Summertime isn’t all bikinis, beaches, and vacations. You’ve got things you want to accomplish career-wise too.
Whether you’re introducing new corporate strategy at the office or signing your next deal at the company picnic, you clearly value style as a dynamic tool.
If there’s a singular challenge to career wear in summer it is how to wear stylish looks that are comfortable yet polished.
One minute you’re perspiring profusely in the heat and the next you find yourself sitting near an air conditioning vent, freezing cold. Plus! Given today’s climate changes, Monday may be scorching hot, Tuesday mild, and Wednesday cool. Thursday and Friday, who knows?!
Well, get ready for some serious summer style inspiration.
I’ve put together a collection of corporate, creative, and casual looks for you, guaranteed to support your vocational goals while making your summer career style spectacular:
Suit up in style! Jacey superbly wears a quintessential power suit…in white. Perfect for warmer months. Its modern silhouette is fitted yet relaxed. She pairs it with matching pumps and handbag. Swap the head-to-toe white ensemble with all-navy, all-black or all-tan, as preferred. [Damsel In Dior]
Utility blouses are a great addition to a professional woman’s wardrobe. Dress them up or down. Plus! Optional straps keep sleeves conveniently rolled up as desired. Sheila looks divine in hers and beautifully styles it with a complementary summery tweed pencil skirt. Her delicate turquoise necklace brilliantly completes the look. [Kreyola’s Journeys]
Shirtdresses are a super easy way to quickly dress for summertime success. Wear with classic pumps, flats or strappy sandals like Rebecca. Her tan bucket bag and shoe color is ideal with her honey blonde hair. Go for black or nude hued accessories if you’ve got black hair and opt for a shirtdress with black accent colors too. [Cella Jane]
White denim is a great summer choice if you work at a creative or casual office. Its comfort and versatility allows for boundless styling options. Christine charmingly pairs hers with a striped, sleeveless peplum top and nude ankle-strap sandals. Her bright red tote bag adds the perfect pop of color. [View From 5’2”]
Layer your office summer outfits with a denim jacket like Kacie or switch with a lightweight blazer jacket or cardigan. Look for versatile designs in materials that can be worn comfortably indoors and outdoors. [Elements Of Ellis]
Sophisticated floral prints are the way to go for the office. Leave any cutesy patterns or color palettes for weekends. Charlotte looks professionally polished in her micro floral print dress. Add a blazer as necessary. Sneak a clutch into your daily work bag and instantly go from desk-to-drinks. [The Fashion Guitar]
A classic seersucker blazer is a fun way to spruce up any summer work wardrobe. Layer it over a blouse and trousers/skirt, a jumpsuit, or a dress like Kristen. She smartly make her lacey dress office-friendly by pairing the two together. Trés chic! [Living In Color Print]
A creative or casual office environment calls for thinking outside the box when it comes to career style. Jill cleverly demonstrates how doubling up on denim can be work-friendly. The trick is to pair light & dark washes and to select lightweight materials during the warmer months. [The August Diaries]
Nautical stripes epitomize summer style. Try wearing this timeless trend as a top underneath a traditional suit or as a simple sleeved dress like Cathy to the office. Go for classic red or navy or opt for something new. [Poor Little It Girl]
Minimalism goes pro! Erika shows a professionally polished way to wear trendy culottes. She astutely chose a conventional black & white color palette and classic go-to pumps. The summery sleeveless blazer vest pulls the look together. [Retro Flame]
Pam successfully displays how wearing shorts to a creative or casual office is possible. One trick is to look for a matching shorts suit set in traditional color palettes. A long shorts inseam is a must too. Swap the heeled mules for flats or sandals, as preferred. [The Girl From Panama]
Kasia refreshes her career go-to white blouse and black trousers by styling with a trendy long cardigan, leather espadrilles and a complementary bucket bag. The look is casual yet elegant. [Quintessence Of Beauty]
Grace shares another ideal way to wear floral prints to the office. She perceptively styles her eyelet floral dress with modern structured accessories in the same color family, including a multi-strap satchel bag, thin belt, and strappy sandals, instantly showing she means business. [The Stripe]
Summer style wouldn’t be the same without a touch of gingham. A blazer, dress, or top like Ashley (or Monica in first pic) is the easiest way to successfully pull off this trend at the office. Keep the rest of your look subdued. [The Teacher Diva]
Navy blue is an excellent color choice when wishing to take a break from standard black for work especially during the warm summer months. Erea adds panache to her basic navy dress by incorporating fun accessories. Switch the clutch for a satchel, crossbody, or tote bag for weekdays, as preferred. [All That She Wants]
White blazers are a super summer work wardrobe staple. Go for a traditional cut for ultimate versatility like Vanja. She exquisitely styles hers with trendy lightweight trousers, a bold cuff bracelet, low-heeled metallic sandals, and a roomy perforated tote bag. [Fashion And Style]
Kéla makes cheerful summertime stripes look like a workday wardrobe essential. Brighten up your days by experimenting with stripes in varying widths and colors. Try a blouse, a skirt/dress, or jacket. Voilà! [Kéla’s Kloset]
See any favorites? Are there other work style experiences you find particularly challenging during the summertime?
Image credit (Top): Monica Awe-Etuk from Awed By Monica. Graphics by Kristina Moore for Corporate Fashionista.