Unsure What To Wear for Work in a Heatwave? Try One of These Seven Impeccably Polished Outfit Formulas
Cool, comfortable and entirely office-appropriate—these are the warm-weather outfit formulas making the commute (and the working day) considerably more bearable
As we enter yet another heatwave, temperatures are showing no sign of easing this summer. We're talking clear skies, blazing sun, soaring temperatures and plenty of opportunities for warm-weather dressing. But delightful as the current meteorological situation may be, it does come with a few challenges. Namely, what to wear to work.
In an ideal scenario, we'd spend the duration of this weather in a beer garden sipping Aperol Spritzes or sunbathing in the park. But alas, there are only so many holiday days going round, so to the office we go—taking on the usual commute while simultaneously trying to stay cool and comfortable.
It is possible, I promise. Years of warm-weather office working, plus a handful of office-ready outfits from some of the best-dressed women on the internet, prove it. Just keep a few simple tips in mind: lightweight cotton and linen fabrics, sleek sandals and a curated edit of wardrobe basics will make warm-weather work dressing a literal breeze.
Keep scrolling for easy outfit ideas for every kind of office environment.
What to Wear for Work in a Heatwave
Linen Shirt + Tailored Shorts
Shorts may not be the first item that comes to mind when imagining workwear, but a tailored longline cotton or linen pair can easily feel formal. A lightweight shirt and suede pump only adds to the work appropriate feel.
Bold Linen Dress + Thin Knit
Neutral shades or all-black outfits may feel more fitting for formal environments, but there's some fun to be had with colour in a heatwave. A bold hue linen dress will inject a little bit of joy into any office. Though it's always wise to have a thin knit to hand to battle an over-active air-con.
White Shirt + Balloon Trousers
If skirts and dresses aren't quite your style, turn your attention towards one of the most popular trends of the moment: balloon trousers. A linen style will see you through even the warmest of days with ease, especially when worn with a crisp cotton shirt and sleek clutch.
Black Dress + Sandals
You may remember us talking about the easy warm weather workwear dressing hack the women of Milan Fashion Week leant into: black and white colour palettes. This simple black midi dress and sandals outfit is a great one to pin to your moodboard.
Statement Shirt + Longline Shorts
Investing in classic warm weather workwear staples will ensure you never fret about having nothing to wear. Black longline linen shorts, a handful of wearable yet colourful shirts, and a classic pair of pumps are just a number of easy-to-style essentials.
Blue Shirt + Pencil Skirt
This easy skirt and shirt look can really be swapped for any colour. Take a yellow shirt and cream skirt, pink and white, or even red and navy. The key to keeping it feeling cool is to invest in natural fibre fabrics: cotton, linen and even silk.
White Skirt + Shirt Set
A cotton skirt and top set is endlessly versatile whether worn as a co-ord or paired with other items in your wardrobe. Style it with a simple pair of flat sandals for more laidback office environments, otherwise a classic pair of pumps will make it feel more formal.
