Office Outfits for Hot Summer Days
Dressing for the office in the summer can be brutal. The temperatures are at absolute extremes. It's insanely hot outside but the temps indoors make you feel like you need a parka. How does one dress for these temps? Layers! OK Duh. But what layers, and where do you get the layers and how to wear layers?! It can be tricky to navigate.
That's where the importance of basics come in. Having a few choice layers that you can throw over a dress or a tank are game changers. I actually think I only have 4 technical layering options. I definitely have sweaters I'll bust out to keep warm when I'm in the office, but those are more challenging to bring when you commute. Oh, by the way, I'm a commuter so I have to be mindful of all the temperatures and natural elements, who doesn't love a surprise rainstorm?
Like I said, basics are key for me. I love having a few core items I know work well together. For example, Monday I wore a green t-shirt dress and elevated it with a beige cardigan. That beige cardigan is something I'll also wear on my trip to Scotland, with jeans, under a denim jacket. The options are endless.
On this particular day I knew I wanted to wear a dress. It was going to be a high of 90 with off the chart humidity. I needed to be able to breath when I walked to the bus but also look somewhat professional. Please welcome the t-shirt dress. Let me count the ways on why I love a T-shirt dress. They are comfortable, versatile, modest, but youthful… the list goes on.
I got this particular dress in Annapolis at a place called Fat Face. Weird name, but super cute clothing. It’s a British company with only a few shops in the US, which is unfortunate because I made out like a bandit when I shopped there.
This dress is actually one of my favorites because the base color goes with spring, summer and fall looks plus it’s a bit longer in the back which is great if you have concerns about the back riding up. Oh and the best bit- it has pockets! Also, the cut is super flattering for me because its fitter on the top and flares at the bottom. I have wider hips, so I have to be mindful of outfits that fit the hips but are also flattering on top.
As I mentioned, we’ve been in the midst of a heat wave so I knew I needed something that would keep me cool, however the office building is always so cold; layering is key to survive these temps!
This cream cable knit cardigan from Old Navy is literally my favorite core item. I wear it with everything. It's warm but not thick because of the linen blend. And the cream color works all year round. I chose this sweater specifically with the green dress because it picked up the white from the dress which tied the whole look together.
Finally, I didn't feel like bringing a change of shoes to the office today, so I fancied up my sneakers with some high ankle socks which gave the overall look a springy sporty vibe.
This is a look I'd wear throughout the summer and in to fall - honestly, I'd start in spring if it were ever truly warm enough to wear dresses.
