Tips for summer office style

Those of us who live in the Phoenix valley are experts at dressing for summer weather since we do it almost nine months out of the year.

Trying to look professional when it’s 115 degrees outside is, ahem, a challenge.

What makes it even more tricky is that when the temperature is in the triple digits outside, it’s often 65 degrees INside!

Hot, cold, hot, cold, hot cold.

What’s a girl to do?? 

{be sure to check out my post about Hot Summer Trends To Try, too}

Dress in layers

Wear a pretty skirt and blouse in your office but take your cardigan or blazer to your lunch meeting. Just be sure the blouse can be worn on its own. No spaghetti straps or visible bra straps, please. 

Floral skirts are fun, especially with a bright cardigan.

The jacket adds structure to a feminine ensemble.

A pretty floral blouse with white pants is nice especially with a chambray cropped blazer.

Accessorize!

Wear simple pieces but dress them up with accessories. Collars and pockets–the very details that make you look polished and put-together–often make you feel hotter. Look tailored and professional by wearing interesting jewelry or shoes.

In the summer, treat jewelry as your “completer pieces” (instead of a jacket or cardigan).

Check out this post from puttingmetogether.com for ideas on how to remix pieces in the summer.

Wear lighter colors

When it comes to your basics, switch from black and brown to gray, navy and white. Bring out your cream and beige pieces and your brights and pastels.

Colored pants are a fun trend to try in summer, too. Pair them with white or black to keep them from looking too sweet.

Wear lighter fabrics

If you normally wear heavy wool and polyester blend pieces, try cotton blends and linen. Think light and breathable. Chambray and denim are also great options for summer office style.

Trade heels for sandals

Sandals have come a long way! Wedges are hot this summer. They look professional while giving your feet a chance to breathe. These ankle strap sandals are cute and versatile, too. 

Try skirts and dresses

I call it “built in air conditioning.”

Skirts and dresses are wonderful for summer and are much less restricting than pants. Even just adding a gray or white skirt to your wardrobe can give you many fun new options for what to wear to the office.

A classic shift in a fun color is a great choice.

These patterned, stretchy pencil skirts are so fun to wear. You can pair it with a blazer for work and a tee for the weekend.

Or…if you’re not into skirt and dresses…dress up some palazzo pants! Cool and comfy.

Try all white

White head to toe can be chic AND cool when it’s sophisticated and not too vacaction-y. Add some texture and interest and you’re office ready.

Aaaahhh. I feel cooler already.

Don’t miss my Hot Summer Trends To Try post!

If you want more summer style inspiration…

follow my professional image board and Summer Fun Pinterest board.

I hope you liked these ideas for summer office style! What are your favorite looks?