A working Woman's Guide To The Summer Couture

So what do you wear when the dress code requires modesty yet the outside temperature is swelteringly hot? Certainly, something that is ventilating, convenient and seems sophisticated rather than overtly casual.

As restrictive as it may sound, it is possible to pull together costumes for a hot-then-cold cubicle. We consulted industry professionals to get their top advice on what to wear to work for the summer of 2023 with the aim to provide a few outfit combinations that are sure to be cool for the season. 

1. Everything in the linen fabric is Good

Given its ease of wear, breathability, and ability to prevent overheating, linen has long been associated with summer dressing. According to Jordan Stolch, personal style advisor at MiKADO, these qualities make linen the ideal summer office wardrobe staple. To wear the fabric to work, Stolch tells that she would choose an A-line linen skirt and a classic silk button-down, or a linen blazer coupled with a plain T-shirt and pants.

2. Keep Shirt Dresses on hand

We concur with Stolch that shirt dresses are among the top must-haves for the office this summer.

The stylist guarantees that this flowy silhouette "maintains breathability, yet leaves you looking smoothed and put together in the process," regardless of whether it is teamed up with a block heel or worn with your preferred flat.

3. Put on a Seasonal Pantsuit.

According to Stolch, pantsuits have been a popular item until 2023 and will continue to rule the office this summer. Celebrity stylist Lindsey DuPuis affirms and advises her customers to lean toward solid ensembles in bright colors this season. Stolch advises switching over your traditional professional button-down for a basic cotton T-shirt and neutral color schemes for pastels and deep jewel tones to make your suits appear new and contemporary.

4. One-and-Done attire is always a Hit

The worldwide pandemic taught us that while quickness counts while getting dressed for the day, comfort is also important, especially when getting ready to leave the house. Specifically for a summer workplace wardrobe, it translates for stylist Erica Ball to one-piece clothes like jumpsuits and dresses.

5. A blazer is invariably classy.

A lightweight, roomy blazer is a key addition to any capsule wardrobe, including your clothing for the office. Nicole Rattner, a fashion and design expert, suggests purchasing a lighter, neutral hue for the summer that is still very in style and good for the office.

6. Mini Skirts or a Midi

Holly Katz, a stylist and the presenter of the Fashion Crimes Podcast, advises choosing a midi skirt when it's scorching outdoors rather than your go-to micro-mini. Even in the heat, it will always be comfortable and acceptable for the workplace.

7. The Playfulness of Puff Sleeves

Puff sleeve attire will add a touch of Bridgerton to your summer work outfit. It will revitalize the typical daily outfit and, according to Katz, ensure that you can transition from work to play with a simple change of accessories.