While some people may be heading to the pool or beach, those who have to work in an office all summer long need to find a way to dress for the temperatures while maintaining professionalism. As someone who has worked in Phoenix in the summertime, it is a fine line between “ugh it’s so hot” and “dang, I have a meeting with a client today.” You can’t help but dread the heat, but cool summer dresses will help you look fashionable without being hot.
Thankfully, with the right material and the addition of a jacket or cardigan, you can make cool summer dresses work appropriate! Check out these dresses out for some major cool summer dress inspiration.
You can’t go wrong with classic stripes in the summertime especially with a blue and white color scheme! If your office is more formal, grab a dress with sleeves and a more modest middy length, add flats and loose waves. If you work in a more casual workspace, a sleeveless dress paired with white espadrille wedges makes for a perfect “wish I was at the beach” look.
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Polka dots are acceptable year-round in my book but when going for the perfect summer office look, polka dots+flowy material=a perfect outfit! Again, if you work somewhere formal, throwing a plain black blazer on can tone the dots down. Otherwise, rock the dots with heels that match the colors of the dress!
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If you live somewhere truly hot, (Arizona!!) reach for linen. The ultimate go-to for hot summer days, the light material looks just as great on the beach as it does in the office. With plenty of options to make them look more formal (buttons and pockets) you can easily wear a linen dress to the office and look professional!
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The key to staying cool in the summertime? Loose-fitting dresses! Shift dresses are one of my favorite styles because they are so comfy while still being work-appropriate. Bring a little bit of sunshine and summer fun into the office by picking a shift that features fun colors or prints and you’ll be comfy and cool all summer long!
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Shirt dresses are fantastic because by design, they look like a men’s dress shirt and thus, looks office worthy. Keep it traditional with a shirt dress that features buttons all the way down, collar and a simple belt or tie around the middle. Or, try a shirt-inspired dress that can be dressed up or down depending on your work situation for the ultimate usable piece!
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You can’t go through summer without rocking a floral print dress! There truly isn’t a floral print dress that isn’t perfect for the office so just keep in mind the cut of the dress. Keep an eye on the length of the hem and the neckline to keep it appropriate. Fun sleeves are great to keep the sun off as long as they are sheer or made of light material and they add some interest to your outfit!
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As previously said regarding flower prints, you never can have enough botanical prints in your summer wardrobe. If you aren’t into flowers, leaf-printed dresses should be your next choice. I love how fun these dresses can get with everything from crazy bright colors to the more traditional greens. Bring some of the summery outside indoors with a leaf printed dress and your coworkers will thank you!
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Another great choice for people who live where it gets super hot, satin or silk dresses are a great way to stay cool while looking great! No matter the style or cut of the dress, you can find a satin or silk dress that will keep you comfortable while looking super stylish. I love these in fun colors so you can wear them off work or keep it in the neutral color family and add fun colored blazers on top to change it up!
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One of my favorite trends ever, you can’t go wrong with a color-blocking dress in the summertime. Whether you like fit and flare cut or shift cut dresses, color blocking is everywhere! Since it’s summertime, definitely don’t be afraid to reach for beachy colors or bright, fun colors that will make you feel like you’re on vacay even when you’re working.
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Here’s another trend that will have you looking summery while still professional. Handkerchief dresses tend to be made in light fabric that will keep you cool and the cut creates beautiful flow. If the soft material and flow feels too casual for your office, feel free to add a blazer and closed-toed heels for a more professional look!
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In case you haven’t caught on, the number one way to make your summer dress business-appropriate is to add a blazer! This is key to making your maxi dress look perfect for your next meeting. Grab your favorite maxi, add a belt and blazer and you’re golden to be both comfy and professional!
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Finally, if you can’t be on a tropical vacation, you can at least look like you are! The fun thing with tropical print dresses is they are almost always in light material so you can be sure that you will be cool, comfy and looking oh so summery. Pair with layered delicate jewelry and you will be the envy of the office!
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What is your go-to summer office look? Share in the comments below!
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