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...

women's workwear
(Image credit: Rex Features)

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.