Tips for choosing a chic, office-appropriate summer wardrobe!

Do you feel like a professional juggler when you pick out your summer work attire? You need to find an outfit that won’t make you sweat during your commute, make your teeth chatter at your desk, or garner unpleasant words from Human Resources. Does such a magical outfit even exist? Yes it does! And to help you balance the juggling act of summer workwear, I hope you’ll be inspired by these office-appropriate choices with fashion flair.

For the Ladies            For the Gentlemen

For the Ladies

• • • Cotton Shirtdress • • •

For an effortless and comfortable outfit combination that will shine all summer long, try pairing a shirtdress with slingback pumps or summer booties.

• • • Midi Skirt • • •

A great piece to use as your wardrobe’s starting point, you can build an endless amount of work-ready summer outfits around a midi skirt. It’s long enough to cover, but short enough to be cool and easy.

• • • Polka Dots • • •

This season’s hottest print seamlessly transitions from work to weekend! Whether paired with kitten heels, sneakers, or sandals, a polka dot dress does a lot of summer fashion’s heavy lifting for you.

• • • Bright Colors • • •

Nothing sets the summer tone like a bright color! Add some summer fun to those black or navy skirts with a brightly colored top, or go bold in a bright dress.

• • • White Slacks • • •

A light summer option that goes with every color, that perfect pair of white slacks (that isn’t see-through!) is worth the investment. The key to wearing white slacks is to look in a 3-way mirror to ensure your pantylines are hidden; a wider-cut leg is often a great option for women. You can never go wrong in a classic black-and-white look!

• • • White Button-Down Shirt • • •

Never underestimate the power of a classic white button-down—whether it’s tucked into a skirt or worn over skinny jeans with a half tuck, this staple always feels fresh when styled right.

• • • Rolled-Up Blazer Sleeves • • •

A blazer styled over an airy silhouette adds an extra touch of professionalism while still keeping cool.

For the Gentlemen

• • • Summer Wingtip Shoes • • •

You don’t have to compromise style for comfort when it’s hot outside! The ZeroGrand Oxford by Cole Haan looks like a wingtip but acts as a modern running sneaker, with rubber outsoles to keep your steps light and your feet dry. The perforated holes along the side also handle sudden summer rain showers when you’re dashing out to lunch!

• • • Polka Dots • • •

This season’s hottest print works just as well for the office as it does for the weekend! To make your polka dot shirt pop, try topping it off with a suede loafer or a retro tennis shoe.

• • • Bright Colors • • •

Nothing sets the summer tone like a bright color! Add some summer fun to those black or navy slacks with a brightly colored shirt.

• • • White Slacks • • •

A light summer option that goes with every color, that perfect pair of white slacks is worth the investment! Plus you can never go wrong in a classic black-and-white look.

• • • White Button-Down Shirt • • •

Never underestimate the power of a classic white button-down to freshen up your look! This crisp shirt is an A+ when worn with a slightly patterned slack—think glen plaid.

• • • Lightweight Blazer • • •

Leave your heavy structured sport coat at home and throw on a lighter or even unlined blazer for your next meeting. Its unstructured shape makes it easy to wear, while its fit is still work friendly. Add a button-down shirt and tie for a polished look, or a simple crewneck for casual Fridays.