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    What to wear to work in summer

    Are workwear troubles making you late on a daily basis? Give your office repertoire a spring-ready boost with our round-up of the most fabulous office styling essentials...

    By Marie Claire
    Published 12 July 2017 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    women's workwear
    (Image credit: Rex Features)
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    Workwear wardrobe proving a challenge? We're here to help.

    When it comes to finding the best women's workwear, we're not just talking about staple tailored trousers and collared shirts, we mean working this season's key trends into your office outfits. From gingham dresses and ruffle skirts to ruffle shirts and smart bags.

    We've rounded up the very best summer workwear buys to overhaul your current wares. And not only that, these investment buys are some of the hardest working you'll find. Not only can they be worn right now but they'll also work for the transition into spring so you can rework these fresh pieces into your wardrobe ready for the new year.

    While keeping up your style credentials on a daily basis isn't always easy, making subtle adjustments from your weekend wardrobe could do wonders for your working week collections too. For example, maybe this season is the time to make the transition into the best flat shoes and ditch your killer office heels.

    Best work dresses

    Of course, the most hard-working item of your work wardrobe is without a doubt the work dress. Whether your office dress code is strict or smart casual, do check our round-up of the best smart work dresses so you always look chic, from statement wraparounds to sleep A-line numbers.

    You may like
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    Best work separates

    Think crisp shirts and liven up black pieces with embroidered details and pops of new season colours to liven up traditional monochrome palettes.

    When it comes to tailoring, our edit proves you don't have to splash the cash. High street options from Zara, & Other Stories and Reiss are just as good as any designer offering.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

    Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!

    By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

    However, there is of course a selection of blow-the-budget styles for those of you wanting to seriously invest. From Alexander McQueen's structured tops to Eudon Choi's statement knits, be sure to check out the higher price points too.

    Don't be afraid to accessorise for work - a pair of modest earrings or a statement necklace can really help bring an outfit together. If you're a bit more pragmatic, a watch will help keep you on time and is an easy office wear staple - check out our edit of the Black Friday watches deals if you're looking for a timepiece of your own.

    So, to summarise, we've gathered up the very best women's workwear for the new season, from the high street and designer destinations to help you keep your workwear wardrobe up-to-date this season. Getting dressed in the morning is about to become so much easier.

    What to read next
    • @marikokuo office summer shoe tips As a Corporate Lawyer, These Are the Summer Shoes I'd Never Wear to the Office—and the 5 Styles I Swear By
    • Milan Fashion Week street style black and white listing The Women at Milan Fashion Week Have Cracked the Code to Easy Office Heatwave Dressing
    • Tracee Ellis Ross red blue office outfit Tracee Ellis Ross Shows How to Wear Summer's Boldest Colour Pairing to Work

    Click through to shop our edit of the best workwear buys for the new season...

    Wrap-Front Culotte Jumpsuit

    Wrap-Front Culotte Jumpsuit

    So chic, you can even wear it with trainers.

    Shop now: Wrap-Front Culotte Jumpsuit for £155 from OUTLINE

    So chic, you can even wear it with trainers.

    Shop now: Wrap-Front Culotte Jumpsuit for £155 from OUTLINE

    VICTORIA BECKHAM Ribbed wool-blend midi skirt

    VICTORIA BECKHAM Ribbed wool-blend midi skirt

    Perfect for every season.

    Shop now: VICTORIA BECKHAM Ribbed wool-blend midi skirt for £795 from Net-A-Porter

    Perfect for every season.

    Shop now: VICTORIA BECKHAM Ribbed wool-blend midi skirt for £795 from Net-A-Porter

    Faux Leather Ring Tote Bag

    Faux Leather Ring Tote Bag

    A great size to fit in all your essentials.

    Shop now: Faux Leather Ring Tote Bag for £39.50 from Marks & Spencer

    A great size to fit in all your essentials.

    Shop now: Faux Leather Ring Tote Bag for £39.50 from Marks & Spencer

    Lansdowne top floral print crepe

    Lansdowne top floral print crepe

    A pretty floral to be worn in winter and summer.

    Shop now: lansdowne top floral print crepe for £145 from THE FOLD

    A pretty floral to be worn in winter and summer.

    Shop now: lansdowne top floral print crepe for £145 from THE FOLD

    DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER

    DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER

    Wear with suit trainers or with trainers and jeans for a more casual look.

    Shop now: DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER for £140 from Reiss

    Wear with suit trainers or with trainers and jeans for a more casual look.

    Shop now: DOUBLE-BREASTED BLAZER for £140 from Reiss

    Popelin dress

    Popelin dress

    You can’t go wrong with the classic shirt dress.

    Shop now: Popelin dress for £192.15 from TCN

    You can’t go wrong with the classic shirt dress.

    Shop now: Popelin dress for £192.15 from TCN

    Heel leather shoes

    Heel leather shoes

    Add a pop of colour to a white shirt dress.

    Shop now: Heel leather shoes for £29.99 from MANGO

    Add a pop of colour to a white shirt dress.

    Shop now: Heel leather shoes for £29.99 from MANGO

    CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS

    CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS

    Just look at the lovely print on this dress.

    Shop now: CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS for £325 from L.K.Benett

    Just look at the lovely print on this dress.

    Shop now: CECILY BLUE SILK PRINTED DRESS for £325 from L.K.Benett

    Replay star print shirt

    Replay star print shirt

    Wear this with culottes at work, and jeans at the weekend.

    Shop now: STAR-PRINT LONGLINE SHIRT for £63 from Replay

    Wear this with culottes at work, and jeans at the weekend.

    Shop now: STAR-PRINT LONGLINE SHIRT for £63 from Replay

    Colourblock sweater in virgin wool

    Colourblock sweater in virgin wool

    We all need a colourful knit in our wardrobe, and we love this one from Hugo Boss.

    Shop now: Colourblock sweater in virgin wool for £149 from HUGO BOSS

    We all need a colourful knit in our wardrobe.

    Shop now: Colourblock sweater in virgin wool for £149 from HUGO BOSS

    Frill One Shoulder Top

    Frill One Shoulder Top

    Pair with high waisted trousers or a skirt.

    Shop now: Frill One Shoulder Top for £49 from & Other Stories

    Pair with high waisted trousers or a skirt.

    Shop now: Frill One Shoulder Top for £49 from & Other Stories

    Petite Blue Shirt Dress

    Petite Blue Shirt Dress

    Wear this dress as it is or add a woven leather belt for extra style points.

    Shop now: Petite Blue Shirt Dress for £250 from Jennifer Anne

    Wear this dress as it is or add a woven leather belt for extra style points.

    Shop now: Petite Blue Shirt Dress for £250 from Jennifer Anne

    CASSANDRA YELLOW SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE

    CASSANDRA YELLOW SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE

    This will really make a sharp suit pop.

    Shop now: CASSANDRA YELLOW SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE for £245 from L.K.Bennett

    This will really make a sharp suit pop.

    Shop now: CASSANDRA YELLOW SAFFIANO LEATHER TOTE for £245 from L.K.Bennett

    DRAWSTRING JUMPSUIT

    DRAWSTRING JUMPSUIT

    Wear with simple white trainers.

    Shop now: DRAWSTRING JUMPSUIT for £55 from COS

    Wear with simple white trainers.

    Shop now: DRAWSTRING JUMPSUIT for £55 from COS

    Blue Tie Front Shirt Dress

    Blue Tie Front Shirt Dress

    This winner will never go out of style.

    Shop now: Blue Tie Front Shirt Dress for £75 from Closet London

    This winner will never go out of style.

    Shop now: Blue Tie Front Shirt Dress for £75 from Closet London

    PRINTED SLINGBACK KITTEN HEELS

    PRINTED SLINGBACK KITTEN HEELS

    Wear with a floral dress for maximum impact.

    Shop now: PRINTED SLINGBACK KITTEN HEELS for £49.99 from Zara

    Wear with a floral dress for maximum impact.

    Shop now: PRINTED SLINGBACK KITTEN HEELS for £49.99 from Zara

    High-Waisted Fluid Trousers

    High-Waisted Fluid Trousers

    Don’t underestimate the power of a well tailored cropped trouser.

    Shop now: High-Waisted Fluid Trousers for £70 from Jaeger

    Don’t underestimate the power of a well tailored cropped trouser.

    Shop now: High-Waisted Fluid Trousers for £70 from Jaeger

    DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS

    DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS

    This classic style can be worn on its own, or unbuttoned over a white shirt dress.

    Shop now: DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS for £59.99 from ZARA

    This classic style can be worn on its own, or unbuttoned over a white shirt dress.

    Shop now: DOUBLE BREASTED WAISTCOAT DRESS for £59.99 from ZARA

    MINI CLASSICO BAG

    MINI CLASSICO BAG

    Roland Mouret who has just launched his new Mini Classico Bag, a miniature adaptation of his bestselling and iconic Classico Bag and we want in.

    Shop now: MINI CLASSICO BAG for £795 from Roland Mouret

    Roland Mouret who has just launched his new Mini Classico Bag, a miniature adaptation of his bestselling and iconic Classico Bag and we want in.

    Shop now: MINI CLASSICO BAG for £795 from Roland Mouret

    Dress in silk chiffon

    Dress in silk chiffon

    Make like the Duchess of Cambridge and embrace polka dots this season.

    Shop now: Dress in silk chiffon for £269 from MARC CAIN

    (Image credit: Marc Cain GmbH)

    Make like the Duchess of Cambridge and embrace polka dots this season.

    Shop now: Dress in silk chiffon for £269 from MARC CAIN

    WATERPOOL PLEAT FRONT MIDI

    WATERPOOL PLEAT FRONT MIDI

    A simple white top is all you need to add to this fab skirt.

    Shop now: WATERPOOL PLEAT FRONT MIDI for £120 from Jigsaw

    A simple white top is all you need to add to this fab skirt.

    Shop now: WATERPOOL PLEAT FRONT MIDI for £120 from Jigsaw

    Tie front dress

    Tie front dress

    Wear with flat mules.

    Shop now: TIE FRONT DRESS for £46 from Warehouse

    Wear with flat mules.

    Shop now: TIE FRONT DRESS for £46 from Warehouse

    PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress

    PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress

    We love this colourful frock.

    Shop now: PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress for £393 from Net-A-Porter

    We love this colourful frock.

    Shop now: PETER PILOTTO Adonia printed silk midi dress for £393 from Net-A-Porter

    Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress

    Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress

    Give the cold shoulder trend a whirl.

    Shop now: Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress for £20.70 from Debenhams

    Give the cold shoulder trend a whirl.

    Shop now: Studio by Preen Blue stripe shirt dress for £20.70 from Debenhams

    Esse Vie

    Esse Vie

    Can you ever have too many white shirts? Non…

    Shop now: Karina White shirt, £225 by Esse Vie

    Can you ever have too many white shirts? Non…

    Shop now: Karina White shirt, £225 by Esse Vie

    Isabelle Fox

    Isabelle Fox

    These linen trousers get the super chic treatment by way of Isabelle Fox and we’re into it.

    Shop now: Rita Wide-Leg trousers, down from £230 to £138 Available from Isabelle Fox

    These linen trousers get the super chic treatment by way of Isabelle Fox and we’re into it.

    Shop now: Rita Wide-Leg trousers, down from £230 to £138 Available from Isabelle Fox

    Sophia Webster

    Sophia Webster

    Just look at that flamingo detail…

    Shop now: Coco Flamingo 80mm in black suede, £350 by Sophia Webster

    (Image credit: Copyright David Brook 2013)

    Just look at that flamingo detail…

    Shop now: Coco Flamingo 80mm in black suede, £350 by Sophia Webster

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