe.
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