Whether your office dress code leans towards boardroom formality or a creative studio with a coffee in hand, the right workwear dress is the quickest route to feeling pulled-together before 9am. Striking that balance between smart-casual and chic, however, isn’t quite as simple as ordering your morning flat white.
First, consider your environment. In more traditional offices, a modest approach often wins—think longer hemlines, higher necklines and a colour palette that blends seamlessly among a sea of suits. When the rules are clearly defined, shopping becomes refreshingly straightforward: midis, maxis and shirt-dress styles quickly rise to the top of your wishlist. And opting for lightweight fabrics such as linen and cotton will see you through even the sweatiest of commutes with minimal effort.
Stella McCartney Autumn/Winter 2025
Then there’s the middle ground: the smart-casual dress code, where the lines blur and inspiration is often borrowed from colleagues. Here, the classics rarely fail—a loose-fitting slip, a sharp shift, or a collared style that’s polished but with just enough playfulness to sidestep monotony.
And if you’re still in need of style persuasion, look to the 'corpcore; revival that dominated the Autumn/Winter 2025 runways. Stella McCartney led the charge, proving workwear can be anything but predictable, with power-shoulders, high-shine fabrics and classic court shoes that looked just as at home in the C-suite as they did on the catwalk.
Whatever your 9–5 setup, our edit of summer work dresses covers every style scenario. Each piece earns its place in your weekly rotation—because if you’re going to spend most of your life at work, your wardrobe might as well be working hard for you, too.
Shop Chic Summer Work Dresses
Our fashion director spied a huge number of standout workwear dresses in Zara, and this striped style is sure to be a real fan favourite.
Wondering what to wear to the office in a heatwave? Few finds are better suited for this tall task than a linen mini, and it's little surprise this style comes from COS, the masters of smart-casual office style.
Luxury resale site Curate & Rotate has recently launched its own line of linen dresses, each crafted right here in the UK. Founder Melanie is currently heavily pregnant and swears it's her maternity style staple.
This linen-blend beauty is simple yet effortlessly elegant, and guaranteed to keep you cool even on the hottest of summer days.
All-black outfits are a real staple in some workwear wardrobes, but they needn't be boring. Here, Róhe proves something as simple as an asymmetric shoulder has the ability to elevate a classic jersey dress.
Rejina Pyo may be a fashion week favourite but the label wouldn't look out of place in even the strictest of office environments—especially this powder pink satin midi.
If long sleeves feel a little too sweltering when sat by a window, perhaps a sleeveless shirt style will be a better fit? Especially when in a trending butter yellow shade.
The poised and professional workwear fans are most likely already very familiar with Khaite, thanks to its classic cuts and clean colour palettes. This voluminous dress is simple in shade yet striking in style, perfect for a more polished look.
Denim dresses won't get past all HR departments, but if you're lucky enough to be in the 'jeans are ok' camp, best embrace it. Style this denim midi design with loafers, a basic ballet flat or even an ankle boot for all types of weather.
Dissh are expert dress designers, as evidenced by this voluminous white style that will work in the most harsh of office environments.
Made from 100% linen and featuring a smart high scoop neckline and calf-skimming length, this Zara design would work for all kinds of office environments if accessorised correctly. For more formal environments, add a cropped white jacket and classic court heels.
Love the oversized look? This black maxi is sure to work just as well in the boardroom as it does on the beach.
Yes, Self-Portrait is high on the list when it comes to occassionwear, but the label also excels with everyday staples. This collared rib-knit dress, for example, is an elevated take on the classic shirt dress yet can easily be pared back with a leather flip flop.
Now, boardroom to bar dressing is much less of an everyday occurence than noughties magazines made out. But on the off-chance you do find yourself with an evening event and no time to change, best to be prepared. This green satin draped dress may be a little fancy for the coffee machine but exceptional when shooting straight out somewhere more exciting.
While the majority of office looks revolve around classic block colours a handful of floral prints also feel perfectly poised. This silk Me + Em style, for example, fits the bill with its delicate design.
Sometimes the simplest of looks are the most striking. Case in point: this Soeur brown cotton slip dress. Wear with all black accessories or liven it up with a pop of red or cream to add a punch of personality.
You've probably spied a number of these two-in-one dresses this season—part vest top, part maxi skirt—as they're quickly becoming a go-to for every occasion, the office, included.
